GOLDEN CHEF TALENT PROVE THEIR PROWESS

In a year like no other, Nestlé GOLDEN CHEF'S HAT AWARD has adapted to a new virtual format, sourcing a top ten line-up of young chef talent from right across Australia and New Zealand, with one chef just revealed as the Golden Chef of the Year.

With this being the time that young chefs needed support more than ever, the award promised to uphold its 55-year legacy of developing the next generation of talented chefs.  

“In a year marked by many challenges, it’s been wonderful to see the Golden Chefs competition adapt and become even more relevant to young chefs. With lots of culinary competitions switching off this year, together with Nestlé Professional, we didn’t waiver in standing by young chefs. Vital opportunities like this are an essential part of their career advancement,” Karen Doyle National President Australian Culinary Federation. 

With lockdowns and travel restrictions continuing, simultaneous finals events were held at multiple locations, from Perth to Christchurch, Hobart to Darwin, and everywhere in between. The stakes were high with the top ten chefs pushing themselves across entrée, main and dessert courses. Expert judges were assigned to each finals location to assess professional practices, presentation and the all-important taste factor.

“This year has highlighted that there are some seriously motivated and talented young chefs driving the future of this industry. I assure you it won’t be the last we hear from each of them and this is just the start of even more opportunities that await,” Scott Stuckmann, Business Executive Officer Nestlé Professional.

With medals achieved by all the top ten finalists, ultimately three chefs were in play for the Golden Chef of the Year. Gold medals were achieved by Eve Sheraton from Brisbane and Maverick Cuthbert from Perth, along with Sam Heaven from Napier, New Zealand.

“All of the chefs represented themselves to an incredible level, they simply went beyond. Right across their menus, they rose to the challenge and were exceptional when it came to flavour, technical expertise and overall creativity,” Mark Clayton Executive Chef Nestlé Professional.

But there could be only one winner, with Sam Heaven being crowned the 2020 Golden Chef of the Year.

Sam who has been awarded $10,000 to further his culinary career says he is elated: “This caps off an incredibly challenging time not only for me but for all the other young chefs across New Zealand and Australia who have had to deal with such difficult times. To achieve success in this event I had to park all the stresses of job issues and lockdowns, and forge ahead with an end game in mind of winning. 

Chef Davy Dai from Victoria also achieved the Most Creative Use of a Nestlé Product Award and was awarded a $1,000 cash prize.

“We promised to stand by our chef community, and we’ve done exactly that. The new virtual format has seen the competition move to a new level, offering chefs a real opportunity to elevate their skills, shape their future, and continue to be connected to the incredibly supportive community that is foodservice,” Scott Stuckmann, Business Executive Officer Nestlé Professional.

Medal Achievements:

Sam Heaven                       NZ North Island                   Gold

Eve Sheraton                       Queensland                        Gold

Maverick Cuthbert            Western Australia               Gold

Sarah Jones                         South Australia                   Silver

Josh Nickl                             NSW Regional                     Silver

Jaaydn Byrne                     NSW Metro                           Silver

Davy Dai                              Victoria                                 Silver

Sadhvi Chawla                   Tasmania                              Bronze

Taylah King                          Northern Territory               Bronze

Jamie Jackson                   NZ South Island                   Bronze