Recognising the best chefs in Australia
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Finalists and judges celebrate a big win by chef Konstantin Putkin from Tasmania. The competition returns to Sydney this year from 19-21 May.
Two of the nation’s most prestigious professional chef competitions are being held in Sydney this May.
The first is the Australian Professional Chef of the Year. Having run for over a decade, this event attracts the very best competitors from around the country. It is an individual event where competitors are given one hour and a black box of ingredients.
Competition Director Peter Wright says, “chefs are competing against each other and the clock. They need to present their two best dishes to our very experienced judges. If they are good enough they will work their way through to the Grand Final. You have to be calm, controlled and talented.”
The competition is not only prestigious but also lucrative for the winner, with over $25,000 in cash and prizes. It’s supported by industry suppliers Unox Ovens, Anchor Food Professionals, Bidfood, Bone Roasters, Oil2U, Alsco Uniforms, Love Buds and Glad to be Green.
The second competition is the ACF Restaurant Challenge which sees teams of four come together to run a pop-up restaurant and serve a two-course meal to 50 guests and four industry judges.
Australian Culinary Federation President Karen Doyle says, “this is a great event for any restaurant team that wants to show off their skills and meet other chefs.” Entries are encouraged from any café, restaurant or venue. Karen says, “it’s not just for fine dining establishments. This is about working together and being able to deliver 50 quality meals under pressure. I’d love to see teams from every part of the industry.”
Both competitions will be running alongside Foodservice Australia which is the annual trade show for the hospitality industry. There will be over 400 exhibitors showing the latest food, drink and equipment as well as free workshops and stages.
Visitors to the tradeshow will be able to watch and cheer on their favourite chefs. Entry is free but strictly trade only. You must be 16 and work in a food or hospitality business. General public and children are not admitted.
For more information on these events, competition entry forms and free tickets to the expo visit www.foodserviceaustralia.com.au or call the organisers on 03 9999 5460.
