Overview
Empty plates are a diner's nightmare. If you're sitting in a restaurant and there's nothing in front of you, it's either because your meal hasn't arrived or because you've come to the end of a tasty dish. But at Matt Moran's Solotel group, empty plates will now help a very worthy cause: Australia's drought-affected farmers.
With the country currently doing it tough, drought-wise — and farmers doing it even tougher — the hospitality empire has launched 'Plate for a Farmer', which encourages patrons to buy an empty plate to support those in need. You can purchase an empty entrée plate for $5 or a main plate for $10, with Solotel matching every dollar spent. The proceeds will then go to Rural Aid to assist with their mental health counselling and other drought support programs.
If you're keen to give farmers a helping hand next time you're eating out, you can do so at Aria in both Sydney and Brisbane, plus Bea at Barangaroo House, Chiswick Woollahra, Chiswick at the Gallery, Paddo Inn, North Bondi Fish, Opera Bar and Chophouse.
Solotel's initiative recognises the importance of Australian produce and rural suppliers to the group's meals, as well as Moran's background as a fourth-generation farmer. "Throughout my career, having access to the very best produce in Australia has been a joy, but the drought conditions that now shroud our countryside are having a devastating effect on our rural suppliers," says Moran. "As both a chef and a very proud fourth-generation farmer, this is heart-wrenching. Our Aussie farmers' hard work and innovation have enabled the team and me to bring wonderful seasonal menus, year after year. It's now time for us to step up and help them."