Appetite for Excellence National Winners Announced

Last night, the Electrolux Appetite for Excellence national winners were announced at an awards ceremony in Sydney. Matthew Dempsey, from Pettavel Winery and Restaurant, Victoria, was named the Electrolux Young Chef and Alice Heath, from Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove, Victoria, was named the Electrolux Young Waiter. Danielle Gjestland from Wasabi, Queensland, was named the inaugural Electrolux Young Restaurateur.

Now in its fifth year, Electrolux Appetite for Excellence is dedicated to educating and nurturing emerging hospitality industry professionals. The chef state finalists participated in a mystery box cook-off and state finalist waiters were tested in a series of customer skills and food and wine knowledge. Then all were carefully scrutinized in front of a panel of Australia’s leading chefs and hospitality leaders by way of an interview.

The prizes for all the winners are fantastic which includes a once in a lifetime experience to represent Australia in the prestigious S.Pellegrino Cooking Cup in Venice. Up to one month’s work experience at David Thompson’s Michelin Star Restaurant, Nahm, in London. As well as a two day trip to historic Henschke in the Eden Valley, South Australia and tasting in the cellars with Stephen and Prue Henschke. To top it off, winners also receive Electrolux Professional appliances, $5,000 cash to assist with travel and work experience expenses and a trophy.

For further details about the Electrolux Appetite for Excellence click here.

Tags: Alice Heath, Danielle Gjestland, David Thompson’s Michelin Star Restaurant, Electrolux Appetite for Excellence, Electrolux Appetite for Excellence National Winners Announced, Electrolux Young Chef, Electrolux Young Restaurateur, Electrolux Young Waiter, Matthew Dempsey, Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove, Nahm, Pettavel Winery and Restaurant, S.Pellegrino Cooking Cup, Wasabi

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 11th, 2009 at 9:28 pm and is filed under Australian Food & Wine, In the news. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.