Renowned Sydney institution, Franca is announcing Luke Davenport as Head Chef
Chef Luke Davenport, formerly at Restaurant Hubert, has been appointed the new Head Chef at Franca in Potts Point. With a distinguished background, Davenport is excited to bring his expertise to Franca, where he aims to craft a more intimate and personalised dining experience. Thrilled about this new chapter, Davenport looks forward to embracing all Franca offers to create a bespoke dining experience, perfectly aligned with the restaurant’s ethos.
Training under the legendary Rene Redzepi at Noma in Copenhagen, Luke Davenport, honed his culinary prowess surrounded by some of the world’s top chefs, all united by their passion for food. Working across both the main kitchen and fermentation lab, his experience at Noma has ultimately shaped Davenport’s approach to cooking. Prior to Copenhagen though, Davenport worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in Toronto with the Alo group under Patrick Kirss and The Ledbury in London under Brett Graham. “My time at The Ledbury, my first Michelin-starred experience was challenging yet immensely rewarding and set a solid foundation for my future endeavours.”
“My culinary philosophy is driven by seasonality and the quality of ingredients,” Davenport explains. “I believe in letting the ingredients speak for themselves with minimal manipulation to highlight their natural flavours and characteristics.”
As Franca turns five, this milestone marks a period of anticipation as Franca looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence. The team is thrilled to welcome Luke Davenport as Head Chef, working alongside Executive Chef Jose Saulog. Together they aim to elevate Franca’s culinary offerings even further, blending their distinctive expertise and passion to craft unforgettable dining experiences. With this duo at the helm, Franca is poised for an exciting new chapter filled with exceptional cuisine.
With a culinary foundation rooted in classic French cuisine, Davenport is passionate about elements from other cuisines, particularly Japanese to add depth and surprise to his dishes. His interest in fermentation solidified during his time at Noma, continuing to influence his approach to cooking. At Franca, Davenport looks forward to bringing this innovative and diverse culinary style to the menu, creating a dining experience that will delight guests.
Chef Luke Davenport’s move to Franca marks an exciting new chapter for both the chef and the French brasserie. Franca patrons can look forward to experiencing Davenport’s unique culinary vision as Head Chef.
About Franca
Located in the bustling neighbourhood of Potts Point, Franca is a premier French brasserie known for its exquisite cuisine, elegant interiors and impeccable service. Since its establishment in 2019, Franca has been dedicated to delivering an exceptional dining experience that combines tradition with a modern twist, making it a staple in Sydney’s culinary landscape. Reservations are available here.
WEBSITE: https://www.francabrasserie.com.au/
Image credit: Steven Woodburn