Article written by Noel Rowsell for Nepean News.
Full article here.
Ross Dobson is an Australian food writer, stylist and chef, who grew up locally in South Penrith. He has been the Food Editor or Australian BBC Good Food magazine, as well as other leading Australian media outlets, including the Sydney Morning Herald.
Ross has authored many bestselling cookbooks, covering a wide variety of cuisines and cooking styles including Chinese, Argentine, grilling and barbecuing.
Ross has been a pioneer in establishing cafes and restaurants in the Western suburbs of Sydney, including the cafe at Lewers Gallery (2009-2015) and The Union (2011- 2016) His current venture is Café Royce at The Royce, where he cooks classic and contemporary Australian food.
Ross is passionate about Australian food, its place in history and its current and ongoing contemporary influences and recently launched his latest cookbook ‘Australia, The Cookbook’.
Fittingly, Ross chose The Royce as the location for the launch, which attracted politicians and media celebrities, including The Hon. Stuart Ayres MP, Senator Marise Payne and ABC Radio host Simon Marnie.
The book has already been an instant success but with Covid-19 severely restricting travel, particularly internationally, Ross has been involved in numerous local and international Zoom meetings, including with various publishers, the Australian Consulate in the USA and The British/ Australian Society in London.
The emphasis in ‘Australia, The Cookbook and also in his Zoom meetings has been ‘pride in Australia’. When Ross started at the Royce, there were just 30 residents and the onset of Covid-19 put a temporary stop to the growth of the development.
There are now 80 residents, Ross has grown the kitchen staff from a one-man band to a team of 4 and still works enthusiastically, averaging around 70 hours per week.
“It’s a fabulous location, the residents are wonderful and the staff are very supportive,” said Ross.
The Royce comprises an exceptional living retirement community, together with a warm and welcoming Aged Care facility, featuring an abundance of exceptional facilities and exciting activities to enjoy, through its supported, independent living and residential Aged Care community (with dedicated memory support/ dementia care).
Café Royce at The Royce Retirement Living and Aged Care Community is a beautiful, light-filled space, featuring a fresh and delicious menu – created by Ross.