Written by Avril Treasure - Tuesday 6 February 2024

Newcastle-born Brett Graham is the first Aussie chef to win three prestigious stars for his restaurant, The Ledbury in the UK

In breaking news, Newcastle born-chef Brett Graham has been awarded three Michelin stars for his restaurant The Ledbury in Notting Hill, UK. And while fellow Australian chef Matt Abé leads the kitchen of the three-Michelin-starred Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London, Graham is the first-ever Australian to win the prestigious three stars for a venue he owns, making this a historic moment in the culinary world.

Growing up by the beach in Newcastle, Graham started cooking at age 15 at a local Seafood Restaurant. From there he moved to Sydney, refining his skills at Banc restaurant, where he won the Josephine Pignolet Young Chef of the Year Award. Then, Graham relocated to London, where he was mentored by Phil Howard at The Square in London. At age 25, he opened The Ledbury in 2005, serving modern yet refined English fare, which won him his first Michelin star in 2006, and subsequent two Michelin stars in 2010. Now, The Ledbury has been awarded the prestigious three stars, regarded as the highest accolade in the food world.

Passionate about giving back to his community and mentoring up-and-coming chefs, Graham is heavily involved with the The Hunter Culinary Association, a not-for-profit association which supports the region's chefs and restaurants. Each year one chef in the region is awarded the Brett Graham Scholarship, which involves a trip to London to work and learn with Graham himself.

Time Out heard Brett Graham speak at the Hunter Valley Food Fight in 2023 and was moved by his warmth, down-to-earth nature, and generosity of time. A massive congratulations – it couldn't have happened to a nicer and more talented chef.

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."

Jerome Scarborough, Ashton Stacey, Raya Costello and Gus Maher. Picture by Chris Elfes

Four top chefs go head-to-head in the Hunter Valley Food Fight this month

EAT OUT Erina Starkey - June 12, 2023

FOOD FIGHT!

The annual Hunter Valley Food Fight will return to the Crown Plaza on June 27.  Who will win? With top talent secured for both sides, it’s still too early to call.

The annual event sees two highly regarded chefs from the Hunter Valley take on two top names from outside the region in the ultimate culinary showdown of city versus country.

In the city corner, we have Jason Dean, Head Chef of O Bar & Dining and Sarah Knights, former Head Chef of Automata.

Over in the country corner, we have Jake Deluca, Head Chef at Flotilla in Newcastle, and Richmond Rodrigues, Head Chef at Muse in Pokolbin. Both restaurants were ranked 76th and 26th respectively in the delicious 100 in 2022.

The event has a long history of drawing top talent from across Australia, with Mitch Orr, Frank Fawkner, Joel Bickford and Alex Prichard taking part in previous years.

The day will kick off at 11am with entertainment and canapes, followed by a four-course meal, paired with Hunter Valley wines and beers. Each chef will prepare one course each, with diners voting on the winner at the conclusion of the lunch.

Last year’s event was a sell-out success and this year is expected to be the same. Hunter Culinary Chairman Gus Maher commented “Having sold out the event to 350 people in 2022, we’re again expecting a really strong response [this year]. It’s a super event for our region and the hospitality industry at large, bringing camaraderie and talent together in a way that makes us as an association so proud of what we do to promote and nurture young hospitality industry talent through our extensive suite of scholarships.”

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.

23rd May 2023

CULINARY CLASH: Ashleigh Handsaker takes home the Brett Graham Culinary Scholarship

After a delayed judging process, the 2022 Brett Graham Culinary Scholarship has been awarded to Ashleigh Handsaker of Fratelli Roma restaurant in Maitland.

The final three contestants showcased their culinary skills in a fierce cook-off at TAFE Hamilton campus with Ashleigh emerging as the winner.

Nicholas Sanderson, an apprentice at Jimmy Joan’s, earned the title of runner-up, while Tyler Swinkels from Emilio’s claimed the third spot.

The judges made a point of emphasizing just how close the competition was, showcasing the high calibre of the participants.

The scholarship prize includes a remarkable $10,000 package co-funded by the Hunter Culinary Association and Hamilton TAFE.

It’s a win that will pave the way for Ashleigh’s journey to London, where she will have the opportunity to stage with Brett Graham at The Ledbury, his two Michelin-star restaurant.

In the coming months the 2023 edition of the culinary scholarship competition will get underway and once again give aspiring apprentices another chance to participate in the highly contested competition.

By Simon McCarthy - May 19, 2023

Apprentice chef bound for London

A THIRD-YEAR apprentice chef from Maitland has taken home $10,000 in cash and an opportunity to cook with noted Australian chef Brett Graham's two-Michelin-star Notting Hill kitchen after sweeping the competition at a culinary test in the Hunter this week.

The event was hosted by TAFE NSW and the Australian Culinary Association, and included eight young Hunter cooks vying for their chance to cook with Graham, the former Novocastrian turned world-leading chef.

Fratelli Roma Restaurant's Ashleigh Handsaker, 23, ultimately took the top gong, impressing judges with her "untapped energy, impressive organisational skills in the kitchen, and incredible talent".

The Brett Graham Scholarship is annually awarded to a young chef keen to broaden their horizons. Past winners 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.

The scholarship offers a return ticket to London, a spot in Graham's kitchen, The Ledbury, as well as a $10,000 cash kickstarter. "I am so proud of the high standard of ability and passion demonstrated by each of our students," TAFE commercial cookery teacher Mark McManus said. "This scholarship is an incredible chance to learn from the best, hone their skills and bring the knowledge and experience they learn overseas back to the region, for us to enjoy and others to learn from."

Jimmy Joan's apprentice Nicholas Sanderson was named runner-up, and Emilio's Tyler Swinkels placed third. Each took home prizes to help establish their careers.

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

All four commented on the talent displayed by this year's apprentices.

30th November 2022 by Krystal Sellars

By Lisa Rockman - November 2, 2022

Hospitality scholarships handed out at Hunter Culinary Association seasonal lunch

Left to right, Taylor Hocking, Margan Restaurant (runner up Scarborough Front of House Scholarship), Petrea Apostolous, Customs House (Rising Star Scholarship, TAFE Diploma in Hospitality Management), Benjamin Lawrence, Muse Restaurant (winner Scarborough Front of House Scholarship), Isabella Jones, Margan Restaurant (winner Eustralis Pastry Chef Scholarship).

OUR rising stars in the hospitality industry have been awarded scholarships by the Hunter Culinary Association.

Isabella Jones, of Margan Wines & Restaurant, received the Eustralis Food Pastry Chef Scholarship at the association's seasonal lunch last week at Peter Drayton Wines.

The Rising Star Scholarship - which gives the recipient the opportunity to study for a Diploma in Hospitality Management at TAFE NSW, all expenses paid - was awarded to Petrea Apostolous of Customs House in Newcastle.

This year Scarborough Wines became a scholarship partner for the Front of House Award, and the winner of the $5000 scholarship was Benjamin Lawrence, for his "incredible commitment to his role at Muse Restaurant".

The runner-up was Taylor Hocking, of Margan Wines& Restaurant, who was awarded an all-expenses paid WSET Certificate 2 with Queensland College of Wine Tourism.

Each year the Hunter Culinary Association provides both experiential and financial support to the hospitality industry and recognises rising talent. Association chair Gus Maher said the applicants this year "were of a super standard".

A chef's workshop took place before the seasonal lunch. It was hosted this year by Luke Powell, head chef and co-owner of Bella Bruta in Newtown and LP's Quality Meats in Chippendale. "We always host a workshop or demonstration, a kind of quasi teaching experience for all our junior chefs and interested guests at our seasonal lunch," Mr Maher said.

"It's a really great way for us all to connect, via our mutual love of food and the industry, and even industry stalwarts still get something out of each and every demonstration we offer. "I think all of our committee - who are volunteers-get a real kick out of watching the next generation of chefs gleaning new experiences and ideas from their mentors.”

Legends at Food Fight 2022: Robert Molines, Shane Snedden, Andy Wright & Nick Vivian