Three local apprentice chefs will by vying for the title of ETC Apprentice of the Year during a public cook-off competition to be held at Port Central Shopping Centre on Saturday, November 10.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The cook-off will happen between from 10.30am – 12.30pm.
They will be re-creating their own signature seafood dish, featuring Australian native foods, which won them a place in the final from an original group of 8 contestants.
The finalists are Sarah Townsend, a second year apprentice with Taree RSL Golf Club; Harrison Nyberg, a second year apprentice with Chop n Chill in Port Macquarie; and Luke Miakoda a first year apprentice with Luna Bonita.
The ETC Apprentice of the Year Cook-Off is the brainchild of ETC training advisor and experienced chef Nick Philip.
“When you work as an apprentice chef your work routine consists of very repetitive tasks. It can become frustrating sometimes not to be able to express your creativity. With this cook-off, I wanted to be able to give the Apprentices a chance to have some fun and showcase their skills,” Mr Philip said.
Mr Philip said competitions are an essential part of the development of young chefs.
“As an apprentice chef I had the opportunity to take part in a few culinary competitions. It was an extraordinary experience that helped me gain confidence, experience and enabled me to meet some amazing chefs. Competitions enable young chefs to perform in an environment that puts them up against their peers and out of their comfort zone, which is a great challenge.”
ETC’s CEO Jenny Barnett praised each of the contestants for entering the competition and congratulated the finalists.
“It’s a fantastic achievement to make it this far and we encourage the public to come along and get behind their local apprentice chefs,” Ms Barnett said.
“Each of the finalists will receive a $150 voucher to spend at B.I.G Hospitality Warehouse and the winner will receive dinner for two at Whalebone Wharf Seafood Restaurant.”