Four chefs have been selected to compete in Melbourne on Sunday 27 February for the title of Bocuse d’Or Australia 2021 and the opportunity to represent their country in the world’s most prestigious culinary contest.
Tom Milligan, President Bocuse d’Or Australia and himself a previous competitor, says he is delighted to see the talented lineup now preparing for the competition, to be held as part of Foodservice Australia at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Pictured above clockwise from top left, the finalists for the Bocuse d’Or Australian Selection are:
• Sweta Baichoo – Sous Chef, Pullman Melbourne on the Park
• Alex McIntosh – Head Chef, Sou’West Brewery
• Leslie Chan – Head of Food Innovation & Training at Sushi Sushi
• Paul Golding – Head Chef, Snooks Catering
Each team has five-and-a-half hours to create a fish dish using whole barramundi and Port Philip Bay scallops, and a platter featuring Angus Beef rump cap and oyster blade. Each must be 50% vegetables or herbs and be served with three different garnishes.
They will be judged by a stellar lineup of 13 chefs including Milligan and Team Coach Scott Pickett, and the event will be compèred by Hilary McNevin and former competitors George Calombaris and Luke Croston.
The winning Chef and Commis team will be announced at The Road to Lyon Dinner at MCEC on the night of the competition, and they will go on to compete in the Bocuse d’Or Asia-Pacific next year, and if they place in the top five, on to Lyon, France, in 2023.
“The Bocuse d’Or Australia 2021 is the first step on the road to Lyon, and also a thrilling competition in its own right,” says Milligan.
“Just to be selected to compete is a great honour for these chefs and the apprentices assisting them. “Each team will be judged not only on the flavour and presentation of their food, but also their discipline and efficiency in the kitchen.”
Already the Bocuse d’Or Australia 2021 has attracted sponsorship from Global Meats, Moffat, Aquanas, Alliance Insurance, Repertoire Culinaire, Bone Roasters and Pommery; and it is hoped more companies will support the competition to secure Australia’s best chance in the event.
Milligan adds that this year the Bocuse d’Or Australia will be hosted by major trade show, Foodservice Australia.
“There will be an electric atmosphere at the contest, with supporters cheering on the teams as they cook, and watching the food being plated on the big screen, narrated by George Calombaris,” he says. “It can only motivate them to strive even harder.”
Bocuse d’Or Australia 2021
Sunday 27 February. Doors open 10am.
Foodservice Australia
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
This is an industry-only event, visitors must work in food or hospitality and be over 16 years.
Tickets are free online at www.foodserviceaustralia.com.au