Helen Turrisi  -  Chef

 

Helen has been involved with food in some way for most of her life and taking the final step of completing her formal qualifications has been another exciting step on her culinary journey.

Helen has owned a number of businesses during the years, all to do with food. With her husband Len, she ran the very successful Oasis Exotic Fruits on the Gold Coast specializing in gourmet foods, many of which she created herself. It was during her time on the Gold Coast that Helen met many chefs and spent many hours in their kitchens watching and learning.

 

Before moving to Stanthorpe she operated a small café and concentrated on perfecting her skills in sweet making. Once settled in Stanthorpe Helen finally had time to fulfil her dream of completing her Chef ticket.

Helen has been working at The Rocks Restaurant since its opening and recently completed a course in Melbourne with well known French pastry master Louis Vaussenat. Vassenaut taught techniques in pastry making, including a 350 year old recipe for piped pastry which Helen has added to the mouth watering desert menu at The Rocks.

 

Although she has something of a reputation as the Sweet Maker, Helen says all food interests her. “We aim to use the best and freshest ingredients and make all our own stocks, pastes and dressings from scratch”. My love and joy in creating wonderful food will always be a passion and I will never stop learning” she said.

Dinner guests at The Rocks can look forward to memorable nights enjoying elegant dining in a lovely setting.