Delectable dining returns to the Gold Coast in 2023 with Executive Chef Uday Huja crowned Culinary Ambassador for the most anticipated race meeting in the world, The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions. Curating a seasonal menu with a personal touch, Chef Uday will take guests on a 10-day dining journey inspired by the summer on the Gold Coast and the seasonal produce to match. Here, he explains his excitement to lead the food offering at the 2023 Carnival and the opportunity to intertwine his fond memories from Louisville, Kentucky, into menus.
Saddling up for a summer of world class racing, non-stop entertainment and a festival of epicurean adventures, The Star is excited to officially unveil Executive Chef, Uday Huja, as the Culinary Ambassador for the 2023 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival.
With plans to heat up the on-property offerings at The Star Gold Coast, Chef Uday will plate up a series of dishes that pay homage to his Southern United States heritage and showcase the local seasonal produce we know and love on the Gold Coast.
“I am honoured to be at the helm of the curation and execution of the food and beverage offering at The Star Gold Coast across the carnival period,” Chef Uday says.
“We’re taking inspiration from seasonal flavours of summer on the Gold Coast. Think local seafood, fresh produce, and spicy twists on home favourites.”
With fond memories of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Chef Uday designed the signature dish of the 2023 Carnival at The Star Gold Coast – the Louisville Barbecue Prawns – with spice, flavour, and a subtle nod to the barbecue famous from the Louisville region in mind.
The must-try Louisville Barbecue Prawns features seasonal ingredients, a secret barbeque sauce crafted by Chef Uday and is accompanied by a fried corn cake to balance the heat emanated from the flavours. The standout dish is available to try throughout the carnival week at Garden Kitchen and Bar.
Chef Uday plans to maintain the zest of summer and seafood across The Star Gold Coast venues as part of the 2023 festivities. Locals and visitors alike will have the opportunity to taste and savour a Smoked Beef Tartare with Potato Pave and a Yolk Sauce at Nineteen At The Star, the chic rooftop restaurant at The Star Gold Coast featuring the views of the Gold Coast skyline.
Journey next to Kiyomi, The Star Gold Coast’s cutting-edge Japanese dining experience known for its authentic ingredients and try Chef Uday’s 2023 Carnival creation – The Hiramasa Kingfish Miso Ceviche, finished with a Crispy Potato.
To add to a flavour filled Carnival week, savour handmade Daikon and Ham puffs at Uncle Su, a delicious pastry design by Chef Uday to keep you coming back for more.
Chef Uday will also be taking his culinary maestro skills on-track and curating an exclusive selection of dishes available only at The Marquee.
From plate to track, the atmosphere of The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2023 is unmatched and for The Star Gold Coast’s Chief Operating Officer, Jess Mellor, one not to be missed.
“The energy on the Gold Coast across carnival season is like no other time of the year, and we are excited to be the centre of the off-track action,” Jess Mellor starts.
“With so much happening on-property, world class food and beverage and entertainment, we cannot wait to welcome guests to The Star Gold Coast.”
The celebrations don’t stop there as revellers can soak up the off-track action as Australian DJ and ARIA Award Nominee, Tommy Trash is back on home soil to party the night away on The Lawn at Garden Kitchen and Bar from 6pm on race day, Saturday January 15.
Chef Uday’s limited edition carnival menu will be available for 10 days only, from Friday January 6 to Sunday January 15 at venues throughout The Star Gold Coast.
Head to The Star Gold Coast to not miss out on the action-packed and delicious line up available at the 2023 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival.