Curtis Stone Events has been named Birdcage Enclosure Hospitality Partner at Victoria Racing Club (VRC), joining forces with existing culinary and hospitality operators The Big Group and Food & Desire.
The celebrated Australian chef will bring his culinary expertise and creative flair to the Melbourne Cup Carnival, where VRC members and guests will have the exclusive opportunity to experience his fine dining, Michelin-starred Los Angeles restaurant, Gwen, inside the exclusive Birdcage Enclosure venue.
The menu will showcase Victorian produce and premium beverages, with Gwen catering for up to 200 VRC Members and guests each day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
VRC chief executive officer Steve Rosich expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating that the combined efforts of Curtis Stone Events, The Big Group, and Food & Desire would transform the Birdcage Enclosure into an unparalleled culinary and hospitality destination.
“Curtis Stone’s Birdcage Enclosure involvement promises to create an unforgettable experience for racegoers including VRC Members and guests, and corporate partners,” Rosich said.
“The collaboration brings together the best in culinary expertise and event management and introduces a fresh perspective on hospitality and guest experiences to the Melbourne Cup Carnival and the renowned Birdcage.”
Stone shared his excitement in joining VRC and his delight in bringing the essence of Gwen to Flemington.
“I am truly excited to be partnering with the Victoria Racing Club in the exclusive Birdcage Enclosure at Flemington for Cup Week,” Stone said.
“Our collective vision is to create an extraordinary dining experience at Gwen that combines exceptional cuisine, impeccable service, and an unforgettable atmosphere.”
In addition to Gwen, Curtis Stone Events will introduce Lucky’s, a new corporate hospitality experience in the Birdcage accommodating up to 300 guests per day. Lucky’s will offer all-day canapés paired with beverages from VRC partners such as Penfolds, G.H. Mumm, and Furphy.
The Big Group, another hospitality operator, will contribute to the Birdcage Enclosure with the VRC’s Bird Bath Bar, a new retail quarter, and fully-inclusive private marquees named Bridled, Unbridled, Cavesson, and Cavesson Royal, catering to corporate guests. Food & Desire will collaborate with Birdcage Enclosure partners to curate exceptional marquee experiences, aiming to leave a lasting impression on Melbourne Cup Week guests.
