August 13, 2020

The Australian Turf Club (ATC) welcomes award-winning Executive Chef of The Star’s BLACK Bar & Grill, Dany Karam, as the feature chef partner for the 2020 Everest Carnival.

While this year’s Carnival will be a first of its kind with vigilant COVID safety measures in place, a world-class dining experience with stunning racetrack views awaits those choosing to be trackside this spring.

Bespoke menus designed by Karam will be peppered throughout the Everest Carnival at Royal Randwick, including The Grandview Restaurant across TAB Epsom Day (October 3), Moet & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day (October 10) and Everest Day (October 17).

The Star chef will also be in charge of developing a luxury dining experience for the popular 2020 Everest Carnival Fashion Lunch at Royal Randwick on Thursday 8 October, featuring a host of entertainment, style, charity raising and a high-end fashion show.

Karam began his culinary career at the age of 16 in Lebanon, his country of birth. After five years of intense training, he travelled to France to further develop his skills while gaining a broader understanding of modern European cuisine.

He took the role of Executive Chef at the BLACK Bar & Grill in 2014, where he was awarded the coveted ‘Chef of the Year’ at the Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) NSW Awards for Excellence in 2017. Karam is also responsible for overseeing the menu at The Star Sydney’s newly opened Middle Eastern inspired venue Bar Tikram.

Following in the famous footsteps of past ATC carnival chef partners, Karam said he was looking forward to coming on board to create enticing spring-inspired menus for this year’s Everest Carnival and delivering guests the opportunity to experience the bold seasonal flavours for which BLACK Bar & Grill is famous.

“Being able to collaborate with the Australian Turf Club and support local businesses and producers during such an incredibly difficult year is something I’m very passionate about,” he said.

“I am looking forward to creating something truly special for all guests on course.

“The inspiration behind the menus will be my dishes from BLACK Bar and Grill, my Lebanese heritage, and a mix of popular spring themed ingredients. Together, they will create a unique and fresh flavour experience to Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens.”

Corina Black, ATC Executive General Manager of Commercial welcomes Dany’s contribution to the Everest Carnival hospitality experience and is confident racing and culinary fans will enjoy the star services of Karam.

“We’re so pleased to have Dany Karam from The Star’s esteemed BLACK Bar & Grill as part of the culinary team this year – his depth of experience teamed with his twist of modern Australian cuisine will bring further depth to the hospitality offering at Royal Randwick across the Everest Carnival.

“Spring hospitality sales are strong, so we encourage people to plan ahead and book now to avoid missing out.

“I’m especially eager to see the menu Dany designs for the Everest Fashion Lunch – a pinnacle event in our spring racing calendar, bringing Sydney’s fashion, lifestyle and race going community together in a COVID safe environment featuring Australian fashion designers, entertainment and hospitality.”

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