Luke Mangan is searching for a Culinary Experience Officer (CEO), who will sample his food, receive mentoring from the successful chef and restaurateur and learn from Tourism Australia’s social media team.
The search for the CEO follows the recent announcement that Mangan has partnered with Eastern and Oriental Express, making him the first restaurateur in the world to have dishes served on land (Glass), at sea (P&O Cruises), in the air (Virgin Australia) and now on rail.
The application process is open to industry members and food consumers alike. The successful candidate will win a range of travel and tasting experiences throughout October, including accompanying Mangan for the inaugural journey on-board the Eastern and Oriental Express. They will also develop content on report on Mangan’s portfolio including a taste of Virgin Australia’s Business Class, a Hamilton Island P&O cruise and dinners at his restaurants in Asia and the Maldives.
Mangan said “Myself and the team are in a unique position to showcase our country’s amazing produce and ingredients to tens of thousands of people that experience my restaurants, Virgin Australia flights, P&O cruises, Hilton Hotels, Tourism Australia events and now Eastern and Oriental Express trains.
“With our business firmly based on relationships, this is truly an incredible opportunity for someone who wants to firmly mark their position within the food and wine sphere whilst having access to a group of premium brand partners who we are fortunate to work with on a daily basis.”
The shortlist process will pay special attention to social media enthusiasts, with three differerent types of ‘foodies’ shortlisted.
1. STAGE ONE: THE DRINKS CONNOISSEUR
In partnership with Tourism Australia, this process will look to uncover Australia’s best bartender, who will develop a signature Australian cocktail or non-alcoholic drink. The winner will be asked to create a uniquely ‘Australian beverage’ that will be served at the opening night gala of the Australian Tourism Exchange and at all of Mangan’s restaurants globally.
2. STAGE TWO: THE TALENTED HOME COOK
In partnership with P&O Cruises Australia, this section will focus on the home cook. The individual will have the chance of showcasing a dish of theirs on board each of Mangan’s five Salt grill restaurants on five different P&O cruise ships.
3. STAGE THREE: THE ARTISAN SUPPLIER
In partnership with Virgin Australia, Mangan and his team are looking to discover the finest artisan food producers from across Australia, whose produce or products will be showcased on Virgin Australia’s Business Class menu.
The final three candidates’ strengths will be assessed in September by Mangan, representatives from Tourism Australia, Virgin Australia, P&O, Hilton Hotels and Time Out Restaurant Editor Freya Herring, before the CEO winner is announced.
Entries can be submitted from now until midnight on 15 April.
