One of the country’s most high profile chefs, Gabriel Gaté, has joined Team Australia as it takes on the world in the Bocuse d’Or cuisine contest.
The acclaimed television presenter and author says it is an honour to promote the world’s most prestigious cooking competitions to all Australians.
“A highly talented chef, Joshua Pelham, is representing Team Australia at the Bocuse d’Or Asia Pacific this July, with the aim of qualifying for the Grand Finale at the Bocuse d’Or France in 2021,” says Gabriel. “As the Australian ambassador of the competition, I am asking all Aussies to get behind our team.”
Gabriel is the author of 23 cook books and has presented cookery shows on television for the past 40 years. He received one of France’s highest honours, La Croix de Chevalier dans L’Ordre du Mérite Agricole, for his contribution to promoting French gastronomy.
Next month Gabriel will join another renowned French chef, Philippe Mouchel, for a fundraising dinner ‘4 Hands’ featuring their favourite dishes. This will be followed by a series of masterclasses throughout the year hosted by Gabriel Gaté and featuring Bocuse d’Or Australia alumni.
“I first met Paul Bocuse in 1971 when I was a 16-year-old apprentice to one of his friends,” reminisces Gabriel. “He was already the most charismatic and inspiring Master Chef in France.”
Paul Bocuse went on to establish the biennial competition in his hometown of Lyon, and remained the pinnacle of French cuisine until his death in 2018. Over the past 30 years ‘The Gold Bocuse’ has evolved to become the most sought-after trophy for chefs the world over.
A protégé of Paul Bocuse, Philippe Mouchel was instrumental in encouraging Australia to compete in the Bocuse d’Or, working closely with the team since 2004 and serving as President from 2015-17. Now Vice-President, Philippe is a valued mentor to Joshua and his Commis Harrison Caruana.
“It is exciting to see this new phase in Australia’s participation in Bocuse d’Or,” says Philippe. “For many years we have punched above our weight, despite less recognition and financial support than other teams enjoy. We would all like to see Team Australia continue to do well and also be celebrated and supported in their home country.”
Media Release: 28 January 2020
Caption: Gabriel Gaté with Paul Bocuse in Lyon