business, St Kilda Venues, is proving the perfect showcase for his exceptional - and broad - talents.
Combining Encore St Kilda Beach, Republica St Kilda Beach, and the newly launched Captain Baxter,
St Kilda Venues is a triple treat for lovers of great food, drink and atmosphere.
An all-rounder who specialises in seafood and modern Australian cuisine, Matt has put his stamp across
all the St Kilda Venues menus - from sharable gourmet treats to formal full courses.
Matt recognised his professional calling early, helping prepare the family meals as a young child, in
Wangaratta in Victoria’s north-east, and studying home economics at school. An apprenticeship at
Albury’s Commercial Club followed, before he moved to renowned gastro-pub The Terminus Hotel. Matt
was appointed head chef within two years.
Matt’s ability to match food and wine was honed in his local wine region, where he took up posts at All
Saints Estate, St Leonards and Lake Hume Resort: "I did the winery circuit in Rutherglen, which drove
my passion for fine food", Matt says.
Matt moved to Melbourne nine years ago, working his magic at the Stokehouse in St Kilda, before
setting up his own business. Now an accomplished chef and restaurateur, Matt’s passion has never
become a chore:"My kitchen at home has towers of books and magazines and I could sit with a cold
beer and read for hours".
