Apprentice chef wins London trip with scholarship award
Umina Beach apprentice chef Mr Nicholas Smith has taken out the 2023 Brett Graham Scholarship after a final cook-off on Tuesday, October 31, at Hamilton TAFE.
The $10,000 prize includes a Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery and a trip to London, to work with Mr Graham in his award-winning businesses, including the Harwood Arms and The Ledbury.
Mr Smith, an apprentice at Saddles Mt White, said he felt privileged to have won the scholarship.
"To go to London and be able to absorb the knowledge from the best in the business is an honour.
"I can't wait to get over there and experience it first hand."
A total of 12 apprentice chefs from the Hunter-Central Coast region competed in the 21st year of the scholarship, sponsored by TAFE NSW and the Hunter Culinary Association.
Mr Smith competed with Mr Tyler Swinkles from Emilios Warners Bay and Mr Lachlan Dowsett from Bistro Molines Hunter Valley in the final.
It was held in the Hamilton TAFE cookery restaurant kitchen, and involved preparing a three-course meal for 60 judges, food critics, media guests, dignitaries, sponsors, their employers and families.
Mr Smith was presented his award by Mr Mark McManus for TAFE NSW and Mr Gus Maher for the Hunter Culinary Association.
SOURCE:
Media release, 2 Nov 2023
Lauren McAllister, TAFE NSW