A 22-YEAR-OLD chef from Redland Bay has won second place in Australia’s longest running culinary competition, the Nestle Golden Chef’s Hat Award.
John Romero, who works as a pizza maker at Gustos Gourmet Pizza and Pasta at Carindale, took home the silver medal at the event at TAFE Queensland on Saturday.
Mr Romero is studying towards a certificate 4 in commercial cookery at TAFE.
He was partnered in the competition with fellow student Yanika Sittisuntorn.
The pair created a two-course menu of pistachio-crusted rolled lamb saddle, carrot puree, creamed leeks, fondant potato and a port wine jus, followed by a lace tuile cannoli with macerated strawberries, toasted pistachios and a salted caramel sauce.
Mr Romero, who moved to Australia from the Philippines about 18 months ago said he was very nervous about taking part in the competition, but had found it fun.
“The most important thing when cooking is time management and communicating with your teammate,” he said.
“You need to respect every element of a dish, get the balance of flavours and show passion for what you are doing.”
Mr Romero said his choice of career meant that he would continually learn, even when he finished studying.
“I hope to become a good chef and inspire young chefs as well.
Mr Romero said he had entered the competition to see how he would stack up against other young chefs.
“It was a great opportunity for me to expand my knowledge and confidence in the culinary arena.
“The best advice I’ve ever been given is to step outside your comfort zone and give everything your best shot, even if you are scared,” he said.
The Golden Chef’s Hat Award has been running for 52 years.
The winning team from Queensland will battle it out at the national final in Sydney in September.
