Electrolux Appetite for Excellence

Electrolux Appetite for Excellence

Applications open for Electrolux Appetite for Excellence 2012 on Monday, 20 February.

The ultimate national competition for young hospitality professionals, the awards have garnered firm support from Australia's culinary heavyweights with a highly acclaimed panel of judges, supporters and mentors including Peter Gilmore, Chris Taylor, Christine Manfield, Guy Grossi, Philip Johnson, Mark Best, and Luke Mangan.

Searching Australia for emerging talent within the restaurant and catering industry, Electrolux Appetite for Excellence is more than an awards program, it can change lives. Drawing on the experience and skills of the judges, the program inspires and supports industry leaders through unique education and career opportunities.

"From excelling in the field of hospitality service, to cooking in some of the world's best kitchens, our past finalists and winners are great examples of what this awards program and its associated learning opportunities provide. Supported by the country's best chefs, restaurateurs and front of house experts, Electrolux Appetite for Excellence is the pre-eminent industry awards nurturing and encouraging Australia's young talent for the future," said co-founder and judge Luke Mangan.

A snapshot of past finalists- where they are now:
Young Chefs
2008 winner Ben Devlin (QLD) is head chef at Brisbane's Esquire fresh from his year long stint at the world's number one restaurant, Noma.
2009 winner Matt Dempsey (VIC) has just opened his own restaurant Gladioli in Geelong after a stage at Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck and Brett Graham's The Ledbury, London.
2009 runner up Ayhan Erkoc (SA) now owns Celsius restaurant in Adelaide where he sources fruit and vegetables grown on his family's farm.

2010 runner up Danika Heslop (NSW) moved from Quay to be pastry chef at Restaurant Bagatelle, Oslo and plans to return to Australia mid-year.
2011 winner Richard Ousby (NSW) continues to be a vital part of the Quay team and is preparing for his trip to Venice, Italy where he will represent Australia against 10 other chefs from around the world.

Young Waiters:
2008 winner Leanne Altmann (VIC) is Assistant Sommelier at Melbourne's Cutler & Co and has begun a stewardship to become an Australian cheese judge.
2009 finalist Mark Reginato is managing Est Pizzeria in Adelaide and expanding his boutique wine distribution, Connect Vines which focuses on organic wines, into Melbourne
2011 winner James Sexton has moved from Sepia to take up the position of Floor Manager at Oscillate Wildly (Newtown).

"Electrolux is very proud to continue the support of Appetite for Excellence. The awards highlight the importance of nurturing our young chefs, waiters and restaurateurs and provide opportunities for them to excel and have their achievements recognised," said John Brown for Electrolux Home Products.

Application forms and details are available online at www.appetiteforexcellence.com

Image: 2011 Electrolux Appetite for Excellence winners: Founder Luke Mangan, Young Restaurateur Clint Hillery, Young Chef Richard Ousby, guest of honour Shane Osborn, Young Waiter James Sexton.