Frank ambition
He’s just 30 years old and already a well-known name among foodies in the Hunter Valley and beyond. EXP in the Hunter Valley showcases chef Frank Fawkner’s bold food vision, shaped by global experience and award-winning local talent.
Frank Fawkner, winner of the Hunter Culinary Association’s 2018 Food Fight Challenge, owner of the highly regarded EXP restaurant and pioneer behind Fawk Foods and the recently launched Fawk Kitchen & Bakery, is on a roll (no pun intended). As a young boy, Frank had his plan mapped out – to open his own restaurant – and since that time he has diligently gathered all the right experience and mentors he could.
At the tender age of 15, Frank began his cooking career at Mount Broke Wines café in Broke. From there he joined the opening team at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley where he worked for three years to complete his apprenticeship. Then a move to London saw him working for Tom Aikens and climbing to the rank of Sous Chef at Tom’s Kitchen.
In 2008, when he returned to the Hunter, he landed a position at the renowned Muse Restaurant working alongside owners Troy and Megan Rhoades-Brown and it was under Troy’s mentorship that Frank says his ideas really began to flourish. Frank says, “Troy was always so easy to be open with, in terms of my own ambitions. He was incredibly helpful; sharing his knowledge and willing to help me grow.” Frank became Head Chef in late 2013 and was part of the team when Muse reached the highly coveted “2 Hats” from the SMH Good Food Guide.
Now, at EXP, Frank channels his culinary creativity and fine-dining experience into every dish, offering a truly memorable Hunter Valley experience.
Opening hours EXP: Wednesday to Friday 2 pm – late, Saturday 12 pm – late, Sunday 12 pm – 3 pm
WORDS | LESLEY HORSBURGH
PHOTOGRAPHY | FRANK FAWKNER
You may also like
From Soil to Sip
When Emma and David White left behind their high-powered corporate careers in Sydney to plant roots
Newcastle’s best Japanese restaurants
Find your favourite or discover somewhere new on our curated list of the Hunter’s best Japanese re
Queen of the Hunter
As the daughter of legendary and part of a fourth-generation winemaking dynasty, Lisa McGuigan’s p