“There’s something about Coogee that seeps into the soul. The salt in the air, the sound of the surf, and the warmth of a long lunch shared with friends,” says Justin Schott.
Evidently a keen admirer of the suburb, it’s little wonder that the chef taken on the executive chef role at The Coogee Bay Hotel, just a stone’s throw from his previous sous chef position at Merivale institution Mimi’s.
Schott brings an impressive resume to the job, having trained trained under Paul Gayler at London’s Lanesborough Hotel and worked alongside Heinz Beck at the Michelin-starred Apsley in Hyde Park. Since moving back to Sydney, he has also worked at the likes of Kitchen by Mike and The Paddington Inn.
Now, he will lead the freshly launched Beach Bar and Dining venue in the hotel, with a focus on seasonal produce, generous portions, and “unfussy seaside flavours”.
According to Schott, his menu aims to capture the feeling of summer. Dishes include crab and mussel rigatoni with white wine and garlic; pan-roasted salmon with beetroot Russian salad and dill butter; and a ceviche of the day.
“The menu is designed for sharing, with oysters, tostadas, salads, pizzas, and burgers, and plenty of vegetarian options that bring the freshness of the coast to the plate,” says Schott.
The drink list will feature cocktails like the coconut and yuzu margarita, coastal spritzes, and local and international wine producers.
General Manager Matt Murray welcomed Schott to the role.
“Coogee has always been about connection, to the beach, to the community, to good food shared with friends. With Justin at the helm, we’ve created something that feels distinctly Sydney, effortless and vibrant,” says Murray.
The Coogee Bay Hotel is part of C!NC hospitality group. The group also operates Cruise Bar and Restaurant, which it updated in April, and Melba’s Rooftop in Circular Quay.
The Coogee Bay Hotel’s Beach Bar and Dining is open Monday to Thursday 11am to 10pm; Friday and saturday 11am to midnight, and Sunday 11am to 9pm. Find out more about The Coogee Bay Hotel here.
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