Celebrity chef Matt Moran was seen trying the delights at St Marys Rugby League Club and Panthers Penrith on Tuesday as the Perfect Plate awards come to a close.
ClubsNSW have brought back their annual Your Local Club Perfect Plate Awards, which highlight the quality of food on offer in the state’s registered clubs.
St Marys Rugby League Club have put their Fisherman’s Creamy Chowder in the running, a customer favourite in the cooler months.
“At St Marys we had a beautiful seafood chowder which we were very lucky to have at this time of year!” Moran said after trying the dish.
“I needed something hearty, filling and warming.”
Next on Moran’s agenda was Panthers Penrith where he tried a Warm Sumac Lamb Salad and Coffee infused Pannacotta from Kelly’s Bar and Kitchen.
“At Panthers we had a lamb salad that had sumac in it, and we also had a beautiful coffee infused pannacotta with raspberry puree,” Moran said.
“The food has been great, and the locals seem to be lapping it up.”
Also in the running ta Panthers Penrith is a Mortadella & Burrata Pizza from Alexanders.
Moran was impressed with the quality of the food on offer from the Penrith clubs he tried saying each year the offerings get better.
“The food is just getting better and better in clubs and something like this activation gets people to be a little bit more competitive and try to outdo their neighbouring clubs,” Moran said.
“I think the locals get the benefit, without question!”
Until Sunday, June 15 patrons are encouraged to visit participating club eateries to taste the Perfect Plate dishes on offer and score them out of five by scanning each eatery’s unique QR code or filling out a paper voting form.
A $100 voucher will be drawn each day of the competition, and the two diners who vote for the most Perfect Plate dishes will win a ‘foodie escape’ for two valued at up to $3,500.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.