Esca Bimbadgen chef wins prestigious culinary scholarship

Jodie Flanagan from Esca Bimbadgen has been announced the winner of the 2015 Brett Graham Scholarship prize worth more than $10,000 after a searing competition last night.

 

Jodie competed against fellow finalists and apprentice chefs Martin King from East End Hub, and Jordan Ritter from The Star Hotel in Newcastle.

 

The three budding chefs designed, cooked and plated up a three-course menu to 60 of the Hunter’s restaurant industry royalty at Hunter TAFE’s Clydesdale Restaurant on Tuesday night.

 

The prestigious culinary prize was established in 2003 as a partnership between Hunter TAFE and the Hunter Culinary Association and is named after one of Hunter TAFE’s most successful Alumni, Brett Graham. 

 

Valued at $10,000 the scholarship includes return flights to London and the opportunity to work alongside Brett Graham in his Two Michelin Star restaurant, The Ledbury in London’s Notting Hill. The winner will also gain enrolment into the Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery at Hunter TAFE. 

 

Jodie joins the likes of fellow Hunter TAFE Alumni, Brett Graham of the Michelin Star Ledbury and Chris Thornton, head chef and owner of hatted Restaurant Mason. 

 

Hunter Culinary Association is a not-for-profit association formed by a group of Hunter Region industry professionals who have a drive and passion to promote the Hunter Regions culinary excellence, outstanding produce and fostering the regions talent.

 

The First Creek Wines - Front of House Scholarship was presented to Particia Cooke from Margan Hunter Valley at the event. Sponsored by First Creek Wines the $5,000 scholarship recognises excellence in hospitality in the Hunter and includes enrolment into the Diploma of Hospitality at Hunter TAFE.