Robert Molines' Biography

The Algerian-born Frenchman is true blue Hunter and is known to many food lovers, the world over. He has been slaving away over a hot stove for more than three decades at a range of locations, including the famous Roberts, and in recent years has opened Bistro Molines on Mount View Rd. It is a charming restaurant with a outstanding views and it is a place where Robert has re-invented himself yet again. The Good Food guide thought so and has awarded Robert a coveted Chef's hat for the past two years running. This place is a family affair with Robert orchestrating from the kitchen and wife Sally on the floor. Looking for a special place to dine or a wonderful excuse to have a relaxing day enjoying fine food and wine?

Robert comes from the South of France on the French Riviera, a village called Beausoleil (meaning 'beautiful sun'), adjacent to Monaco, Monte Carlo.

Robert was educated at The Catering Institute of Nice and Menton. His stepfather of Italian origin, was chef for The Palace of Monaco. His mother was appointed at The French Consulate in Melbourne, and the family came to Australia in 1968. After her term expired, the family decided to remain and live in Australia.

Robert worked in Melbourne, then in Newcastle in 1969, for the opening of Capanna Restaurant in Hamilton. He then left for Adelaide and worked at Decca's Place in North Adelaide, before moving to Sydney to join his family.

He opened the very popular Eliza's in Double Bay, then worked at both La Rive Gauche and Beppi's. The family had quite a few restaurants in the Sydney area. Robert opened his first restaurant in 1972 in Potts Point called Le Sigittaire which is where he met Sally who he later married.

Robert and Sally moved to The Hunter Valley in late 1973, after selling the restaurant in Potts Point to take up management of The Happy Valley Restaurant on Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin (part of then Saxonvale Wines).

They married in May 1975 and made a home at Apple Porch in Broke.

In 1978 they opened The Pokolbin Cellar Restaurant (part of then Hungerford Hill Wine Village), and while operating the restaurant they took control of all catering at The Rothbury Estate for Mr Len Evans OBE OA, and also opened The Verandah Restaurant at Calais Estate.

The Hunter Valley offered Robert and Sally a challenge to establish dining in a country destination close to the vineyards and create a marriage of food and wine.

In 1979 Robert and Sally's first son Louis was born, followed by a second son Joseph in 1984, making them a complete family.

In 1989 Robert and Sally became involved in The PepperTree Project with Mike and Suzie O'Connor (Peppers Hotel Group) and Murray and Linley Robson (Robson Wine Group). The three couples and partners established the unique destination of PepperTree with The Convent, PepperTree Wines and Robert's Restaurant which opened officially in October 1991.

Robert and Sally then sold all their other enterprises to concentrate on Robert's Restaurant, which soon became a success within itself.

In 1998 they joined The Tower Estate Group with Mr Len Evans as Chairman, as the restaurant went from strength to strength.

With the passing of Mr Evans, Robert and Sally made an offer to repurchase Robert's which was ultimately refused, and Robert and Sally decided it was time to undertake new endeavours in the growing area of the Hunter.

Currently they are operating a traditional French Bistro (Bistro Molines) on Mount View Rd which allows Robert to be taken back to his roots as chef and produce outstanding French cuisine using seasonal and local produce from the very best of suppliers.

This new and exciting opportunity arising at Tallavera Grove Vineyard, and as The Molines name becomes an institution, Robert and Sally are once again cultivating a following amongst these magnificent surroundings.

Their decision to remain in The Hunter is one made out of love for the area and for the people who support them.

For more information & contact details, visit: www.bistromolines.com.au

To start things off we have asked Robert Molines from this editions featured restaurant, to design a recipe matched to one of our wines that he has on his wine list. Robert has developed a cracking winter winner matched to his favourite wine from the Saddler's cellar, the 2009 Single Vineyard Shiraz. Have a go at creating Robert's Ox Tail and let us know how it goes?

>> Braised Ox Tail with Winter Vegetables & 2009 Single Vineyard Shiraz.