The Electrolux Appetite for Excellence 2012 winners were announced last night in a gala celebration at glass brasserie in Sydney. Established in 2005, the awards attract the highest profile members of the food industry each year to celebrate young talent, and the future of the industry.
Master of Ceremonies Jill Dupleix paid tribute to the next generation of culinary stars that made up this year’s Electrolux Appetite for Excellence Awards national finalists as she named the Electrolux Australian Young Chef, Waiter and Restaurateur of 2012, the guardians of Australia’s hospitality future.
The Awards, recognised as one of the industry’s most prestigious, were presented in front of the nation’s culinary elite including Giovanni Pilu, John Fink and Lyndey Milan. Aiming to inspire and encourage the future heavyweights of the hospitality industry, the Awards aim to retain culinary talent in Australia, despite the allure of overseas fine dining and Michelin stars.
Continuing the celebration of all things home grown, the role of guest of honour was shared by local multi-hatted and internationally renowned chefs Peter Gilmore and Mark Best, who share a passion for nurturing young talent and providing opportunities to hone skills, find inspiration and grow success right here in our own backyard.
The 2012 Electrolux Appetite for Excellence winners are:
Electrolux Australian Young Chef 2012
Winner: Stewart Wesson, 23yo, Bridgewater Mill (Adelaide Hills)
Runner Up: Michael Fox, 29yo, Henry & the Fox (Melbourne)
Electrolux Australian Young Waiter 2012
Winner: James Audas, 23yo, BLACK by ezard (Sydney)
Runner Up: Alexander Tuckett, 25yo, Pilu at Freshwater (Sydney)
Electrolux Australian Young Restaurateur 2012
Winner: Katrina Birchmeier, 32yo, Garagistes (Hobart)
Runner Up: Daniel Wilson, 35yo, Huxtable (Melbourne)
The winners receive a once-in-a-lifetime experience to expand their food and wine skills, learn from some of the world’s best chefs and be inspired by an amazing overseas trip.
The Electrolux Australian Young Waiter Winner prize package includes:
•Sanpellegrino offers the Electrolux Australian young waiter winner a unique opportunity to attend the renowned World Gourmet Summit in Singapore in 2013. There they will meet international winemakers; Michelin star chefs, participate in food and wine masterclasses and network with international and local hospitality leaders;
•Return overseas flights courtesy of Virgin Australia to participate in two weeks work experience at a world leading restaurant overseas;
•$3,000 cash to assist with travel & overseas work experience expenses;
•The highly-acclaimed title and an accompanying trophy;
•Electrolux will provide the establishments of the winners with a selection of premium domestic kitchen appliances of their choice to the value of $5,000 RRP
The Electrolux Australian Young Chef Winner prize package includes:
•Sanpellegrino offers the Electrolux Australian young chef winner a once in a lifetime to experience to represent Australia and compete in the famous S.Pellegrino Cooking Cup in Venice. This is followed by a visit to the source of two of the world’s most renowned mineral waters – S.Pellegrino located in the Italian Alps and Acqua Panna positioned in the hills of Tuscany, where they will experience the rich heritage, lifestyle and culture of each of the waters;
•Return overseas flights courtesy of Virgin Australia to participate in two weeks work experience at a world leading restaurant overseas;
•$3,000 cash to assist with travel & overseas work experience expenses;
•The highly-acclaimed title and an accompanying trophy;
•Electrolux will provide the establishments of the winners with a selection of premium domestic kitchen appliances of their choice to the value of $5,000 RRP
The Electrolux Australian Young Restaurateur winner prize package offers:
•A unique opportunity from Sanpellegrino with an all-expenses paid trip to London to attend “The S.Pellegrino Worlds 50 Best Restaurants Awards” in 2013
•Return overseas flights courtesy of Virgin Australia to attend ”The S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards”
•$8,000 cash to be invested in their business under the guidance of the panel
•Electrolux will provide the establishment of the winner with a selection of premium domestic kitchen appliances of their choice to the value of $5,000 RRP
