Publisher, Editor & Chief Judge: Dane Richards
Dane’s passion for exceptional food and wine experiences from his formative years, led him to successfully publish his own culinary website LBV Le Bon Vivant in 2009, where his respected insights, opinions and unique skill set were quickly recognised by his peers and peak industry bodies. He was headhunted for various leading reviewing positions, culminating in him being appointed as Chair, Industry Relations prior to his promotion to General Manager and Head of Reviewing in Australia for the respected Global food guide Gault&Millau. He was part of the original AussieCuisine Project Team in 2016, and now heads up its revival in 2026.
Dane judges and reviews food and wine at all levels for a diversity of key Industy organisations, with his honest and objective assessments valued by industry, and through News For The Food Lover and his LBV Le Bon Vivant brand he also provides independent consultancy to various hospitality operators to assist them in achieving their full potential. He also currently holds the position of President for the Sydney Bailliage of the Global food and beverage organisation Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.
Most recently he judged at the 2025 NSW Wines Sommelier’s Wine List Awards and 2025 Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Fine Food Show. Dane is highly sought after for industry judging and events.
Today, he lives in Sydney, and is a leading and passionate advocate for the industry with his palate, opinions and food critique considered in the top echelon, both in this country and abroad.
Email: dane@newsforthefoodlover.com
What we offer, and how can we help you
Apart from publishing a dynamic National website and social media platform that covers all the latest developments in food, beverage, lifestyle and travel we offer:
- Professional, respected, and independent evaluation of your Restaurant/Hotel/Cafe/Bar/Catering/Resort
- Anonymous evaluation visits
- Available to critique Openings (both soft & official) and attend Media launches
- Existing and New Menu tasting critique
- Help your Business become review ready by understanding the key objectives of critique evaluation systems
- Review cookbooks
- Cover beverage tastings
- Review travel and lifestyle experiences
- Food and beverage Competition judging (including trade shows)
- Product and equipment evaluation/endorsement
- Hospitality Consultancy
- Speaking engagements
- Food Guide Reviewing
- Food Guide Consultancy
- Address Culture Issues within your Business
- Resetting Leadership and Culture
If we engage with you, and believe in the integrity of your product and brand, we will stand beside you for the long term, whilst others will have quickly moved onto the next opportunity.
Our audience and market reach has been genuinely built by establishing mutual respect with industry leaders and passionate food and beverage lovers.
Contact us, and let’s begin both the conversation and collaboration!
Enquire by email: dane@newsforthefoodlover.com
Or
send by mail:
PO Box 97, Beverly Hills NSW 2209