Rachel McNabb
It might have been their fifth consecutive year being awarded a single hat in the prestigious Good Food Guide, but Restaurant Como's owners were anything but blase about the honour last week.
"I think it gets even more exciting every time really," said co-owner Rachel McNabb."We love what we do — and that satisfaction brings its own rewards — but to be recognised by the industry and by your peers is really a thrill as well."
Rachel and her chef partner Grant Farrant have created an oasis of fine dining in the seven-and-a-half years they have been at Blaxland. Located near the car park behind the shopping centre, the food and service takes centre stage at the acclaimed eatery.
"People say when they come in they feel like they get whisked away from the car park in the back of Blaxland for a few hours, and that's really nice . . . to take them on a little journey and out of their lives for a moment," said Rachel.
The couple said they could not have achieved the latest honour without their service staff, led by Rachel, or Grant's team in the kitchen.
"It's a cliche but they [our staff] are part of the family too, and they're also part of the ‘Como community' as well," said Rachel.
This community includes regular diners from the Blue Mountains and Sydney who have all been won over by modern cuisine and friendly service at Como.
"Those hats are fantastic but without the local support we have as well — those people who keep coming back and sharing their celebrations with us — we wouldn't have a business," said Rachel.
Thanks to Blue Mountains Gazetter for allowing us to publish this article and photo.
FORMER Glenbrook local, Jenna Moss, has put her face to a fundraising campaign for Nkosi's Haven in South Africa.
The London-based model is working closely with the Qantas Cabin Crew Team (QCCT) charity to raise awareness and funds.
Ms Moss said the death of a close friend, Joel Fandino, had given her a new perspective on life.
She started working on a fundraising project to erect a music and arts therapy room at the haven in Mr Fandino's memory.
She pulled together a creative team and started working on the photographs to advertise the fundraiser.
Ms Moss will head to Johannesburg, South Africa, in February, to help erect the therapy room.
``The whole point of this fundraising event from my end is to raise enough money to purchase the kit home that will be used as (the room) at Nkosi's,'' she said. ``Joel poured his heart and soul into the haven and I know he'd just love this.''
CARE AND SUPPORT
* Nkosi's Haven is named after Nkosi Johnson, 12, who died from AIDS on International Children's Day in 2001
* It has been operating since 1999 offering care and support for infected mothers, her children and resulting AIDS orphans
* For more information visit nkosishaven.org.
EX BLAXLAND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT JESSICA FOX TOPS IN STATE FOR PDHPE |
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JESSICA TOPS IN STATE FOR PDHPE
CANOEING HELPED WITH EXAMS by Chris Georgakopoulos
WHAT A YEAR
FEBRUARY: Becomes 2010 Penrith Press Junior Sports Star of the year and overall News Local winner
JULY: Wins two gold women's C1 medals at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup in France and Germany
SEPTEMBER: Helped Australia claim gold in the C1 teams event at the Canoe/ Kayak Slalom World Championships in Bratislava, Slovakia
Jessica Fox FROM Olympic aspirant to top of the state in academic achievement,
Jessica Fox has completed 2011 in style. Jessica, 17, of Leonay, came first in personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) with a HSC mark of 99. The Blaxland High School student said coping with nerves and stress prior to competing in canoe/kayak slalom events helped her with exams. ‘‘I think I have learnt to handle the pressure when I train or compete and it has translated into my school work,'' she said. ‘‘I seem to work well under pressure as well which has shown in my marks.
I think having sport helped clear my mind in terms of getting my mind off the HSC. I wasn't really expecting to come first in the state, it never crossed my mind but I am very proud.'' Jessica also received great marks in her other exams, with 97 in French, 94 in maths, 93 in advanced English and 87 in biology. The next few months are booked with training and competing for a spot in the Olympic team. ‘‘From the day I finished my exams I have been training twice a day every day at Penrith Whitewater Stadium,'' she said. ‘‘I do want to go to university and study media and international studies or, depending if my ATAR is higher, possibly a degree in science.''
Thanks go to Penrith Press for allowing us to publish photo and article.
Bruce Cameron Ex Glenbrook Student
Bruce Cameron commenced school at Glenbrook Infants School in the late 1960s. He then attended Glenbrook Primary School before leaving for the newly built Lapstone Public School in the early 1970s. Bruce was Vice Captain at Lapstone. Bruce joined the then NSW Fire Brigades, now Fire & Rescue NSW in 1980. Bruce has been with FRNSW for over 30 years and has been awarded the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal for his work assisting with overseas disasters and also the Australian Fire Service Medal, and the Christchurch Earthquake Citation, from the NZ Government. Bruce has been awarded courageous action and meritorious service commendations for his work with FRNSW. Bruce has written a number of books on the history of the local area. The latest book A History of the Blue Labyrinth describes the Blue Mountains National Park. He is also a landscape painter and enjoys time bushwalking, climbing and mountain bike riding. He resides in the lower mountains with his family.
Here is a photo of Zach today at the NSW State All Schools Swimming Carnival. Zach was a Year 6 student last year at Glenbrook
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Last week he came 1st at the State Combined Catholic Colleges Swimming Carnival where he came 1st in 50m breast stroke for 12 year old boys. He did a PB. This then qualified him to swim at the NSW All Schools Carnival ( which is top 3 from Public, independent and Catholic High Schools in NSW). At this carnival he came 1st for 50m breast stroke, with another PB. Now waiting to see if he has qualified for Nationals which will be held in July in Melbourne.
| OUR EX STUDENTS EXCELLING AT PENRITH SELECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL |
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| OC TOWER NEWSLETTER 2012 (pdf, 330 KB) |