The Electrolux Appetite for Excellence 2015 winners were announced tonight in Sydney at a gala celebration held at Salt Meats Cheese. Now in its 10th year, Electrolux Appetite for Excellence was founded as a way of recognising and supporting the next generation of chefs in Australia. It began with Young Chef of the Year and has evolved to include Young Waiter of the Year (in 2007) and Young Restaurateur of the Year (in 2009). Program alumni include Victor Liong, Massimo Mele, Jake Nicolson, James Viles and Leanne Altmann.
This year, the awards were presided over by journalist and television presenter Magdalena Roze and presented by Australian hospitality greats David Thompson, Danielle Gjestland and Lucy Allon. Judges this year included Luke Mangan, Ross Lusted, Nick Hildebrandt, James Viles, Simon Denton and Lyndey Milan. Winners included:
Electrolux Australian Young Waiter 2015
Winner: Brooke Adey – Bentley Restaurant & Bar, New South Wales
Runner Up: Louise Naimo – Estelle Bistro, Victoria
Highly Commended: Nikki Friedli – Africola, South Australia
Electrolux People’s Choice: Elizabeth Thomas – Supernormal, Victoria
Electrolux Australian Young Chef 2015
Winner: Jake Kellie – Estelle Bistro, Victoria
Runner Up: Aaron Starling – Bistro Guillaume, Victoria
Highly Commended: Matt Binney – Merricote, Victoria
Electrolux People’s Choice 2015
Matt Binney – Merricote, Victoria
Electrolux Australian Young Restaurateur 2015
Dual winners: Bianca Welsh – Stillwater Restaurant & Black Cow Bistro, Tasmania; Chris Thornton – Restaurant Mason, New South Wales
We think that these awards are a great initiative in that they recognise new talent that can often be forgotten amongst the big names. Congratulations to all of the winners and runner ups and here’s to big things from them in the future.