Four chefs will compete in Melbourne on Sunday 30 April for the title of Bocuse d’Or Australia 2023 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.
The finalists for the Bocuse d’Or Australian Selection are:
• Paul Golding – Head Chef, Bunjil Place, Melbourne
Assisted by Chris Milligan, Maha, Melbourne
• Amber Heaton – Demi Chef, The Star Gold Coast
Assisted by Abbey Kuhnell, Apprentice Chef, The Star Gold Coast
• Trevor Jenkins – Culinary Trainer, Holmesglen Institute of TAFE Melbourne
Assisted by Bethany Harman, Vue de Monde, Melbourne
• Tommy Prosser – Chef Director, Hospitality Works
Assisted by Isabel Macdonald, Apprentice Chef, TAFE NSW Ryde
This exciting live competition will be judged by a stellar lineup of 15 chefs including Milligan, Honorary Life President Philippe Mouchel and 2023 Coach Dan Arnold, with prominent lifestyle journalist Donna Demaio joining the legendary Scott Pickett as MC.
Each team has five-and-a-half hours to create a vegetarian dish using chestnuts and pine mushrooms and a platter featuring a saddle of lamb and lemon myrtle. Each must be accompanied by three different side dishes.
The winning Chef and Commis team will be announced that afternoon at Foodservice Australia, 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 2025.
As well as the stunning Golden Knife trophy, the winner will receive a Robot Cook® professional cooking cutter blender from Robot Coupe, while the young chef named Best Commis of the competition will receive a Robot Coupe Mini MP 160 V.V. immersion blender.
“The Bocuse d’Or Australia 2023 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 Commis Chefs 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.”
The Bocuse d’Or Australia 2023 has the backing of sponsors including Global Meats, Moffat, Chef’s Hat, Aquanas, PFD Food Services, Répertoire Culinaire, Victoria University, Bone Roasters, Australian Native Products, Robot Coupe, Bragard and Pommery; and it is hoped more companies will support the competition to secure Australia’s best chance in this preeminent global event.
Milligan adds that Foodservice Australia industry expo is the ideal host for the Bocuse d’Or 2023. “Once again 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 – what an incredible experience for everyone involved!”