Gary Cooper

Gary Cooper is Executive Chef and partner owner of Bella Vedere.

Gary Cooper was born on March 3rd 1963. He started cheffing at the age of 15. His studies in the culinary field were obtained in England and Australia in the years of 1978 to 1981.

His three years of overseas cooking experience include the countries of England, France and South Africa.

Bella Vedere opened in December 2004 with Gary’s already established reputation and devoted relationships with local producers, Gary was able to develop a menu that changed daily at a fixed price, that would only support local farmers and producers which would in turn, assure the supply of pure and fresh ingredients.

As sustainable agriculture grows in the Yarra Valley Gary is able to support and use local produce only.

Over the last 27 years of Gary’s career he has owned and operated two of his own restaurants. He has earned 2 chef’s hats at Cottswold House (owners at the time Sylvia and Mike Johnson), he established and operated Chateau Yering earning 3 chefs hats at Eleanor’s Rrestaurant and established and ran Sweet Water Cafe. Gary was also invited to the James Beard foundation in New York.

Although Bella Vedere has only been open for 2 1/2 years Gary is ready to launch the cooking school to compliment and share the quality food experience that one is able to enjoy at Bella Vedere.