Beverly Goes Wild with a Reverent Dinner for One Night Only

Titled Wild | Rooted in Reverence, the event brings together four respected names in Australian food for a collaborative evening that ditches gimmicks in favour of honest cooking and good company. It’s the sort of dinner that doesn’t happen often—and certainly not with this much talent on one pass.

Curated by Darren Robertson, the co-founder of Three Blue Ducks and a long-time champion of produce-first cooking, the night features a rare coming together of friends, mentors and former colleagues. Joining him are:

• Danielle Alvarez, author and Culinary Director of the Sydney Opera House
• Mark Hannell, chef-owner of the hatted Reed House in Melbourne
• David Ball, Beverly’s own Head Chef and the quiet force behind its Californian-meets-French menu

Each brings a different lens: Alvarez’s signature restraint and elegance, Hannell’s whole-animal techniques and no-nonsense boldness, Ball’s precise touch and cross-continental palette, and Robertson’s love of woodfire and warmth.

But this isn’t just about style. It’s about rhythm. All four chefs are dialling into the theme—wild as a nod to seasonality, fire, and instinct. Rooted in reverence as a tribute to the growers, makers, and moments that make good food matter.

“It’s going to be a beautiful chaos in the kitchen,” says Robertson. “We’re cooking from the heart. No script, just connection, flavour and a lot of mutual respect.”

The menu is still under wraps, but expect something that feels both grounded and generous. Think open flames, unexpected pairings, and dishes that reflect each chef’s roots—whether that’s the Southern Californian ethos Alvarez channels, Hannell’s bold British backbone, or Ball’s French-Japanese leanings. This is food led by feeling, not fuss.

It’s also a rare behind-the-pass moment for Melbourne diners. Alvarez has been curating bespoke food experiences at the Opera House, often pairing dinner with performance. Hannell’s Reed House has become one of the city’s most quietly confident venues. Ball continues to evolve Beverly’s offering with a sharp eye and a steady hand.

The team at Beverly has framed this as a celebration of collaboration as much as cooking. “The beauty of nights like this lies in what happens off the menu,” says Creative Director Emily Gurr. “It’s about the shared energy in the room, the conversations between bites, the sense that something rare is unfolding.”

There are no follow-up dates, no repeat dinners. Just one service, four chefs, and a rooftop with a view. If you’re after something with real firepower—not just in the kitchen, but in spirit—this might be the night that gets talked about long after the last plate hits the pass.

Wild | Rooted in Reverence

Wednesday 30 July 2025

Beverly Rooftop, South Yarra

Bookings via beverlyrooftop.com.au