Gerard Doherty
President
Shared Tables

Shared Tables is the forum that allows Victorian chefs to focus on culinary innovation and trends in the company of fellow industry leaders and peers.

According to President, Gerard Doherty "The hospitality industry can be a lonely business especially for owner/operators who work long hours trying to manage a business on their own so Shared Tables offers a great source of support and networking within the industry."

Shared Tables was formed in Melbourne (Victoria) in 1994 as a forum for chefs to exchange information and ideas in a relaxed, friendly environment. The group has grown from humble beginnings, with 30 participants attending the inaugural function at Scalachi at the Willows, hosted by celebrated chef Olimpia Bortolotto. Since then, the group has grown to more than 170 members, many of whom are regular attendees.

Each year the Shared Tables calendar of events includes seven functions: a Gala Ball in October, a mid year interstate trade tour, an Industry Golf day in August and 4 luncheons, held quarterly.

Membership to Shared Tables is by invitation only, or by peer introduction from current members. To maintain the integrity of the group all members are chef's actively working in the hospitality industry.

Shared Tables would not be possible without the generous support from its' major sponsors - Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Foster's Group Limited. I would also like to acknowledge Holmesglen - Victoria's largest provider of vocational and higher education as a major sponsor of Shared Tables. Please welcome HOSTPLUS in 2010 as our newest Shared Tables partner. 

I would encourage all our members to give as much support as possible to our generous sponsors and thank them for their ongoing support.

Shared Tables welcomes HOSTPLUS to our sponsorship group.

HOSTPLUS is an industry Superannuation Fund for the hospitality, tourism, recreation and sport industries.

HOSTPLUS was established by the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union in 1987.

For more information please visit our website at www.hostplus.com.au

Holmesglen Flexible Cookery Training

Holmesglen is currently accepting enrolments for their Commercial Cookery course so if any Shared Tables members have apprentices please contact the Centre for Hospitality, Cookery and Bakers. We offer flexible cookery training with 2 campuses at Waverley and Moorabbin. 

For more information email us at hithosp@holmesglen.edu.au or ring 9209 5938 (Moorabbin Campus) or 9564 6250 (Waverley Campus). Information on our courses and what Holmesglen has to offer can be found at our website www.holmesglen.edu.au

Welcome to 2010 and another exciting year for Shared Tables. The program of events is currently being worked on with the details of all the 2010 functions updated as soon as possible. I look forward to your continued support this year and I am proud to announce our first function will held at one of Melbourne's finest venues No35 at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins hosted by Stuart McVeigh.

March 1st - No35 at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. Host Chef Stuart McVeigh 

You are invited to our first Shared Tables lunch for 2010 on Monday 1st March, hosted by No35 Restaurant Chef Stuart McVeigh.

Prior to arriving in Australia, English born chef, McVeigh was deputy to one of Australia’s top chefs in London, Shane Osborn, of the Pied a Terre Restaurant, who had a major influence in shaping McVeigh’s food philosophy and style. No stranger to the kitchens at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins Stuart arrived from England in 2003 for the role of Chef de Cuisine in the hotel’s famous Le Restaurant where he remained until its closure in 2005. Since then, McVeigh has cemented his reputation as a leading chef in establishments such as Fenix and the Botanical. Stuart describes his cuisine at No35 as modern European.

Beverages from Fosters Australia with will accompany the lunch.

I look forward to catching up with you at 12 noon on Monday 1st March, 2010. Please reply as soon as you can by downloading the reply form and including your cheque or credit card details.

I would like to advise that if we receive a cancellation for lunch after Friday 26th February the full cost of lunch will be charged to the individual.

We look forward to your company at Restaurant No35 and the continued success of Shared Tables in 2010. It should be noted that numbers are limited so please book early.

March 1st - No35 at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins - Host Chef Stuart McVeigh 

May 3rd - RACV City Club Dining Room - Host Chef Mark Normoyle

July 2010 - Interstate Chef's Tour - destination and dates to be confirmed

August 2nd - Circa The Prince - Host Chef Matthew Wilkinson

August 25th - Golf Day at Victoria Golf Club - Host Chef Jason Peynenborg