Our philosophy is grounded in the belief that exceptional food and impeccable service create unforgettable experiences.
Meet David Lee - Chef / Director
David Lee is the owner of Central Coast Weddings and Events, a company dedicated to creating amazing food and experiences for clients across The Central Coast, Newcastle, The Hunter Valley, and Sydney. With over thirty years of culinary expertise, honed in top Australian restaurants and alongside world-renowned chefs, David has built a rich foundation for crafting exquisite and flavourful dishes across diverse settings.
David's philosophy centres around tackling challenges with creative solutions, believing that nothing is insurmountable. His culinary journey began at "The Pier" in Rose Bay around 1990, followed by positions in prestigious Sydney establishments throughout the 1990s. He earned accolades such as a coveted "chef's hat" from the Good Food Guide in the early 2000s for his modern French cuisine at "Cafe de la Galleire" in Kincumber, Central Coast.
Beyond restaurant kitchens, David ventured into teaching culinary arts before joining Pretty Beach House, a Luxury Lodge of Australia, where he showcased his skills in modern Italian cuisine infused with native Australian ingredients. His culinary prowess extended to international stages, such as the House of Oz at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he curated Australian-inspired degustations for the Taste of Australia series.
Building on the success of Sydney Private Chef, David expanded his business to include Hunter Valley Private Chef, Terrigal Private Chef, and Bowral Private Chef. Now, with his new venture, Central Coast Weddings and Events, he continues to elevate the dining experience for his clients.
David also owns Terrigal Wholefood, a health-focused cafe, restaurant, and meal delivery service on the NSW Central Coast, emphasizing nutritious meals available for dine-in or curated meal box deliveries. Complementing this, his plant-based venture, the Plant Based Chef, promotes a healthy approach to eating.
With a foundation in fine dining, David's culinary repertoire spans modern French, Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines, alongside expertise in patisserie, chocolate making, sugar work, and bakery. Passionate about sustainability, David champions ethically sourced meats and sustainably caught fish, paired with organically grown produce. His menus are tailored to individual client preferences, ensuring memorable dining experiences that cater to specific occasions, locations, and dietary needs.
“David Lee's culinary journey reflects a commitment to excellence, seasonality, and a diverse palate, offering bespoke cuisine that delights clients across Australia and around the globe,” says one satisfied client.
Meet The Team
Mark Rashid - Executive Chef
Meet Mark, our exceptional Executive Chef at Central Coast Weddings and Events. With over 35 years of culinary experience, Mark has spent the past 20 years as an Executive Chef, in both à la carte restaurants and catering establishments. Before joining us, he led the culinary teams at the award- winning Cowrie Catering, H&H Catering, and Cassegrain Wines at Port Macquarie. Mark’s talent and dedication are truly remarkable, and we are fortunate to have him as a vital part of our team. With Mark at the helm of our culinary operations, you can be assured that your event will be nothing short of spectacular. His innovative approach and unwavering commitment to quality make him an invaluable asset to Central Coast Weddings and Events.
Aurellien Giralut - Chef
Aurélien grew up on a farm in North-East France with a family-run restaurant offering unique dining experiences with a focus on local ingredients and produce. Watching his parents' dedication to the preparation of meals literally from paddock to plate, Aurélien developed a deep passion for organic wholefoods. Aurélien’s career took off with his first professional cooking experience at the renowned Louis XV *** Michelin restaurant in France, where he was mentored under celebrity chef Alain Ducasse. After this, Aurélien held various chef positions within a variety of high-end restaurants for leading hospitality groups, both in France, Luxembourg and Australia, We are delighted to have Aurélien on our team, bringing his French flair to the Central Coast!
Anthony Broussard - Chef
We are thrilled to introduce our new chef, a familiar face around the Central Coast cafe scene, known for his fresh, house-made food and exceptional culinary skills. Renowned for his ability to craft amazing cakes that are as beautiful as they are delicious, he brings a level of creativity and precision to our kitchen that elevates every dish he touches. Efficiency is one of his hallmarks, and his ability to deliver high-quality food with a smile makes him an absolute pleasure to work with. His dedication to his craft and his warm, approachable nature have already made him a beloved figure in the kitchen. We are incredibly fortunate to have him on our team, and we’re excited for you to experience the delicious and innovative creations he brings to the table.
Helen Lee - Director
After marrying David, Helen had no choice but to join the growing business, and we couldn’t be prouder. Her skills are many, ranging from waitress to chef assistant, to accounts, sales, marketing, and styling. We couldn't do it without her. Helen’s journey with Central Coast Weddings and Events began with a passion for hospitality and an unwavering dedication to excellence. Her diverse skill set and can-do attitude have been instrumental in shaping the success of our business. Helen’s eye for styling adds an elegant touch to our events, creating visually stunning settings that leave a lasting impression. Her unwavering support and multifaceted skills ensure that Central Coast Weddings and Events operates seamlessly, providing our clients with unforgettable experiences. Her passion, creativity, and dedication are at the heart of everything we do.
Leonie Smith - Operation Manager
Leonie has worked in hospitality in both Australia and Overseas for over 30 years, bringing a keen eye for detail and a passion for excellence to our team. Leonie manages operations across all of our companies: She is the one that keeps our wheels turning, taking care of all operations, staff, events, and marketing.Leonie’s extensive experience and dedication are the backbone of our success. Her commitment to seamless operations and exceptional service ensures that every event we handle meets the highest standards. From coordinating complex events to managing day-to-day operations, Leonie's organisational skills and leadership are unparalleled.With Leonie at the helm of our operations, clients can expect a flawless experience from start to finish. Her passion for hospitality and her drive for perfection uphold our company’s commitment to quality in every aspect.
Locations
We also offer private chef experiences in locations around and outside of Terrigal.
Sydney Private Chef
Sydney city, Eastern Suburbs & North Shore, Northern Be
Hunter Valley Private Chef
The Hunter Valley and Newcastle
Bowral Private Chef
Southern Highlands, Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale
The Plant Based Chef
Plant based nutritious organic whole foods
When you contact Central Coast Weddings and Events, you speak directly to the chef. We only book a small number of clients at any one time to allow us to focus entirely on you.