Neil Perry facts for kids
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| Born | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
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| Cooking style | Modern Australian with Asian and European Influences |
| Education | Newington College (1968–1973) |
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Current restaurant(s)
Rockpool, Spice Temple, Rockpool Bar & Grill (Melbourne and Sydney), Rosetta (Melbourne and Sydney), Margaret (Sydney), Next Door (Sydney)
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Television show(s)
Neil Perry Fresh & Fast, Food Source, Food Source: Asia, Food Source: New Zealand, Food Source: Far North Queensland, Rockpool Sessions, Fresh
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Neil Arthur Perry AM is a famous Australian chef, restaurateur (someone who owns or manages restaurants), author, and television presenter. He also helps manage the food for Qantas flights through his company, Rockpool Consulting.
Contents
Neil Perry's Early Life and School Days
Neil Perry was born in Sydney, Australia. He went to two schools: Newington College and Drummoyne Boys High School. At Newington, which had strict rules, he wasn't allowed to have long hair. He once grew his hair long during holidays. When he went back to school, he tried to hide it with combs. The school found out and made him cut it.
In Year 10, Neil decided to leave Newington College. He then went to Drummoyne High, a public school. He didn't cut his hair for two years after that. In 2015, Neil Perry was a special guest at the opening of a new building at Newington College.
How Neil Perry Started His Cooking Career
Before becoming a chef, Neil Perry started learning to be a hairdresser. But he soon left that job and began working as a waiter. This is where he discovered his real passion for cooking.
Neil's journey in the hospitality industry began at restaurants like Mishas Balmoral Beach and Sails. He learned a lot about managing restaurants during this time. By the age of 24, he started spending more time in the kitchen. He learned from many great chefs, even though he never finished a formal chef apprenticeship.
Opening His First Restaurants
Neil Perry became the head chef at Barrenjoey Restaurant in Palm Beach, New South Wales. He also had creative control at Perry's in Paddington. In October 1986, he opened a restaurant called Blue Water Grill at Bondi Beach. It became very popular right away.
Then, in February 1989, he opened his famous restaurant, Rockpool, with his cousin Trish Richards.
Expanding the Rockpool Brand
In 2007, Neil Perry opened Rockpool Bar & Grill in Melbourne. This restaurant was more casual than the original Rockpool. It was a fancy steakhouse located inside Crown Casino. They cooked high-quality beef over a wood-fire grill. This restaurant was a big success and received good reviews.
Around the same time, Neil decided to change his original Rockpool restaurant in Sydney. After almost 20 years, he wanted to make it a "casual seafood venue." But in 2008, he changed his mind again. He announced that Rockpool would go back to being a fine-dining restaurant, calling it "Rockpool classic."
In 2009, he opened two more restaurants in Sydney. Both were in the same art deco building. First was Spice Temple, which served traditional Chinese food with a fancy touch. Then, a Rockpool Bar & Grill, similar to the successful Melbourne one, opened above it. Since 2010, Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney has won a special award for its wine list.
Since November 2013, the Rockpool restaurant has been located in the historic Burns Philp Building in Bridge Street, Sydney.
Working with Qantas and New Restaurants
Neil Perry became the director of food and drinks for the Australian airline Qantas in 1997. For over 25 years, he has been in charge of the food served on Qantas flights and in their airport lounges. His team creates new menus every three months for first and business class travelers. In 2015, his role grew to include wines and other drinks. In 2022, Qantas brought back some of his most popular dishes to celebrate their 25-year partnership.
In 2021, Neil Perry opened another Sydney restaurant called Margaret. In 2022, he opened a sister restaurant right next door, called Next Door. In 2024, he opened a new restaurant named Song Bird.
Helping Others: Neil Perry's Charity Work
Neil Perry is a board member of the Bestest Foundation for Kids. This charity helps children who might not get support from bigger charities. Bestest raises money to help kids with illnesses, get equipment for disabilities, access education, or provide urgent help to children in need. Every dollar raised goes directly to the children.
Neil Perry is a big supporter of the Bestest Gala Dinner. He has convinced many famous chefs from around the world to donate their time and resources for this special dinner. In 2008, over 50 chefs from Australia's best restaurants took part.
Awards and Special Recognitions
In 2013, Neil Perry was made a member of the Order of Australia. This is a special honor given for important service to the community. He received it for his charity work and for being a great chef and restaurateur.
In 2024, Neil Perry also received the Woodford Reserve Icon Award.
Neil Perry on Television
Neil Perry is a well-known food personality in Australia. He has appeared on Channel Nine's food program, Fresh. He is also a main presenter on Foxtel channels like the LifeStyle and LifeStyle Food in Australia, and on BBC2 in Britain. He has even been on Martha Stewart's shows.
Rockpool Sessions
This TV series started in October 2004. It was a seven-part show that focused on Neil Perry's Rockpool restaurant. The series also featured other famous Australian chefs who shared their ideas. Neil Perry has also appeared on MasterChef Australia.
Food Source Series
Food Source is a show that explores food in Australia. It features leading Australian chefs, food producers, and many recipes. The series began in 2001 and continued for several seasons, including Food Source: Asia, Food Source: New Zealand, and Food Source: Far North Queensland. It is still shown on various channels.
Fresh & Fast
Neil Perry Fresh & Fast is a 13-part TV series that focuses on quick and easy cooking.
Neil Perry – High Steaks
This series first aired on May 21, 2007. It followed Neil Perry's journey as he set up his steakhouse restaurant in Melbourne. The show explored the challenges of opening a big restaurant. By the end of the series, he successfully opened Rockpool Bar & Grill Melbourne, which received good reviews.
Books by Neil Perry
Neil Perry has written many cookbooks, sharing his recipes and food knowledge.
- Rockpool (1997)
- Simply Asian (2000)
- Food Source (DVD, 2002)
- The Food I Love (2005)
- Good Food (2007)
- Balance and Harmony (2008)
- Rockpool Bar & Grill (2010)
- Easy Weekends (2013)
- Simply Good Food (2013)
- Spice Temple (2015)
Images for kids
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Perry's original Rockpool Restaurant in Sydney.
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His later restaurant Rockpool Bar & Grill in the Burns Philp Building, Sydney.
