With the restaurant industry set to fire back into life in just a matter of days we provide you with a list of the hottest chefs in the Hills in 2021.
The Hills is fast establishing itself as something of a foodie hotspot with several top chefs deciding to show off their skills in the area. Ahead of the mass reopening next week, here are the hottest chefs in the Hills in 2021.
Alex Keene
Head chef at Sarino’s
Alex Keene first started his culinary journey after picking up an apprenticeship at Il Lago Italian Restaurant aged 17.
“I was in a team full of fresh off the boat Italians.
“They taught me the culture, language and everything about Italian cuisine,” he said.
Keene, who grew up in Kellyville, said working in the kitchen was an “eye opening” experience as a budding chef.
“I think the chef industry is one of the toughest industries.”
He then moved to Ormeggio at the Spit which was a one hat restaurant at the time and picked up a second hat during his time.
After a few years, Keene opened up Via Alta in Willoughby with two partners before he moved back to the Hills as senior sous chef at the Bella Vista Hotel.
After five years at the popular Momento Hospitality venue, he jumped at the opportunity to spearhead Sarino’s as executive chef last January.
“I was always keen to run and operate a restaurant in the Hills because there was nothing quite like it.
“A lot of people have told me they have to travel into the city to get the experience at Sarino’s.”
When asked how the Hills dining scene compared to the rest of Sydney he said the area has adapted a lot in the past years.
“Twenty years ago there weren’t many city class restaurants in the Hills.
“People’s idea of food has come a long way. They’re more adventurous now.”
While he said it’s been tough going through two lockdowns, he said he’s very excited to “start fresh” when diners return.
“I can’t wait,” he said.
Keene said his dream is to make Sarino’s a Good Food Guide hatted restaurant.