Golden Chefs gearing up for grand finals showdown

The top 12 finalist chefs of the 2023 Nestlé GOLDEN CHEF'S HAT AWARD are gearing up for the grand finals, where they will compete for career changing recognition and industry appreciation. The young chefs were selected from regional heats held across Australia and New Zealand from May to July, and soon they will face off in live cook-offs at Fine Food – the leading trade event for the food industry.

The live action of the chef-to-chef grand finals will take place next week, September 11th and 12th, with the medal and award results to follow on September 13th at an exclusive industry Awards Night event.

The finalists will need to prepare a three-course menu, which includes an ovo-lacto entrée, main course using sustainably farmed Murray Cod and a dessert course. Their menus will be judged by expert judges from the Australian Culinary Federation, NZChefs, and Nestlé Professional, who will assess professional practices, presentation, and taste.

This year will also see two industry leading chefs guest judging:

Internationally recognised chef Amanda Fuller, who is currently Group Executive Chef at the Sam Prince Hospitality Group and a passionate advocate of mentoring rising talent to encourage them up the culinary ranks.

Along with past Golden Chef’s finalist (2001-2003) Telina Menzies who, as the Executive Chef at Australian Venue Co, manages a portfolio of over 50 venues across VIC, WA and NSW. 

Commercial Development Chef and Nestlé Professional Judge, Elke Travers says, “The combined pressure and thrill of competing at this level offers such a unique learning experience for young chefs to elevate their cooking skills and create career building opportunities. I know they’ve all put in a lot of time, on top of their work commitments, to develop their menus, trial their dishes and gear up for the grand finals. We can’t wait to see them in action.”

The ultimate Golden Chef of the Year winner will receive a two-week European culinary experience, valued at $10,000, to travel with the Australian Culinary Olympics Junior Team at the IKA Culinary Olympics in Stuttgart, Germany. This unique opportunity will also include a culinary work experience in Europe. Plus, to enhance their kitchen tool repertoire, the winner will also receive a bespoke set of beautifully crafted KOI Knives.

In addition to the ultimate Golden Chef of the Year award, two $2,500 cash prizes for Best Savoury Dish and Best Dessert Dish are on offer, as well as Most Creative and Most Sustainable award equipment packages to the value of $1,000 courtesy of SOLIDTEKNICS.

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