Adelaide Marriott Hotel has announced the appointment of a new executive chef, Alexandre Katsman, who is set to lead culinary operations at the hotel’s landmark site within the historic General Post Office (GPO) building. Chef Katsman, a South Australian native, brings 20 years of experience in culinary management and menu design, gathered across premium hotels in South Australia and Tasmania.
With the opening of Marriott’s first flagship hotel in Adelaide, Chef Katsman will take charge of a team comprising 19 chefs. His role extends across two fresh dining venues, multiple kitchens, and the hotel’s conference and events floor. “I’ve had the privilege of working in many highly regarded hotels and restaurants within Australia but I couldn’t be more thrilled to be in my hometown, driving the dining direction for guests and visitors to the very first flagship Marriott Hotel in Adelaide,” stated Chef Katsman.
The Adelaide Marriott Hotel integrates the city’s heritage with contemporary design, standing as a modern extension to the well-preserved façade of the General Post Office on King William and Franklin Streets. This site has been a central piece of Adelaide’s architecture for more than 150 years.
Two new gastronomic venues, Penny Blue and Exchange Lane, will mark their debut with the hotel opening. Penny Blue is poised to become a new culinary hotspot, offering a 126-seat dining area that mixes plush comfort and a variety of table settings. This restaurant will serve Modern Australian cuisine, peppered with innovative takes on classic dishes. “Menus with a nostalgic touch are trending globally because they offer comfort and evoke cherished memories. At Penny Blue, we blend ‘new and modern’ with classic favourites like Prawn Cocktail, Beef Wellington, and Bread and Butter Pudding for dessert, creating a menu that celebrates both tradition and innovation,” Chef Alex remarked.
Named after a rare stamp once processed through the Adelaide General Post Office, Penny Blue seeks to make each dish as memorable and valued as its namesake. The restaurant’s design incorporates historical elements, aligning with the ambience of the historical GPO. This atmosphere is complemented by a curated wall of 44 archival photographs, telling the rich tales of the past eras and personas associated with the GPO.
The second venue, Exchange Lane, will cater to diners in an 88-seat setting that shifts atmospherically from a vibrant coffee spot by day to a relaxed drink destination by night. This space offers a versatile, all-day dining menu and is designed to connect with both locals and visitors amidst their busy city routines.
The hotel’s strategic integration of dining, hospitality, and local heritage aims to position Adelaide Marriott Hotel as a vibrant hub for both accommodation and gastronomy in the city’s CBD.
Chef Katsman’s appointment is set against the backdrop of these significant developments, heralding a new chapter for Marriott in Adelaide with promises of culinary creativity steeped in local flavours and historical context.
Find out more about Penny Blue & its menu at https://www.pennybluerestaurant.com
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