FOOD & WINE By Lisa Rockman - Wednesday November 8, 2023

Young guns impress at ‘cook off’

**Apprentice chef Nicholas Smith, from Saddles at Mount White, is this year's Brett Graham Scholarship winner. Picture by Chris Elfes**

In what is promising news for Newcastle and the Hunter Region's culinary scene, a record 12 apprentice chefs competed in the 21st annual Brett Graham Scholarship this year.

Three finalists cooked off at TAFE NSW's Hamilton campus last week and the winner was Nicholas Smith, from Saddles at Mount White. As part of his $10,000 prize he will travel to the UK and work alongside former Newcastle chef Brett Graham at his two-Michelin-starred London restaurant, The Ledbury.

Nicholas competed against Lachlan Dowsett (Bistro Molines, Mount View) and Tyler Swinkels (Emelio's, Warners Bay), and each were tasked with preparing three courses for 60 guests. The winning menu by Nicholas included a "63-degree egg" with grilled asparagus, prawn cannelloni, and a white chocolate mousse with green tea jelly.

TAFE NSW head teacher of commercial cookery, Mark McManus, said each finalist demonstrated a high standard of technical ability.

"We had the best of the best on show and all the finalists should be proud of how they performed," he said. "There is so much work that goes into the preparation behind the scenes and the experience they have gained here is invaluable. As a chef, you need to be able to perform under pressure and think clearly in a high stress environment.

"It's an exciting industry full of potential as you can travel anywhere and constantly learn and expand your skills. Our teachers have prepared them well and we can't wait to see what they do next."

Ashton Stacey, from Brokenwood Wines, was the recipient of this year's Scarborough Wine Co Front of House Scholarship, and the Rising Star Front of House Award was presented to Raya Costello, from Jimmy Joans at Lovedale.

The Brett Graham Scholarship is a joint initiative between the Hunter TAFE Foundation and the Hunter Culinary Association aimed at nurturing young and aspiring apprentice chefs. Previous winners include Troy Rhoades-Brown, Josh Gregory, Garreth Robbs, Chris Thornton and George Mirosevich.

"It seems the future of our industry is in good hands, and with a record number of Brett Graham Scholarship applicants, it would appear that interest in cheffing is reassuringly high," Hunter Culinary Association chair Gus Maher said. "Most guests thought that the dishes presented were up there with the very best we have seen over the years. Well done to all the young talent involved, and best of luck to our winner Nicholas who I'm sure we will be seeing more of."

IN THE MEDIA: Newcastle Herald

Young guns impress at ‘cook off’

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