Dear Friends,

Cuisine NOW 2011 has come to an end and I would like to thank you all for your support this year. It was a fabulous festival with many highlights, not least being the amazing food presented by world-class chefs.

The Masterclasses worked very well, with many of you returning time and time again. I loved the synergy between the chefs and you the audience – there is no other festival I know of where the chefs – all six of us – took time to meet you personally afterwards and share culinary stories.

For those of you who joined us at the Gala Dinner, there has been great debate as to whose dish was the favourite. One of the joys of gastronomy is the personal response to what we eat, which is why I believe they were all favourites! Thank you to the Song Company for yet another brilliant performance - none of us will ever listen to the Hallelujah Chorus in the same way again.

I would also like to extend my thanks to the sponsors of Cuisine NOW – Air France, Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney, All-Clad, San Pellegrino, Moet & Chandon, Renault Eurodrive, Christofle, Relais & Chateaux and of course, Bilson’s Restaurant. With Cuisine NOW I aim to present the best and I feel that each and every sponsor does the same. But we could not do it without you. Congratulations again to all the Christofle prizewinners at the Masterclasses and I hope your magnificent silverware has found pride of place in your home.

Speaking of prizewinners, I am delighted to announce that the prizes from the Gala Dinner have been awarded. See below for a full list of who won the prizes and their entries. You will also find photos from the Masterclasses and the Gala Dinner.

My thanks would not be complete without mentioning the chefs and their teams. I truly believe in this community of chefs and feel that through Cuisine NOW we are creating a platform for excellence which will enhance and grow. Equally the chefs have enjoyed presenting to you, sharing their passions and expertise. We look forward to a number of this year’s Chefs joining us at Cuisine NOW again in the years ahead.

Finally I would like to thank the team at Cuisine NOW – Amanda, Chris, Justine, Carla, Lily – together with Diego and his team in the kitchen and Andy and his team at Bilson’s. You all contribute so much and I thank you for helping me make Cuisine NOW the celebration is has become.

Cuisine NOW 2012 is already in the planning stages and will be the biggest yet. We hope to have some very exciting news as to who is coming to town and when in the next few months. Please make sure you are signed up to our database so you don’t miss out. It is going to be very special.

Best wishes, Tony Bilson

GALA DINNER PRIZEWINNERS

In 10 words or less describe what fine dining means to you.

	Tower Estate (thanks to Relais & Chateaux): A weekend for 2 people at Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley in a deluxe room including daily breakfast, afternoon tea, pre-dinner drinks and dinner at Roberts Restaurant with a bottle of Tower Estate wine. (RRP: $2500) Prize Winner: Bud Kapoor Winning Comment: ‘While food is essential to life, fine dining nourishes the soul.’
	Christofle: Malmaison Champagne Cooler (RRP: $2265) Prize Winner: Madeleine West Winning Comment: ‘Where passion, devotion, tradition and fearlessness make a memorable mouthful.’
	All-Clad: A 3-piece selection of world-class stainless steel cookware (RRP $995) Prize Winner: Patrick Benhamou Winning Comment: ‘Fine dining is when the discovery of a dish is more important than the discovery of a star.’
	Renault Eurodrive: A 21 day lease of Renault vehicle from/to any of the Renault Eurodrive French locations (sadly flights not included!) Prize Winner: Guy Taffs Winning Comment: ‘A “luxury” experience created by people who love their craft.’
	Bilson’s Restaurant: Degustation dinner for 2 with matching wines (RRP$560) Prize Winner: James Chan Winning Comment: ‘Food of heaven served on earth.’
	Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney: An overnight stay at the boutique style, five-star Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney including breakfast & access to Health Club. (RRP $365) Prize Winner: Rebecca Meli Winning Comment: ‘Beautiful, top quality ingredients, innovation, nurturing service, sublime setting + company.’
	Air France: luxury Air France laptop bag including matching accessories Prize Winner: Dorothea Turnbull Winning Comment: ‘A gastronomic delight that pervades all the senses; lingering memories.’
	Moet & Chandon: A magnum of Moet Imperial Champagne (RRP $200) Prize Winner: Tim Shaw Winning Comment: ‘Fresh Ingredients, Nuanced Experiences, Divine Indulgence, Nutritious Imaginings, Nature’s Gastronomy.’