Culinary Talent Showcased at Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award State Cook-Off
The Victoria Cook-Off for the Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Award was held at William Angliss Institute's Melbourne campus, where seventeen young chefs competed for a spot in the national competition.
For over 20 years, Nestlé Professional has partnered with the Institute to share industry best practices and provide innovation and skills training.
According to Angliss Professional Cookery Teacher Chef Antonio Scotto Di Perta, the Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Award competition is a highly reputable long-standing event giving emerging chefs the opportunity to put their culinary skills to the test against their peers. "It's a learning experience which builds confidence and gives young chefs the opportunity to showcase their creativity and skills as a professional. The competitors demonstrated confidence in their abilities, creativity and a genuine positive attitude toward the competition and fellow competitors."
Chef Antonio highlighted the dedication and effort each participant put into demonstrating foundational skills and innovative plating techniques. "As a leader in hospitality training, the Institute continues to encourage and inspire students to showcase their professional and practical skills in this and other competitions," he added.
The Australian Culinary Foundation judging panel rated each dish to globally recognised culinary standards. Congratulations to the highest scorer and silver medal winner and apprentice at Mercer's Restaurant, Archer Houghton,
Angliss Students Shine
Silver medals were awarded to Angliss students Jimmy Han, last year's Nestlé Golden Chef of the Year and current employee at ARU, and Will Wright, who works at Edwins Café. Angliss graduate Chris Milligan earned a silver medal, while alum Nicolas Faulisi received a Certificate of Participation.
Our very own Sze Ching (Ollie) Leung, who graduated from the Angliss Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery last year and received the Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Scholarship in 2022, stepped up as a new Australian Culinary Federation (ACF) judge.
Learning from experienced chefs and observing how they evaluate each dish provided valuable insights for Chef Ollie. "I had to pay close attention to every contestant. It wasn't just about assessing the final dish but also observing their techniques, creativity, and time management, while offering constructive feedback to help them improve," she explained.
Presiding over the competition was ACF General Manager Deb Foreman who summed up the day by saying, "Victoria continues to produce a high standard of competitors."
As Australia's longest running culinary competition for young chefs, the Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Award is now in its 59th year. Stay up to date on Facebook and Instagram.
Start your career in Cookery by visiting Open Day at our Melbourne campus on 12 August 2023 and at our Sydney campus on 26 August 2023 or contact enquiry@angliss.edu.au or call +613 8595 5334.
