Last night saw three aspiring young local chefs’ cook their way one step closer to London in the preliminary finals of the Brett Graham Scholarship.
The Hunter Culinary Association, in conjunction with TAFE NSW, host this prestigious annual event, now in its 18th year. Six preliminary finalists cooked for their chance to work under leading Australian chef Brett Graham in his highly acclaimed London based restaurant – The Ledbury. The Brett Graham Scholarship now in its 18th year, aims to recognise and nurture one of the Hunter Region’s most talented young chefs.
Ultimately three young Apprentices will now proceed to the final cook off – Ian Tintero of The George Tavern, Jahri Etteridge from Yellowtail, and Jayden Dann from EXP Restaurant (pictured left to right above). Contestants will all vie for the $10,000 career kick start on Tuesday 15th March. This will assist in covering airfares and accommodation in London, and is sponsored by both the Hunter Culinary Association and TAFE NSW.
Previous winners of the Brett Graham Scholarship have included Troy Rhoades Brown of Muse, Garreth Robbs of Bistro Molines, Chris Thornton of Restaurant Mason, George Mirosevich of the Signal Box, and Josh Gregory of Muse Kitchen.
Judges Tracey Amos from TAFE, Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Publisher, Cornelia Schultz and leading local Chef Shayne Mansfield of The Flotilla fame, all recognised the talent of this years competing Apprentices.
Gus Maher, Chair of Hunter Culinary Association, said his belief was that the competition was particularly close – “The Judges all said that each Apprentice brought a broad range of skills and creativity, and whilst all six finalists were very worthy, their choice of the final three was unanimous.”
Joining them on the Judging Panel for next weeks final will be Andy Wright – long time, well known Hunter Valley Chef, co-founder of The Hunter Culinary Association and now Proprietor of Pokolbin Catering Co with his wife, Janet.
The Hunter Culinary Association is a not-for-profit organisation, led by industry professionals, offering a suite of scholarships and awards that support aspiring young chefs, apprentices and front of house professionals.
As a region, the Hunter offers a culinary destination featuring diverse and abundant dining experiences ranging from quality cafes to hatted restaurants, which proudly showcase passionate and talented industry professionals, regionally sourced produce and award-winning wines from the Hunter Valley’s highly regarded wineries.