NICK Whitehouse, the Michelin Star-rated chef who twice cooked for Lady Diana, is in Moree and has been handed the tongs and tools for one week only at Maslina Bar and Grill.

Mr Whitehouse was last in town in 2019 to help launch the Maslina opening.

He has cooked all over the world and prepared meals for a long list of international stars and celebrities, including Kelly Clarkson and Ronan Keating. He was also the personal chef for the Red Hot Chili Peppers during a UK tour.

Whitehouse relocated from England to Australia about 16 years ago and is now based in Sydney.

He has worked at restaurants Koi, Wildfire and Flying Fish, and also appeared on MasterChef Australia – The Professionals.

The Michelin-trained executive chef is now a global culinary consultant, specialising in menu and restaurant operations, staff training and mentoring, seasonal menu changes and new products and food development.

“The last few years I’ve been doing stuff with manufacturers as well – going straight to the source and helping them design marinades and that sort of thing,” Mr Whitehouse said.

He said he was only too happy to return to Moree to help out at Maslina Bar and Grill for the next week.

“I’ve known Mick (Cikota) for about five years or so, and I came up and did a little stint with them in 2019,” Mr Whitehouse said.

“I put a menu in place and helped launch their restaurant. We’ve been in contact ever since, and just last week Mick called and said he needed me if I was available. I was, so it all lined up nicely.”

Michelin Star-rated chef Nick Whitehouse is in Moree and has been handed the tongs and tools for one week only at Maslina Bar and Grill.

The Maslina menu will be adjusted slightly to suit the warmer weather as summer approaches, Mr Whitehouse said.

“I’ll only tweak the menu; it won’t change massively,” he smiled.

“We’ve brought back a couple of little favourites of mine that we did in the early days and the steaks will stay the same – they’re timeless classics.

“We’re just giving the menu a refresh for summer, and we’ll lighten things up a touch,” he said

Mr Whitehouse said a week in Moree will be welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of city life.

“I love it out here. When I first came to Moree, I didn’t know what to expect – I’d never travelled this far into the country,” he laughed.

“I was just really pleasantly surprised at how friendly everyone was. Even going to the supermarkets, it was really easy to strike up conversations and all the suppliers would say hello and shake my hand – it’s a nice, refreshing change from the city,” he said.

Maslina manager, George Cikota, said having Mr Whitehouse back at the grill – albeit for one week only – is a coup.

“Nick started this week and will be our chef for the next week, including the next two Saturday nights,” he said.

Mr Cikota encourages diners to book early to ensure a table.

Maslina is open six nights a week – Monday to Saturday – and bookings can be made by calling 6751 1307.

“It’s great to have Nick back in town,” Mr Cikota said.

“Nick brings with him a wealth of world-class experience and knowledge, and will work closely with our team to continue delivering a top-class dining experience in Moree.

“During his stay, he’s been refreshing the menu and adding his own creative touch to some of our favourite dishes — giving Maslina Bar and Grill a slightly new look and flavour.

“Nick will be with us for just one more week, with his final day in the kitchen being Saturday, November 1.

“I encourage patrons to book ahead, to ensure they get to experience Nick’s signature creations,” he said.

Maslina Bar and Grill

Address: 296-298 Warialda Street Moree

Hours: Monday to Saturday between 6pm and 9pm

Phone bookings: 6751 1307

Restaurant Website: www.maslina.com.au

Restaurant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maslinabarandgrill

Restaurant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maslina.moree/?hl=en

Comfort Inn Moree

Address: Corner Alice and Gosport Streets

Enquiries: 6752 3455

Email bookings: [email protected]

Motel Website: Comfort Inn Moree

Motel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comfortinnmoree

Motel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfort_inn_moree/?hl=en