THE Astor Hotel is ushering in a new era of pub dining in Albury.
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Licensee Josh Cale has taken over the formerly-leased kitchen, put on a new head chef and launched the autumn menu this month.
Having learnt and plied his trade in the Army over a decade-long career, chef Troy Holland has exacting standards.
He trained in traditional French cookery with the military from 1996.
"I was based in Townsville, Darwin and Sydney and served overseas in East Timor," he said.
Since 2006 Holland has worked at the Italian Australian Club at Morwell, O'Maille's Pub in Wodonga and the Star Hotel Yackandandah.
He said he honed his preference for Italian fare at Morwell.
"If you don't make it how Mumma made it, you'd be in trouble!" he quipped.
Together with partner Bec, Holland and their four sons, ranging in age from 13 to 16, settled on the Border for the family-friendly lifestyle.
Astor Hotel Parmy Night on Thursdays offers seven variations of parmigiana.
MEET MORE CHEFS:
What's your favourite dish?
Italian and traditional French cookery are my forte.
What's your favourite season?
Spring
What are the staples in your pantry now?
I love making different sauces from scratch.
What is your earliest cooking memory?
Always going around to my Dutch Nanna's house in Prahran. The Sunday roasts. Her specialty was croquettes. I developed my passion for food through her; my passion is to please people through food.
Which ingredients do you grow yourself?
Tomatoes and all of the herbs.
Which six people would you invite to dinner?
My family; I'd love to get the nephews and nieces together. Most of my family is in Gippsland but the rest are in Queensland.
What is your favourite foodie ritual?
I like to have a beer when I'm cooking at home. The boys harass me to help; I need a roster!
What are you bingeing on TV? If anything.
I like watching movies.
What did you have for dinner last night?
Steak with pepper and mushroom sauce
What are you drinking at the moment?
V (energy drink)
Details:
Astor Hotel,
641 Young Street, Albury
Phone: (02) 6021 1922
Astor Hotel dining room opens seven days for breakfast (6-9am daily except Sunday 7-10am), lunch (11.30am-2pm) and dinner (5.30-8.30pm).
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