The Pike family have announced that they are welcoming Louis Ritchie as the new Head Chef & Restaurant Manager at SLATE Restaurant, where he will oversee both the kitchen and front-of-house operations.
With a background of eight years at Seed Clare Valley, including three years as Head Chef, Louis brings a wealth of experience to the Pike team.
“Louis’s passion, energy, and well-rounded knowledge of both the kitchen and front-of-house operations make him the perfect candidate to elevate the experience at SLATE Restaurant,” says Jamie Pike, Pikes Wines Managing Director.
“He has been instrumental in creating an exceptional customer experience at Seed over the years, and with the support of the broader Pikes team, we can’t wait to see what he has in store for SLATE.”
Louis himself is brimming with excitement about the opportunity. “I’m really thrilled,” he shares. “The abundance of incredible estate-grown produce here is astonishing and aligns perfectly with my cooking philosophy, which revolves around showcasing fresh local ingredients without overcomplicating things.”
He continues, “The venue itself has so much potential, and we’re eager to explore all the options available to create even more amazing experiences at SLATE Restaurant.”
Speaking about the new menu, Louis explains, “It will be ever-evolving. Alongside our estate-grown fruits and vegetables, you can expect to see a variety of locally sourced, ethically raised proteins that we’ll butcher in-house to make use of the whole animal.”
“And let’s not forget about the Pikes Beer Garden menu,” Louis adds with enthusiasm. “It’s going to be a fun, exciting, and downright delicious dining experience without any pretense.”
Jamie reflects on the journey since SLATE Restaurant’s opening in late 2018, saying, “We’ve faced some challenges along the way. Just as we were gaining momentum, COVID hit, followed by regional staff shortages that had a significant impact.”
“But despite these obstacles, our family remains steadfast in our commitment to offering one of the best food and wine tourism experiences in Australia. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing Louis’s food, and I know he has the talent to help us deliver on that promise.”
To support Louis in his role, a Front of House Supervisor position will be created, responsible for managing day-to-day service operations under his guidance.
Established in 1984, Pikes Wines is a highly respected winery located in the picturesque Polish Hill River region of the Clare Valley. In addition to their exceptional wines, Pikes has expanded its offerings over the years to include Pikes Beer Co., a craft brewery, a modern tasting room, and of course, the fabulous SLATE Restaurant.
With its unique blend of wine, beer, and culinary experiences, the Pikes venue has become an absolute must-visit destination for wine, beer, and food enthusiasts in the Clare Valley and beyond.
Where: 233 Polish Hill Rd, Sevenhill SA 5453
For more information, click here.
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