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A Taste of Autumn: ATC Head Chefs Unveil the 2025 Seasonal Menu

As the leaves turn golden and the air cools, the ATC’s head chefs, Chris Reali and Craig Knudsen, have crafted a menu that embodies the rich, comforting flavors of autumn.

We sat down with them to explore their inspiration, unexpected pairings, and the dishes that define the season.

DISH THAT DEFINES AUTUMN

Chris Reali: Autumn Harvest is a true tribute to the season. Mushrooms, a symbol of autumn, take center stage in this dish. We play with different textures and temperatures—warm, crunchy mushroom croquettes, a silky mushroom mousse, and dehydrated mushrooms that mimic fallen leaves. It’s a feast for both the palate and the eyes.

Craig Knudsen: Our Tea-Smoked Quail with Pearl Barley Risotto, Compressed Grapes, and Tarragon Jus perfectly captures autumn’s essence. The smoky quail and hearty barley risotto bring warmth, while the sweet grapes and aromatic tarragon jus add an unexpected depth.

Craig Knudsen: The Knuckle Sandwich with Drunken Prunes, Smoked Ham Hock, Cornichons, and Celeriac Purée is the hidden gem of the menu. It’s packed with complex flavors and textures that deserve a standing ovation.

unexpected flavour pairings

Chris Reali: The Chilli Black Bean Sauce in our barramundi dish is a real explosion of flavor. The mild heat and umami depth take the barramundi to another level, making it a must-try for adventurous diners.

Craig Knudsen: We have two! The Balsamic and Honey Compressed Grapes in our quail dish offer a surprising contrast, and the Bone Marrow Espuma with our MB6+ Wagyu adds a luxurious, velvety depth that food lovers won’t see coming.

THE MASTERPIECE OF THE AUTUMN MENU

Chris Reali: Our Seared Duck Breast with Braised Fennel, Pickled Beetroot, Turnips, and Carrot Purée is the showstopper. It’s visually stunning, with bold colors and flavors that perfectly balance richness and acidity.

Craig Knudsen: The Yellowfin Tuna with Whipped Silken Tofu, Soy-Braised Shiitake Mushrooms, and a Potato & Chive Wafer is our culinary masterpiece. It’s a harmonious fusion of textures and umami flavors.

IF THIS MENU HAD A THEME SONG

 

Chris Reali: AC/DC’s Thunderstruck! Our menu celebrates a mix of influences and bold flavors—just like Australia itself. It’s famous, powerful, and unmistakably Australian.

Craig Knudsen: Vivaldi’s Winter (Drill Remix). It blends classical elements with a modern twist—just like our menu, which respects tradition while pushing culinary boundaries.

This season, the ATC’s chefs invite you to indulge in the rich flavors and artistry of their autumn menu—where every dish tells a story of the season.

 

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Expect It All

2025 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival

Expect Rivalry. Expect Excitement. Expect it all at the 2025 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival. The Carnival includes 18 Group 1 races with over $46 million in prizemoney up for grabs over six weeks.

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