2020 Proud to be a Chef: Special award winners announced

Once again 32 apprentice chefs from all over Australia have participated in a once-in-a-lifetime experience – the Proud to Be a Chef mentoring program, which assists in the creation of tomorrow’s culinary leaders through the recognition, professional development and ongoing support of today’s apprentice chefs.

The four-day experiential journey encompassing culinary experiences, workshops, masterclasses with mentors and industry leaders and dining at prominent restaurants culminated in a cook-off at William Angliss Institute and a gala event which saw several finalists presented with special awards.

This year’s Proud to Be a Chef International Culinary Scholarship, valued at $7,500 and tailored to the winner’s personal interests and goals as a professional chef, was awarded to AMBER HEATON from THE STAR GOLD COAST. Upon presenting the award, Proud to Be a Chef mentor and Anchor™ Food Professionals Executive Chef Mark Normoyle said, “Amber’s participation throughout the entire four day program was second to none. She soaked up every piece of information like a sponge, she got along well with all the other finalists and in fact went out of her way to help them if they needed a hand, rolling up her sleeves and pitching in whenever there was an opportunity. She was clearly here for all the right reasons and determined to get as much out of the program as possible.”

Best Savoury Dish at the cook-off event was awarded to FELIX CARSTENS for Salmon with Jerusalem Artichoke Panna Cotta. Proud to Be a Chef mentor ADRIAN RICHARDSON said, “When we saw Felix preparing the dish there was a great deal of skill on display. His knifework, the way he positioned himself while working in a confined space, and his overall execution of the plate was excellent. And when it came to the table for the tasting, it was cooked perfectly – moist, juicy, seasoned to perfection and a perfect portion size. It was a dish you could find in any five-star restaurant anywhere in the world.”

Best Sweet was awarded to JESSICA BINGHAM for Black Forest Dessert. Proud to Be a Chef mentor LISA VAN ZANTEN said, “The judging for this particular award was very difficult, because everyone did an amazing job. But Jessica’s sweet was one I really fell in love with - it was a beautiful moulded chocolate mousse in the shape of a cherry, with a shiny red glaze to emphasise that theme, on a bed of cream with chocolate soil around the edge and finished with some fresh cherries. It was absolutely delightful.”

Best Use of Social Media in documenting the finalists’ journey through the Proud to Be a Chef program was awarded to LIAM MASTERS. Anchor™ Food Professionals Channel Marketing Manager Kym Gill said, “We encourage our finalists to be active on socials, as it’s the way we connect, the way we inspire – and throughout these four days of Proud to Be a Chef there have been some outstanding stories told. Liam really stood out in this regard, right from the beginning of his journey when he received the news in the mail that he’d been chosen as a finalist, and he’s continued to showcase the program and bring it to life for others.”

Proud to Be a Chef’s three mentors also announced two winners of the Mentor Chefs’ Amazing Attitude Awards – these “triple A prizes” were presented to JORDON MCDOUGALL and JOSHUA FRENEY for their “extra mile” effort and organization.

This year was the 21st anniversary of Proud to Be a Chef – and more than two decades since its founding, the program continues its commitment to championing the best of Australia’s next generation chefs and providing them with a truly life-changing experience.

“Once again we’ve taken 32 apprentice chefs through the program and once again, we’ve been blown away by the commitment, passion, enthusiasm and maturity they’ve demonstrated,” said Kym Gill. “We’re so proud of our finalists and pleased that we have been able to provide them with this experience to support them in the next steps of their journey to become the culinary leaders of tomorrow.

For full details about Proud To Be a Chef, including video interviews with winners, finalists and mentors, entry forms and contact information please visit http://www.proudtobeachef.com.