New Format for Apprentice Chef Competition
The Apprentice of the Year Competition will be bigger than ever this year, as it moves to Melbourne and takes on an exciting new format. Plus it will open up to apprentices from any college for the very first time.
The Apprentice Chef of the Year is an annual event that runs alongside the senior chef competition, with a revised set of rules that ensure apprentices will have fun and be recognised for their skills.
This year the competition will run from on 4 June inside the popular Foodservice Australia trade exhibition in Melbourne. Four cooking stations will be built on the show floor so visitors can watch all the action.
A new format will see a recognised chef demonstrate a dish that needs to be replicated by the apprentices. Competition Director Gary Farrell says “it’s about showing being able to listen, understand and replicate basic chef skills. You also need to be able to perform in front of a live audience under a bit of pressure.
The second change was to make the competition a knock out series – with the best apprentices proceeding to a grand final at the end of the day. This will enable spectators to see our very best future chefs in action, and the winner crowned.
The third change was to open up the competition to registered apprentices from any training establishment. This will raise the standard of the competition and create some rivalry between the colleges.
The competition will have three qualified judges headed by John Mc Fadden - Group Executive Chef for the Trippas White Group in Sydney. He takes over the role from Black Hat Chef George Hill who will be still involved in a tasting and judging capacity.
Gary says “my brief this year was to make the competition more relevant and enjoyable for apprentices, and more exciting for spectators. Thanks to input of industry and support of our wonderful sponsors I think we have done both”.
Apprentice Chef of the Year is presented by Rare Medium and William Angliss College. Support sponsors include Independent Fisheries, Alsco, Sous Vide and Victorinox. Entry forms and further information are available at www.foodserviceaustralia.com.au
Source: Foodservice Australia Expo 2013
