Australia’s Appetite for Excellence Awards has announced its finalists for 2018 with a shortlist spanning six states and one territory.
Now in their 13th year, the national awards have nominated 26 Appetite for Excellence National Finalists across the three categories: young chef, young waiter and young restaurateur. This year’s judges include Dan Hong (Mr Wong), Analise Gregory (Franklin), Kylie Javier Ashton (Momofuku), Peter Gilmore (Quay) and Duncan Welgemoed (Africola). The number of applications has increased by 20 per cent this year, with a significant growth in female participation.
The Appetite for Excellence National Finalists will be invited to take part in an all-expenses paid educational food and wine tour to one of Australia’s leading food and wine regions. With support from partners such as Porkstar, Meat and Livestock Australia and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, the trip will offer workshops by world renowned seafood, meat, horticulture and viticulture producers as well as covering topics such as media training and mental health.
Australian Young Chef, Young Waiter and Young Restaurateur winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 6 August 2018.
Appetite for Excellence National Finalists 2018
Australian Young Waiter National Finalists
Olivia Evans; Paper Daisy, NSW
Jackson Wilson; Cumulus Up, VIC
Tyler Austin; Stokehouse Brisbane, QLD
Caitlin McDonald; Continental Deli, NSW
Madi Martin, Stillwater, TAS
Ellen Reinhardt; Blackbird, QLD
Nathan Smith; Queen Chow, NSW
Australian Young Restaurateur National Finalists
Cam O’Keefe; Centra, VIC
Sascha Rust; Messer, VIC
David Parker; Palermo, Pastuso, San Telmo, VIC
Australian Young Chef National Finalists
Rhys Connell; Sepia, NSW
Ethan Eadie; Africola, SA
Max Sharrad; Shobosho, SA
Bianca Johnston; Suzie Lucks Canteen and Cocktail Bar, TAS
Timothy West; Biota, NSW
Alex Prichard; Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, NSW
Zack Furst; Ides, VIC
Mitchell Chambers; Paper Daisy, NSW
Daniel Naylor; Aubergine, ACT
Jake Paterson; Muse Restaurant, NSW
Chris Howard; Cook and Mason, WA
Eilish Maloney; Saint Peter, NSW
Brad Cooper; Gauge, QLD
Nicolas Oprandi; Noosa Waterfront Restaurant, QLD
George Wintle; Oakridge Wines, VIC
Jordan Clay; MoVida, VIC
Benjamin Thies; Point Leo Estate, VIC
Richard Gan; Stokehouse, VIC
Brendon Walter; Stefano Lubiana Winery, TAS
Georgia Doherty; Qualia, QLD
Beth Patterson; Botanic Gardens Restaurant, SA
Samantha Butler; Oakridge, VIC
George Proudfoot; Anchovy, VIC
Jessi McEwan; Hogget Kitchen, VIC
Kyle Nicol; Ricky and Pinky, VIC
Ryan Dolan; The Chambers, QLD
Appetite for Excellence National Winners 2018
Australian Young Waiter 2018
Winner: Tyler Austin, Stokehouse Q QLD
One to watch: Olivia Evans, Paper Daisy Restaurant NSW
Australian Young Chef 2018
Winner: Max Sharrad, Shobosho SA
One to watch: Jessi McEwan, Hogget Kitchen VIC
Australian Young Restaurateur 2018
Winner: Cam O’Keefe, CENTRA VIC
Updated 7 August 2018
