The Appetite for Excellence Awards program has announced the 26 finalists across the categories of Top Young Chef, Young Waiter and Young Restaurateur.
The program is now in its 13th year, with 2018 judges including Dan Hong, Kylie Javier Ashton, Peter Gilmore, Duncan Welgemoed and Analiese Gregory.
Finalists will embark on an all-expenses paid educational food and wine tour to one of Australia’s leading food and wine regions.
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.
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 6 August 2018.
Finalists include:
Australian Young Waiter 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
Cam O’Keefe; Centra, VIC
Sascha Rust; Messer, VIC
David Parker; Palermo, Pastuso, San Telmo, VIC
Australian Young Chef
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