RBWH Retail Chef Dawn Hargrave
Ever wondered who conceptualises and creates the fabulous array of food at Café Royale? Meet Dawn Hargrave, RBWH Retail Chef!
What’s does your role at RBWH entail?
I’m currently acting as the Retail Operations Coordinator, but my usual role is as a Retail Chef which involves coming up with delicious meals that everyone will love and cooking them for our staff and visitors to enjoy while they’re at the hospital.
How did you become a chef?
I’ve always had a passion for reading cookbooks and magazines and started my Chef apprenticeship at age 24 after realising I’d much rather peel 20kgs of potatoes than sit in a board room or answer calls all day. You either love it or you don’t! I used to own a café, then made the move to Team Royal four years ago.
What do you love about your role?
I have the biggest passion for food, especially what food can do for people. It’s an act of service for me and about changing the course of somebody’s day through good food. Your heart goes into the food that you prepare and I know that all the chefs who work for RBWH Retail Services feel the same.
What do you hope Café Royale brings to RBWH?
I hope a visit to Café Royale brings our staff and visitors a little bit of respite from their day. We like to make it easier through our service and food, and also replenish and nourish people. We try to offer as many healthy options as possible and we want Café Royale to be somewhere people are proud to come for lunch.
What’s your favourite cuisine?
I enjoy all cuisines, but I love Italian food when I feel like I need a hug. I also like Asian stir-fries for a quick, healthy option.
What’s your favourite meal we serve at Café Royale?
I have two! Beef Yakaniku and I also love a roast sandwich. Our meats are roasted fresh every day.
What’s your favourite thing about working at RBWH?
I love the culture and the people – it’s such a big hospital and it can seem overwhelming if you don’t know your way around, but all the staff are so friendly and welcoming.