Getting to Know…Mark Williamson of Chez Blue Rozelle
Bonjour Rozelle! Meet Mark Williamson
Head Chef of Rozelle’s new family-friendly French bistro Chez Blue
- Tell us about yourself and where your passion for French cuisine and cooking began.
My first encounter with French cuisine at Le Bon Bolli restaurant in Christchurch, New Zealand – where I hail from – was the beginning of my love affair with French food. Since then I’ve worked in restaurants across New Zealand, the UK, and then Sydney, mainly focusing on French cuisine. Most recently, I was at Bistro Moncur in Woollahra. When I started there under Damien Pignolet, I particularly enjoyed learning about charcuterie – making pâtés, terrines, sausages – and of course, I made a lot of soufflés during my time working with him too.
- We’ve seen a wave of French-inspired restaurants open in Sydney over the past few years, what will Chez Blue offer Inner West families looking for a Gallic-inspired dining experience?
Chez Blue is a family-friendly neighbourhood bistro, offering a selection of classic French bistro dishes – some with a twist – as well as fantastic wine and service in a beautiful dining room. It’s the type of place you can pop into for an easy mid-week dinner with the family, as well as celebrating a special night with friends.
- In your opinion what makes French cuisine such a favourite amongst Sydneysiders?
When I think of French cuisine, I think of ‘classic’ and ‘comfort’ dishes, like a great roast chicken or a beef bourguignon – a beef casserole cooked in red wine. The French are also known the world over for their use of fresh seasonal ingredients paired with exceptional cooking techniques – this type of food never goes out of fashion, and I think that timelessness is behind French cuisine’s enduring appeal.
- What’s your favourite dish on the Chez Blue menu and why?
I think they are all fantastic! But if I have to choose one the tuna tartare is my favourite dish. Imagine all the classic flavours of a Niçoise salad but in a layered tartare that’s both delicious and chic – I expect this dish will be a crowd-pleaser. The steak frites and the Gâteau Opéra, from the dessert trolley, would be amongst my top picks at Chez Blue.
- From your time working at Bistro Moncur, what are the French dishes that you’ve seen diners order time and time again and what’s behind their popularity?
Obvious classics, like steak frites, never stop appealing to people. But I believe it’s less about the dish and more about serving consistently good food that brings people back time and time again. After all, people will always have different favourites, and regardless of what they are, as long as the food is consistently great and just as memorable as the last time they enjoyed it, then diners will come back for more.
- What dishes would you suggest to those new to French cuisine?
The croque monsieur is a great entrée to French food. It’s essentially a French version of a ham and cheese toasted sandwich that has wide appeal – even people who have never tried French food often find the croque monsieur both approachable and familiar.
Steak frites – steak and fries – is another dish that’s universally known and many people who aren’t familiar with bolder French flavours, gravitate towards it as their launching point into French cuisine. For dessert, the lemon tart would be an excellent start to bistro dining.
- There are many families that struggle to get their kids to eat and we’re not just referring to veggies, what do you suggest on the Chez Blue menu?
Our kid’s meals at Chez Blue have been created with young eaters in mind – for example the schnitzel and frites are a favourite amongst our junior diners – and they’re available with a salad and greens, as well as the crowd favourite – chips.
However, dishes like the croque monsieur will also hit the spot, after all who doesn’t love a ham and cheese toasted sandwich with a difference. For more adventurous eaters, there’s the Parisian gnocchi – fluffy and light, these pillowy cheesy doughs are made with savory choux pastry, not potatoes, and mixed with gruyere cheese for a slightly nutty finish.
- Would you consider Chez Blue a special occasion venue or somewhere that families can visit throughout the week?
Chez Blue is a destination for families and friends alike – whether that’s couples on a romantic date, mid-week family dinners when you want to grab a quick but nourishing meal, or larger, special occasion gatherings when enjoying delicious food is key to the event. In fact, we have a private dining room that seats up to 12 for memorable occasions like family birthdays and milestone celebrations. The dining room opens at 5pm in the evenings so it’s also accessible for young families wanting an early meal.
- You’ve worked in the Eastern Suburbs for many years, what are you most looking forward to about the move to Rozelle? What do you think you’ll find different or new about the area?
There seems to be a restaurant renaissance in the Inner West right now, so I’m very excited to be a part of it. I’m looking forward to learning the local clientele’s tastes and with Chez Blue creating a fantastic community hub in Rozelle.
- If a meteor was hurtling towards earth and you had only one meal left to eat, what would it be?
The steak frites with bearnaise at Chez Blue.
Chez Blue
599 Darling Street
Rozelle 2039
(02) 9192 4900
Open: Wed – Sun
www.chezblue.com.au
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