Now in its 52nd year, the Nestlé Golden Chefs Hat Awards supports young chefs; helping them to develop their cooking skills and broaden their culinary horizons.
Run in partnership with Nestlé Professional and the Australian Culinary Federation, the 2017 Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award has seen more teams enter across the country than any previous year.
To secure a spot in the national finals, competing chef teams first have to successfully navigate the regional heats. More than 290 young chefs have participated in eleven cook-offs around the country, competing against their peers to create two-course menus to be judged by a panel.
With the last regional heat just wrapped in Tasmania, 10 winning teams will now compete over two days at the national finals in front of a live audience in purpose built kitchens at Fine Food Australia, at ICC Sydney in September.
“Taking part in the Award makes you push yourself to the next level. Competing is vital to the professional development of young chefs, you learn so much from this type of experience. Putting yourself up to be judged on your culinary talent is tough, but this is ultimately how you hone your skills, build your networks and get your name out there,” says head judge and executive chef at Nestlé Professional, Mark Clayton.
This year’s national champions will be announced at an industry awards night where they will be awarded a culinary trip to Vietnam.
Check out the full 2017 Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award finalist line-up here.