The ‘Archibald Dining Package' Returns At Chiswick At The Gallery -

This year, Chiswick at the Gallery has collaborated with three Archibald finalists – Jonathan Dalton, Tianli Zu and Jane Guthleben – to create dishes inspired by their unique experiences during lockdown. Matt Moran and Head Chef Tim Brindley have selected the best in-season produce from the Chiswick kitchen garden to create dishes inspired by what the finalists were eating, cooking and looking forward to eating post-lockdown, as well as dishes inspired by their favourite food memories.

“After a rollercoaster year for both hospitality and the arts, this year’s Archibald Dining Package feels particularly significant for us. After months of constant setbacks, it’s been heartening to flip things on their head for a moment and try to find some inspiration out of such a difficult time. We feel fortunate to be able to offer up an experience that draws on the sense of camaraderie we’ve found over the last few months, and create an experience that allows the community to go out and really ‘make a day of it’ – lunch and a show all in the one place, celebrating one of Sydney’s most loved moment in the arts calendar.” says Matt Moran.

Reflecting on a time where comfort food has felt more important than ever, Matt and Tim communicated with each of the finalists via phone and email during lockdown to discuss what was keeping them occupied, such as baking, and some of their more personal food memories. Their responses form the basis of the three-course menu.

Jonathan Dalton became a new dad during lockdown, and spent a lot of time baking with his family. Inspired by this, Matt and Tim have created a house made focaccia with Jonathon’s favourite cooking ingredient – garlic.

Tianli Zu reflected on fond memories of her grandmother cooking when she was a child, teaching her that “cooking is like any other art – you need to find balance”. Whilst Tanli has not been able to travel much this year, the food she looks forward to enjoying whenever she is in Australia is seafood and in particular her favourite, barramundi. Tim and Matt have created a balanced and beautiful dish featuring barramundi paired with the best vegetables spring has to offer – zucchini and broad beans.

Finally, Jane Guthleben grew up on a farm with fond memories of chocolate in her childhood. Now that she calls Sydney home, her fond memories of chocolate remain and so Matt and Tim have created a decadent Valhrona chocolate mousse with almond and orange, sure to fix any chocolate craving.