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| Raphael Martinez |
Bimbadgen Estate, one of the Hunter Valley’s most celebrated destinations, is thrilled to announce the return of Raphael Martinez as Head Chef for its flagship restaurant, Esca, and all related food offerings across the estate. With his deep connection to the region and a refined culinary pedigree, Raphael’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter for the estate’s renowned dining experiences, including Bimbadgen Wines, Bimbadgen Palmer’s Lane Weddings & Events, Emma’s Cottage, and hospitality packages for A Day on the Green Concerts.
A Full-Circle Culinary Journey
Raphael first made his mark at Esca Bimbadgen in 2018, joining the team as a Chef de Partie. Since then, his culinary journey has seen him work at several prestigious Hunter Valley establishments, including Spicers Guesthouse and Brokenwood Wines, where he honed his skills in fine dining. His return to Esca in 2024 marks the beginning of an exciting new era as he steps into the role of Head Chef, overseeing all food offerings across the estate and its multiple venues.
Jordan Rodgers, General Manager of Hunter Valley Operations for Mulpha, expressed his enthusiasm about Raphael’s return:
“We are delighted to welcome Raphael back to Bimbadgen Estate in this expanded role. Over the years, he has developed impressive culinary and leadership skills that will elevate the food experience at all our outlets. Raphael’s passion and expertise are exactly what we need to continue delivering exceptional food across Bimbadgen’s venues.”
Culinary Philosophy: A Fusion of Local and International Flavours
Under Raphael’s leadership, guests can expect a refined and creative dining experience, rooted in modern Australian cuisine and enhanced with a fusion of Asian and Italian influences. The menu at Esca Bimbadgen will continue to feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients, celebrated for their high quality and seasonal freshness. With his dedication to flavour, technique, and presentation, Raphael’s aim is to create exceptional meals that perfectly complement the stunning surroundings of the Hunter Valley.
“I am committed to ensuring every dining experience at Esca is exceptional,” Raphael shared. “The Hunter Valley is my family’s home, and I’m proud to be part of this community. The people, the landscapes, and the wines all inspire me to create dishes that reflect the beauty and flavours of this region.”
An Exciting New Summer Menu
To mark his return, Raphael has crafted an exciting new summer menu for Esca Bimbadgen, featuring a vibrant mix of flavours and textures. Highlights include:
- Korean-style Grilled Pork Belly with ssamjang butter, baby gem, and wild rice
- Crispy Potato Gnocchi with pea puree, pecorino, and basil
- Fresh Handmade Spanner Crab Ravioli with sauce verge and caviar
- Little Joe Flank Steak with tarro puree, chimichurri, and green beans
These dishes, designed to showcase the region’s best produce, bring together international influences with the fresh ingredients the Hunter Valley is known for.
A Passion for Decadent Desserts
Raphael’s love for creating dessert masterpieces is another exciting element he will bring to Esca. Known for his passion for chocolate-based desserts, Raphael is set to introduce indulgent new offerings to the menu soon. In the meantime, guests can enjoy current dessert highlights such as:
- Fallen Apples with cream fraiche, meringue, and mascarpone gelato
- Berry Coulis Tart with coconut gelato, rosemary, and Verjuice
- Panna Cotta with Biscoff, white chocolate crumb, and coffee gelato
These desserts exemplify Raphael’s dedication to both taste and innovation, and will no doubt continue to delight diners with their bold and refined flavours.
A Commitment to Excellence Across All Venues
Raphael’s role at Bimbadgen Estate extends beyond Esca. As Head Chef, he will also oversee the culinary offerings at other estate venues, including the stunning Bimbadgen Palmer’s Lane Weddings & Events, the Bimbadgen cellar door, and the newly added Emma’s Cottage. Whether for a wedding, corporate event, or concert package, Raphael’s focus will be on ensuring an exceptional food and wine experience at every Bimbadgen venue.
“We aim to consistently deliver excellence in food, wine, quality, and service,” said Raphael. “It’s not just about the flagship restaurant Esca—we want every experience at Bimbadgen Estate to be memorable and inspiring.”
Looking Ahead to a Bright Future
As Bimbadgen Estate continues to grow and evolve, Raphael’s culinary vision will play a pivotal role in shaping its future. With his leadership, creativity, and deep connection to the Hunter Valley, Raphael is poised to take Esca Bimbadgen and the estate’s dining offerings to new heights, ensuring that guests from around the world experience the very best the region has to offer.
Whether you’re visiting for a romantic dinner at Esca, attending a spectacular wedding at Palmer’s Lane, or simply enjoying a day at the estate, you can expect nothing short of excellence from Bimbadgen Estate’s culinary team under Raphael Martinez’s expert guidance.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates from Bimbadgen Estate and prepare for an unforgettable gastronomic journey through the heart of the Hunter Valley.
For reservations or inquiries, please contact Esca Bimbadgen directly or visit Bimbadgen’s website.
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