Meet Our Chefs – The Heart of Food Thrills Catering Sydney
Creative, Passionate, Experienced –
The Chefs Behind Our Event Catering in Sydney
At Food Thrills, we believe that great catering starts with great people. Our chefs don’t just cook — they create. From elegant wedding banquets to high-impact corporate events, our Sydney catering team delivers memorable food experiences grounded in quality, creativity, and passion.
With decades of combined experience in fine dining, events, and private kitchens across Australia and beyond, our chefs lead every dish with purpose. They work hand-in-hand with you to design custom menus that reflect your tastes, theme, and dietary needs — making Food Thrills a trusted name in event catering Sydney clients rely on.
Executive Chef Leonardo Iza
Chef Leonardo’s culinary journey has taken him from intimate kitchens to serving elite guests including Naomi Campbell, Roberto Carlos, and Ivete Sangalo. For him, food isn’t just nourishment — it’s about creating meaningful moments. He lives for that “wow” moment when guests taste his dishes and their faces light up. With specialties in Brazilian, Modern Australian, and South American cuisines, Chef Leo pours his soul into each menu — whether it's an elegant wedding banquet or a modern grazing spread.
He believes there’s “no greater pleasure in life than a good meal shared,” and brings that ethos to every Food Thrills event. It’s not just cooking — it’s creating connection through flavor.
Chef Leo was great, and the food was brilliant. Though the prior organisation wasn’t ideal. I’d filled in the form online but didn’t get a confirmation of what had been selected (which is difficult to remember when it’s done a few months before the event). Also, due to that, I had a calendar invitation for 6 pm but Chef Leo had been told to get there for 5 pm and we weren’t home. Besides that everything was great.
Simon Coope
Chef Leo was delightful. A beautifully prepared meal. Would have liked the courses a little more spaced out – they were served close together. Kitchen was left spotless.
Helen
Very good service and the food was as we’ve requested
We didn‚t have to lift a finger which was a nice change for Christmas lunch
Greg Masters
Celebrity Chef Tom Kime
Renowned for his global perspective and passion for ethical cuisine, Chef Tom Kime brings a wealth of international experience to the Food Thrills Sydney catering team. Having cooked in Michelin-starred restaurants and led culinary projects across five continents, Tom’s approach is both refined and deeply human — food with purpose, stories, and soul.
His career spans collaborations with culinary icons like Rick Stein and Jamie Oliver, as well as appearances on international food programs and authorship of acclaimed cookbooks. Beyond technique, Tom’s philosophy is rooted in sustainability — celebrating responsibly sourced produce and connecting people through shared meals that make a difference.
At Food Thrills, Chef Tom champions menus that balance sophistication with authenticity. His signature style blends global flavours with local ingredients, creating dishes that are vibrant, elegant, and unforgettable. Whether curating fine-dining experiences or intimate private dinners, he ensures every event reflects creativity, care, and conscience — the essence of <strong>event catering in Sydney.
2015 Fish Tales honoured by the World Gourmand Awards as one of their ‘Best of the Best books from the last 20 years.
‘The recipes are as enticing and simple as you’d expect from a food writer of Kime’s caliber. Fish tales is perfect for friends who worry about the world.’
Thomasina Miers the Times Nov 2009
‘Tom Kime is one of Britain’s most gifted chefs and his books are stuffed full with the most delectable of recipes. Kime is fascinated by the combining flavours and his expertise in South East Asian food shines forth from every page.’
Tom Parker Bowles: Food Journalist the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday
The whole experience was unbelievably fabulous. Chef Tom and waiter Moses were brilliant and made the night so enjoyable for myself and my guests with their personal approach. The food was absolutely sensational and I and all my guests were ecstatic about the food and service. Can’t speak highly enough about them | That’s a hard one because they were all gorgeous but I think the oyster canapés just win over the gorgeous desert but everything was delicious
Margaret Anne Booth
Chef Tom Kime was an absolute delight to work with. He has amazing knowledge which he openly shared with all of us – knowledge of cuisines, knowledge of cooking processes; knowledge of flavour systems/flavour pairings and knowledge of product development, and importantly, what it takes to truly delight consumers. Both Tom’s chef skills and his product development skills were “top shelf” and it made such a difference for us. Chef Tom was also truly humble (despite his amazing skills and standing in the culinary field). We felt truly blessed to work alongside him. We couldn’t recommend him highly enough for anyone looking for culinary inspiration and a next level eating experience.
Suz
Executive Chef Patrick Dugo
With over 20 years of experience across fine dining, luxury hotels, and private events, Chef Patrick Dugo brings Italian passion and precision to the Food Thrills Sydney catering team. Trained in Italy and seasoned by international kitchens, Patrick’s culinary journey is marked by authenticity, innovation, and respect for tradition.
Specialising in Mediterranean and Modern Australian cuisine, Chef Patrick blends rustic charm with refined technique. His dishes celebrate fresh, seasonal produce and showcase bold yet balanced flavours — from delicate handmade pastas to elegant plated mains. His ability to craft tailored menus makes him a favourite for event catering in Sydney especially weddings and private celebrations.
Known for his warm personality and meticulous attention to detail, Patrick ensures that every plate is as memorable as the occasion itself. Whether it’s a grand corporate gala or an intimate dinner, he creates food that reflects both artistry and soul, raising the bar for catering in Sydney.
Executive Chef Patrick Warcholak
Originally from the UK, Chef Patrick’s culinary story unfolded in Australia, where a mentor in Melbourne ignited his professional cooking path. His early work as a head chef in a Middle Eastern restaurant shaped his bold, flavour-forward approach. Patrick blends global techniques with an emphasis on humble ingredients—like roasted cauliflower with bulgur and lemon tahini, his signature dish.
Grounded in simplicity and quality, Patrick is known for his thoughtful, waste-conscious cooking and the warm atmosphere he brings to every dining experience. His modern, unfussy dishes create a flavor-forward yet comforting journey — elevating private dining in a truly personal way.
Why Our Chefs Make Food Thrills Different
Quality Food – Our chefs work to cook the highest quality food for weddings, private events, and corporate functions.
Farm-to-Table Philosophy – We use fresh, seasonal produce and source ethically from local suppliers whenever possible.
Experience That Matters – From intimate dinners to 300-guest events, our team executes flawlessly at any scale.
We’re proud to have built a Sydney catering team that’s equal parts talent and heart. Our chefs aren’t just experts — they’re storytellers, artists, and service professionals who thrive under pressure and love what they do.
Let’s Create Something Delicious Together
If you're looking for event catering in Sydney that goes beyond the plate, you're in the right place. Our chefs are ready to turn your ideas into unforgettable dishes — whether it’s a wedding, housewarming, or branded event.
Contact us today to meet the team, request a custom menu, or start planning your next event.