MONTY BENFICA | Amusements | CONTACT
An unassuming pool canteen has been awarded the first ever Michelin star on Australian soil after being the final place you can get hot chips with that nostalgic yellow tinge.
Debra Camilleri (73), has been manager of the canteen at the Margaret Lawson Aquatic Centre for 29 years and says the award is a crowning achievement in her decades long canteen career.
“I knew we were doing the right thing when kept our simple menu of potato scallops and bright yellow hot chips when all the other canteens in the area were updating their menu’s for the new yuppy families moving into the area”
The International Director of the Michelin Star, Gwendal Poullennec, says the trip to the outer-suburban community pool was a life changing experience.
“Zese things you call potato scallops? Zey are amazing! And ze yellow chips? Fantastique! Ze best chip I ‘ave ever tasted. I will not be able to enjoy a chip ze same way after trying ze bright yellow chip at zis pool.” Mr.Poullennec explained.
Ms. Camilleri says she has no plans to change a thing, despite the newfound international attention.
“We don’t do truffle fries or aioli here, just proper chips with chicken salt and a splash of vinegar if you ask nicely,” she said proudly.
Locals are already bracing for an influx of food tourists, but regulars insist they won’t be giving up their spot in the queue without a fight.
“If some bloke from Paris thinks he can jump the line for my Friday arvo chips, he’s got another thing coming,” said lifelong pool-goer Barry Thompson.
