Electrolux Appetite for Excellence (EAFE) 2015 national finalists have been selected. Co-founded by Luke Mangan, EAFE is a hospitality awards program that supports young Australian chefs, waiters and restaurateurs, which has launched the careers of some of Australia’s best chefs including James Viles, Brendan Pratt and Massimo Mele.

This year’s elite selection of young chefs, waiters and restaurateurs has been assessed by a panel made up of Australia’s hospitality leaders, such as Christine Manfield, Mark Best, David Thompson, Duncan Welgemoed, Guy Grossi, Peter Sullivan, Ross Lusted and Nick Hildebrandt. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Sydney on August 10.

Electrolux-Cooking

In celebration of the ten-year anniversary of Electrolux Appetite for Excellence (EAFE), Electrolux is also introducing the Electrolux People’s Choice Award. Consumers will be able to vote for their favourite young chef and young waiter from the national finalists. Following voting, consumers will automatically enter into a draw to win dinner at a participating restaurant of their choice from the Electrolux Appetite for Excellence program. The Young Chef and Young Waiter Electrolux People’s Choice Award winner will receive the Electrolux Masterpiece Collection. Voting closes on August 3 with the winner announced at the EAFE Awards Ceremony.

The Electrolux Appetite for Excellence 2015 National Finalists are:

Electrolux Australian Young Waiter National Finalists

  • Brooke Adey – Bentley Restaurant & Bar, New South Wales
  • Courtney Nichols – The Balfour Kitchen, Queensland
  • Elizabeth Thomas – Supernormal, Victoria
  • Jessica Thorley – Biota Dining, New South Wales
  • Louise Naimo – Estelle Bistro, Victoria
  • Nikki Friedli – Africola, South Australia
  • Robert Luo – Oscillate Wildly, New South Wales

 

Electrolux Australian Young Chef National Finalists

  • Aaron Starling – Bistro Guillaume, Victoria
  • Ben McShane – Kiyomi, Queensland
  • Jake Kellie – Estelle Bistro, Victoria
  • Jordan McLeod – Set Piece Catering, New South Wales
  • Joshua Gregory – Biota Dining, New South Wales
  • Khahn Nguyen – Mr Wong, New South Wales
  • Matt Binney – Merricote, Victoria

 

Electrolux Australian Young Restaurateur National Finalists

  • Bianca Welsh – Stillwater Restaurant and Black Cow Bistro, Tasmania
  • Chris Thornton – Restaurant Mason, New South Wales
  • Dan Moss – Terroir Auburn, South Australia
  • Joel Best – Bondi’s Best, New South Wales
  • Kim Galea – Pitchfork Restaurant, Queensland

 

The young chef and waiter national finalists will be taking part in an all-expenses-paid five-day produce tour through regional Victoria in mid-July. They will meet the passionate producers behind the outstanding quality meat, seafood, fruit and vegetables enjoyed in the country’s best restaurants. All entrants have the opportunity to participate in a one-day skills workshop later in the year with food educators and winemakers.

 

All participants have received expert knowledge, guidance and mentorship as they have competed for the prize of being named the 2015 Electrolux Australian Young Chef, Electrolux Australian Young Waiter and Electrolux Australian Young Restaurateur with an amazing prize pool attached.

 

Opportunities and prizes

The Electrolux Australian Young Chef 2015 prize package includes:

  • Certificate and trophy
  • Experience a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend a 4 day culinary experience in Italy courtesy of Sanpellegrino at the ALMA International School of Italian Cuisine in Parma; followed by a stage in a Michelin star restaurant in Italy
  • Return international flights courtesy of Virgin Australia
  • A two week stage at a world renowned restaurant
  • $3000 cash to assist with overseas travel and work experience expenses
  • Electrolux will provide the establishment of the winner with a selection of premium domestic kitchen appliances of their choice to the value of $5,000 RRP

 

The Electrolux Australian Young Waiter 2015 winner prize package offers:

  • Certificate and trophy
  • Attend 2016 World Gourmet Summit in Singapore as the guest of Sanpellegrino, to attend wine and food master classes, events and network with world renowned industry leaders and wine makers;
  • Return international flights courtesy of Virgin Australia
  • A two day experience with renowned Australian wine makers
  • $3000 cash to assist with overseas travel and work experience expenses
  • Electrolux will provide the establishment of the winner with a selection of premium domestic kitchen appliances of their choice to the value of $5,000 RRP

 

The Electrolux Australian Young Restaurateur 2015 prize package offers:

  • Certificate and trophy
  • Network with industry greats at “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna” awards 2016 in Singapore OR “The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna” awards 2016 in London as the guest of Sanpellegrino naming rights partner principal partners
  • Return international flights courtesy of Virgin Australia
  • $8,000 to invest in their business
  • Electrolux will provide winner with a selection of premium domestic kitchen appliances of their choice to the value of $5,000 RRP