IN THE MEDIA: Newcastle Herald

FOOD & DRINK By Jim Kellar - May 24, 2023

Brett Graham Winner

Brett Graham winner Last week 20-year-old Ashleigh Handsaker, a third year apprentice who works at Fratelli Roma Restaurant in Maitland, won the $10,000 Brett Graham Scholarship for 2022.

The Hunter Culinary Association, in conjunction with TAFE NSW, hosted the event in its milestone 20th year, which aims to recognise and nurture one of the Hunter Region's most talented young chefs.

Second place was taken by Jimmy Joan's apprentice Nicholas Sanderson and third place was Emilio's Tyler Swinkels.

The $10,000 prize sponsored by both the Hunter Culinary Association and TAFE NSW will assist in covering airfares and accommodation in London for the winner, who is given the opportunity to work under former Novocastrian, and Australian chef Brett Graham in his highly acclaimed London restaurant - The Ledbury.

Previous winners of the Brett Graham Scholarship have included Troy Rhoades Brown of Muse, Garreth Robbs of Bistro Molines, Chris Thornton of Restaurant Mason, George Mirosevich of the Bare Chested Chef, and Josh Gregory of Muse Kitchen, amongst others.

For the finalists, the three apprentices had to use ingredients as designated by Brett Graham.

Hansaker's winning menu consisted of an entree of blue swimmer crab ravioli, fennel and citrus puree. Bisque; a main of braised veal cheek, celeriac puree, butter poached vegetable and char grilled leek; and dessert of dark chocolate tart, beetroot ice cream, hazelnut praline and orange chantilly.

Chief judge Tracey Amos from TAFE was accompanied by Mount Pleasant chef Kyle Whitbourne, former scholarship winner George Mirosevich, and NBN presenter Lauren Kempe on the judging panel.