Chez Blue, a charming and relaxed neighbourhood French bistro, is set to open in the heart of Rozelle this October at the Sackville Hotel. Former Bistro Moncur head chef, Mark Williamson, leads the kitchen with plenty of favourite French classics planned as well as a few riffs. Chez Blue is part of family-owned hospitality group Solotel which also runs the Sackville Hotel cellar and bar next door.
For Williamson, being appointed head chef of Chez Blue in Rozelle is extra special. The bistro is located next door to where his mentor, friend and former executive chef, revered French chef and restaurateur Damian Pignolet, once had his own restaurant Bistro Deux.
Having spent the past six years at the Woollahra institution Pignolet started, Bistro Moncur, head chef Mark Williamson is thrilled to be crossing the Anzac Bridge to share his favourite food and cooking style with Inner West locals. He believes a key ingredient in a bistro becoming a loved part of its neighbourhood fabric is consistency.
“We’d love for Chez Blue to become somewhere locals happily dine at a couple of times a week because it’s approachable and always delicious,” says Williamson. “We’ll have familiar French classics on the menu as well as great daily specials so there’s always something new to try.”
Elliot Solomon, CEO of Solotel says he’s thrilled to open a welcoming and relaxed neighbourhood French bistro in Rozelle, a community that Solotel has been a part of since 1999.
“We want to bring back fond memories of dining on the streets of Paris, with warm service and an authentic French approach to relaxed dining,” describes Solomon. “Chez Blue is designed to be just as comfortable for a relaxed midweek dinner as a special weekend long lunch catch up with friends and family.”
This is the first non-partnered restaurant opening for Solotel. “This venue is incredibly significant both to Solotel and to me personally. I became a dad not too long ago and opening this bistro feels a little like my second child, which inspired the name Chez Blue – Blue is my son’s middle name,” explains Solomon.
Building works are underway for the 90-person Chez Blue bistro, slated to open in late October.
Visit their website chezblue.com.au and follow darling.stay.local for news and updates.
