A full measure of hard work
DEALING with all situations when you’re under pressure, meeting other chefs along the way and noticing how other chefs practice in their own teams and their own life experiences.
Eight of Australia’s top young chefs at this year’s 2024 IKA/Culinary Olympics - the oldest, largest, and most diverse international culinary arts competition in the world.
This year’s Junior Culinary Olympic Team, all eight of them and under the age of 25 are set to face off against more than 1,800 different chefs from 67 countries at this year’s 2024 IKA Olympics, starting on Friday 2nd - 7th February which is the oldest, largest and most diverse culinary arts competition in the world.
The team is backed by the support of Nestlé Professional, one of the principal sponsors of the Australian Culinary Federation (ACF), who manage and train the team.
The Junior Culinary Team will be competing on the 4th + 6th of February in a two-part competition; ‘Restaurant of Nations’ and ‘Junior Chef’s Table.’
Currently ranked seventh in the world, Australia’s best and brightest young chefs will compete on a global stage and take the next step in their careers.
Coach of the Junior Culinary Olympic Team, Patrick O’brien OAM say’s “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for up-and-coming chefs, to connect with like-minded people from different countries to share passion, food and make lifelong friendships.”
“Anyone who has ever attended the IKA/Culinary Olympics will know all about its special flair and feeling that makes a competition so unique. No other international competition for chefs is so diverse, comprehensive and as exciting.”
Full of passion, the Australian team will be working on the perfect interaction with preparation, presentation and ingredients. There is a generous support from Nestlé Professional Australia to support this elite group so they can travel and showcase their skills to the world.
IKA/Culinary Olympics bring together the most talented culinary artists from all over the world – a ‘once in a lifetime’ event that has been repeated every four years since 1900.
Amber Heaton (Australian Junior Chef Team Captain)
Leading the Junior Culinary Team at the IKA Culinary Olympics. A chef from The Star Casino Gold Coast, Amber has competed in the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award each year since 2019.
Amber is one of the most accomplished competitors in state and national competitions, representing Australia internationally and team captain in the Culinary World Cup 2022, Luxembourg and also individually in New Zealand for the Hans Bueschkens challenge and competing in the world final in Singapore in Oct.2024.
Amber is also a world finalist in the Junior Commis Chef - Le Chaine De Rotisseurs Commis Competition held recently in Turkey, where she placed third overall.
Heaton told FCI, “It’s a huge team effort when creating the menus, and fantastic when you get many chef’s opinions and how fantastic something can turn out.”
“Occasionally you will find that some of the judges have not necessarily understood what the ingredients are like our very unique Australian Indigenous produce because they have not tried them ever before.”
“On the buffet platter that we will be showcasing next week we will be featuring; Cured salmon with lemon myrtle, Saltbush, Geraldton wax, Samphire.”
“Usually speaking any countries from Scandanavia do very well in these competions. They have huge sponsorship contracts behind their teams which makes it easier with more training sessions and great equipment.”
“When your team can drive a few hours in a big truck to the competition with all the ingredients and equipment on board it makes life so much easier than a team like Australia which is travelling nearly 24 hours to get there and then restricted with food and equipment that we can bring into the Germany.”
“Australia is currently sitting 7th, top 5 would be a fantastic achievement for the team!”
Stephanie Lawler (Australian Junior Pastry Team Member)
Chef at La Sadina Loca, Stephanie has competed in the Tasmanian Nestlé and “Apprentice of the Year” competitions as well as “Proud to be a Chef”.
Stephanie represented Tasmania in national restaurant competitions and was the pastry chef for the national youth team at the World Cup in Luxembourg.
We hope it goes well next week in Stuttgart, it will be so exciting.
You’ve got this Australia!
Certified Master Chef and Jury Panel member of 2024 IKA/Culinary Olympics in Stuttgart, from Australia, Rick Stephen.
“We’re here to help young chefs to go the right way to gastronomy and with the aim of exchanging experiences between chef from different parts of the world. Culinary Competitions like IKA/Culinary Olympics are a practical form.”
“But the most important thing in any event, is that each competitor receives an explanation from the judges about their food, because if you made a mistake, you must know that it would be not made again.” Rick Stephen.