Cronulla has won the race for the signature of James Metcalfe, the one-time Becasse head chef who checked out of city restaurant Saint George earlier this year.
Metcalfe has landed at The Pines in Cronulla, which opened in recent days on the beachfront.
Co-owner Ross Robinson explains they took inspiration from The Hamptons for The Pines.
The prime location attracted the attention of some high-profile Sydney operators before The Pines' team snapped it up, drafting in some promising talent, including former Rockpool and Merivale sommelier Chris Hoy to head its beverage program.
And there is the menu created by Metcalfe, its executive chef. The previously hatted chef is pairing spanner crab with celery, apple and wasabi, while turning out a squid ink risotto with confit squid on a large, adventurous menu that still finds room for steak and pizza.
Open Mon-Thur noon-late; Fri-Sat 11.30am-late
Unit 1/8-18 Kingsway, Cronulla, thepinescronulla.com.au
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