This week we had the pleasure of previewing the upcoming Hunter Culinary Association Food Fight, one of the signature events of this year's Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival.
Dubbed "The Ledbury All Stars" four of the country's best young gun chefs – all who have cooked alongside Brett Graham at The Ledbury in London, will sharpen their knives and go head-to-head for a cook off on Monday 17 June.
The annual Food Fight is a highly anticipated event on the Hunter's culinary calendar. This year's clash promises to be as thrilling as ever, with the chefs working their magic and creating a dish of their choice to take out the prestigious winners title. Each chef will prepare one lunch course matched with a Hunter Valley wine. Guests will then vote for their preferred dish at the conclusion of lunch.
The chefs are: Thomas Boyd (Margan); Troy Crisante (Quay Restaurant); Eilish Maloney, formerly of Saint Peter and George Mirosevich (Restaurant Mason). HCA Chairman Gus Maher said the tenth annual Food Fight was set to be an 'unforgettable gourmet event', once again hosted by the inimitable duo Colin Fassnidge and Matt Kemp, who are long time supporters of the Hunter Culinary Association.
'Each of these talented chefs have trained under the legendary Brett Graham at his acclaimed London Michelin-starred restaurant, so guests will be dining at an incredibly high standard,' Mr Maher said.
'That is extra special as the Food Fight, and its signature auction supports our region's young chefs by giving them the opportunity to work with Brett in London through the Brett Graham Scholarship which we undertake in conjunction with TAFE NSW.'
We spoke with all four chefs this week and while they regaled us with stories from their time at The Ledbury, which involved relentless gruelling hours we were heart warmed to learn that times are changing. Troy Crisante Co-Head Chef at Quay says they're aiming for a goal of 44 hours per week at Quay, providing a more sustainable career choice for young chefs.
The learning never ends with Chef Eilish Maloney jetting off to France straight after the Food Fight contest to learn all there is to know about bread and cheese!
These inspiring chefs represent the incredible talent coming up through the ranks, that is well worth supporting at the Hunter Culinary Association Food Fight. While the Food Fight lunch attracts large industry support, it is also open for members of the public to attend and immerse themselves in this special food experience.
Date: Monday 17 June 2019
Time: 11am
Location: Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, Pokolbin.
Cost: $175 for HCA members, $195 for non-members and $90 for apprentice chefs
Bookings: mail@hunterculinary.com.au
More info: www.winecountry.com.au/festival
To book your Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival accommodation, browse our handpicked collection of Hunter Valley stays here.
Image credit: Dom Cherry
