$10,000 up for grabs for Chef of the Year

More than 200 professional chefs will compete in the Chef of the Year and the Bocuse d’Or Australian Selection at the Foodservice Australia event at the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne from 28–30 May.

Chef of the Year has grown over the last decade to become one of Australia’s leading competitions for professional chefs. It also has one of the richest cash prizes of $10,000 thanks to the support of gold sponsors Unox Australia, Chobani and Rare Medium; and silver sponsors Alsco, Robot Coupe and Sous Vide Australia.

“This is a highly regarded and competitive event. This year we have had over 200 entries, which will be narrowed down to 32 finalists. They will meet each other in high-pressure one-hour heats, culminating in a grand final on the last day. There is a strict set of criteria, and a team of culinary experts to judge the winner,” said competition director Gary Farrell.

Farrell adds that this year’s event will be surrounded by stadium-style seating for the first time, allowing spectators an unprecedented view of the action.

Unox will be kitting out the competition kitchens with the latest LineMiss XFT133 ovens and SpidoCook Frytops.

Where the winner of Chef of the Year takes home a trophy, cash and prizes, the winner of the Bocuse d’Or Australian Selection receives something arguably even more valuable — the honour of representing their country.

At Foodservice Australia, four hopeful chefs and their assistant or commis chef will prepare a meat dish and a fish dish in just over five hours. The Bocuse d’Or Australian Selection is organised and judged by a committee of dedicated chefs and industry professionals.

Entries for both events will close on 1 May. For more information and online entries, visit www.foodserviceaustralia.com.au or www.bocusedoraustralia.com.au.