As a Chef at Hills and Ranges Private, Chris Wilding understands the role that a great dining experience plays in recovery – providing meaningful connections, special moments, and of course, great food.
Chris has worked as a Chef in the hospitality industry for more than 30 years. He has owned an award-winning restaurant in regional Victoria, a café and catering business in Hawthorn, launched a food product business, and performed in the role of Head Chef in a number of high-profile businesses. During his time as a chef, Chris has catered to weddings and private events for up to 500 people, operated in award-winning kitchens, and worked alongside many of the world’s finest chefs, including Mietta, and Alla Wolf-Taska.
Chris understands that being a chef is all about cultivating relationships, whether it is with guests and customers, suppliers, producers, or colleagues. Chris cites his connections to people as a point of pride in his work, and is most proud of his former Apprentice Chef who went on to win Apprentice Chef of the year.
A natural leader in a residential setting, Chris embodies the HARP values of Integrity, Consistency, Humility, Reliability, and Altruism. Bringing his own lived experience to the Dining Experience at HARP, Chris ensures that client nutritional and dietary requirements are met without compromising on flavour, presentation or variety.
“In my own addiction and recovery journey I have discovered that the opposite of addiction is connection, and food and eating with others is one way that we connect. Whether it’s talking about food with others, discovering a new dish or utilising local new season organic vegetables so that they taste amazing. In the end it’s all another way to live in recovery, connected to ourselves and our family and to appreciate and be grateful for each addiction free day.”
- Bachelor of Business in Catering and Hotel Management