Preparation Is Key for Top Chefs On TAB Everest Day
Maher & Knudsen prepare to feed 40,000 patrons
October 12, 2023
How do you prepare to host a hungry crowd of over 40,000 people?
That’s the question that was put to Gerry Maher and Craig Knudsen as they head into 2023 TAB Everest Day on Saturday, 14 October.
Maher, the General Manager Culinary Operations at the Australian Turf Club, and Knudsen who is the Executive Chef at the ATC, were unanimous in their response:
“It comes down to the planning and detail – if we’ve got that right, then the day flows.”
TAB Everest Day is the pinnacle day of the Sydney Everest Carnival and while there is plenty of action on the track, there will be just as much attention off it thanks to the vast array of food and beverage choices that patrons can indulge in.
So what is on offer this spring for those heading to Royal Randwick?
“Spring Carnival menus are inspired and created with our local producers and growers in mind, we get inspiration from what they are harvesting and growing,” Maher said.
“Our culinary team brings their produce to life on our plates.”
For veterans of Everest Day, there is a notable difference in the Members area when it comes to culinary offerings. The ATC Smokehouse has opened to rave reviews and will be serving up mouth-watering dishes on the big day.
“This Everest we have new retail innovation with the Smokehouse featuring the very best of American-styled barbecue slow cooked and smoked beef briskets,” Knudsen revealed.
BY THE NUMBERS – TAB Everest Day
40,000 Members, Corporate hospitality and general admission patrons
600kg beef tenderloin
490 dozen oysters
320kgs freshly peeled prawns
160kg artisan cheese
140+ chefs working on the day
60+ staff back of house
5:30am start time for Maher and Knudsen
Check out all the food and beverage offerings right here at Royal Randwick this Saturday, 14 October – TAB Everest Day.