What could you do with 50kg of chocolate?
Master chocolatiers from around Australia will be vying for the new Chocolate Grand Prix, with the winner to receive training at the prestigious international Chocolate Academy, plus accommodation and airfares.
An initiative of Callebaut, Cacao Barry, F. Mayer Imports and Savour Chocolate & Patisserie School, the competition is a brand new concept never before seen in Australia, whereby competitors spend nine gruelling hours transforming more than 50kg chocolate into a delicate showpiece over six feet high. This year’s theme is “Origami”, which promises to inspire some exceptional pieces.
“The contest is excruciating, requiring steady hands and intense concentration,” says pastry chef and author Kirsten Tibballs from Savour Chocolate and Patisserie School, who is hosting the event. “And trust me, you haven’t seen heartache until you’ve seen a chocolate showpiece fall apart!”
This exciting competition is being held on Sunday 2 June as part of Foodservice Australia at The Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne. The expert guest judges will be Deniz Karaca, winner of the Asia Pacific Chocolate Masters in Taipei, and Masterchef TV regular Adriano Zumbo.
“In recent years we have seen an increase in knowledge and appreciation of fine chocolate and pastries throughout Australia, through TV shows such as Masterchef and The Great Australian Bake Off,” says Tibballs.
“With the recent success of Australian chefs in competitions all around the world, this will be an one-off opportunity to see first hand the dedication and skill from Australia’s stars of the chocolate and pastry world.”
Tibballs adds that Zumbo and Karaca will share their expertise over the remaining two days of the show as part of the Bakery Theatre, a series of demonstrations and expert tuition on plated desserts, artisan bread, tarts and hand made chocolates, which visitors to the show may access for free.
Foodservice Australia Director Timothy Collett says the Bakery Theatre and Chocolate Grand Prix are part of an impressive lineup of events at the show, including the Rare Medium Chef of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, the Restaurant Theatre, the FSAA annual Conference, the Global Pizza and Pasta Challenge, and the Best Pie Competition.
“These world-class events, combined with the exciting new products and dynamic exhibits we have come to expect from industry suppliers, make this a truly must-see show,” he says.
Foodservice Australia exhibition runs from 2-4 June 2013 at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne. Entry is strictly trade only. For more information and free registration visit www.foodserviceaustralia.com.au
