The $10,000 Brett Graham Culinary Scholarship is again up for grabs as three of the Hunter Region’s best apprentice chefs compete to cook a three-course meal for 60 industry members.
Established in 2003 as a partnership between Hunter TAFE and Hunter Culinary Association (HCA), the scholarship is named after Hunter TAFE alumni, Brett Graham.
Graham’s restaurant The Ledbury in London’s Notting Hill was voted the 14th best restaurant in the world, making Graham the highest placed Australian chef.
The scholarship recipient will fly to London and work alongside Graham at The Ledbury. They can put the rest of their winnings toward dining out and experiencing Europe, before returning home to commence a Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery at Hunter TAFE.
“Originally, the scholarship funds would cover the cost of the winner’s flights. Now thanks to events such as the annual Food Fight that takes place each June, we have been able to provide the winner with a life-changing experience that they will never forget. Some have even managed to impress Brett enough to score an ongoing role at The Ledbury,” said Ben Neil, HCA chairman.
“Each year the scholarship attracts the region's best apprentices and young chefs and sees them gain international experience with most returning home to our region. A core focus of the Association and its scholarship charter is to foster upcoming talent in the industry for years to come.”
The aspiring chefs will take part in a cook-off on Tuesday 11 October where the eight entrants will be narrowed down to three with the final competition to be held on 18 October.
