Robert Molines - 2009

Coming from the South of France on the French Riviera, Robert Molines is an Algerian born chef who completed his culinary education at the Catering Institute of Nice and Menton and served his apprenticeship at some of the top hotels of Monte Carlo , Monaco , Nice and Cannes , before arriving in Australia in 1968 with his family.

Robert gained experience working in restaurants in Melbourne , Newcastle and Adelaide before moving to Sydney to join his family where he opened the very popular Eliza’s in Double Bay and worked at both La Rive Gauche and Beppi’s. He opened his first restaurant in 1972 in Potts Point called Le Sigittaire which is where he met his wife Sally.

Moving to the Hunter Valley in late 1973, offered Robert a challenge to establish dining in a country destination close to the vineyards and create a marriage of food and wine. He was then the man behind the successful Pokolbin Cellar Restaurant before opening his multi award winning Roberts in 1991.

Robert has been active in the programs of teaching and consulting to TAFE Colleges and in 2006 was awarded an Order of Australia for his contribution to tourism and food in the Hunter.

Currently Robert and his wife Sally operates a traditional French Bistro “Bistro Molines” which allows him to be taken back to his roots as chef and produces outstanding French cuisine.

Their decision to remain in the Hunter is one made out of love for the area and for the people who support him.