Star Annandale’s competition dish was a red rice coconut arancini with a mango filling, coconut wafer pandan pearls and mango gel.
Local apprentice chef, Star Annandale was recently selected as one of only 32 finalists Australia-wide to compete in the Proud To Be A Chef competition.
The local, 23 year old is employeed as an apprentice chef at the popular Club Forbes and was extremely honoured and proud to represent NSW in the competition.
Held in Victoria over four days, the thrilling competition involved tuition and paddock to plate experiences such as milking cows, farms visits, markets and various tastings in addition to dining experiences and cooking lessons with renowned Melbourne based chefs.
Participants received mentoring and competed in a ‘Master Chef’ style cookoff in which they were judged on their dishes. An absolute trip of a lifetime for any young, up and coming chef.
Speaking of her experience, Star said, “The whole opportunity to be part of the program was an experience that was truly rewarding in both knowledge and self growth.”
“It was amazing to have been able to experience beautiful food at up and coming restaurants with Melbourne’s best Chefs. It’s not something that often presents itself as an opportunity living in rural NSW,” said Star.
Star said her favourite part of the trip was milking a cow, learning where and how dairy products come from and where they are processed. She was inspired by the passion of the the dairy farmers towards the production of their products.
“Getting to know other people who are going through and sharing the same chefing journey I am, made me feel part of a bigger community,” said Star.
“I guess taking away from the program, I want to continue developing myself and refining my skills as a chef. I would like to do more in the community and give similar opportunities to others as this program gave to me,” said Star.
Club Forbes CEO, Adam McGregor said, “Star started over 12 months ago with us, after a few months she moved into the kitchen as an apprentice chef. Star has found her feet within this area of Club Forbes and proved herself a reliable employee willing to work hard and show initiative.”
“Our Head Chef Damian Scott is keen to mentor and provide opportunities for our staff to grow and learn. He encouraged Star to enter the Proud To Be A Chef competition. We are all so very proud of Stars efforts within the competition,” said Adam.
Star is pictured with the other finalists in the Proud to be a Chef competition.