Young Chef of the Year announced

Stewart Wesson, Australian Young Chef of the Year.

Adelaide Hills chef Stewart Wesson, chef de partie at Bridgewater Mill was named the 2012 Australian Young Chef of the Year at the Electrolux Appetite for Excellence 2012 awards ceremony at glass brasserie in Sydney last night.

The 23-year-old chef beat a field of seven of the nation's brightest and most creative chefs in what the judges described as the most competitive year to date.

"I was up against so many other great chefs, and my heart is racing a 100 miles an hour right now, it's amazing," he said after the announcement.

"It's such good recognition from the industry, and such a great competition. There are such great people involved, not only judges but competitors as well."

"Getting to meet some of Australia's best chefs, restaurateurs and suppliers and  build relationships with them is really invaluable," said Wesson.

Melbourne head chef Michael Fox from Henry & the Fox, was named Runner up amongst an impressive field of national finalists including Kah-wai Lo (chef de partie, Hare & Grace, Melbourne VIC), Matthew Bugeja (chef de partie, Becasse, Sydney NSW), Michael Demagitris (executive chef, Sorrento Golf Club, Sorrento VIC), Nick Street-Brown (head chef, Coast Restaurant and Bar, Hervey Bay QLD) and Sarah Knights (sous chef, Uccello, Sydney NSW).

Master of Ceremonies Jill Dupleix and duel guests of honour Peter Gilmore and Mark Best all paid tribute to the next generation of culinary stars that made up this year’s Electrolux Appetite for Excellence Awards national finalists.

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.

Source: Foodservice, 21 August 2012