By Laura Rancie.
Working at The Australian Good Food Guide it is our privilege to daily interact with talented Chefs oozing passion and vision.
As Darren Haunold from Wills Domain Winery put it just last week after learning of his newly earned 18 Chef Hat award: "Life’s a funny thing, and it’s had its fair share of ups and downs. But 24 years ago I set out on the journey to become an iconic WA winery and restaurant.
"To receive this acknowledgment today after a few very difficult years is a testament to those who turned up every day and worked the tireless grind that is small business and hospitality!”
His story spans an entire career showing that the rise of a Chef is often rooted in childhood dreams, with many young Aussies growing up enamoured by the magic of the kitchen, which is why we've partnered up with Opinel, to create an incredible culinary adventure for aspiring little Chefs. Full details below:
Early Culinary Curiosity:
For many young Chefs, their journey begins at home. Take Danielle Alvarez for example, who alongside working at some heavyweight names in the industry both abroad and in Australia, is now the Culinary Director at the Sydney Opera House. In an interview with AGFG at the time, she reflected on her childhood being a dream where "every woman in my family were great cooks. I grew up at their side cooking as their little Sous Chef. They hosted all the family gatherings and parties – they were great at the host-cook role. I just loved being near them and loved the power of food in those early days."
This early exposure to the kitchen nurtures a foundation for a lifelong culinary adventure. As my French heritage shows, every child grows up being taught from a young age many kitchen basics including how to cook pasta, how to cook with eggs, how to make sauces and stews and soups.
Ask any French adult and they’ll nonchalantly tell you: ‘It's nothing. I can just make this…insert your favourite French dish name – but it’s so easy.’" Yet, to us Aussies – it may not be that easy, because we haven’t been raised in the kitchen in quite the same way. Together with Opinel, we want to help facilitate little Chefs in the kitchen aspire to something great.
Popular Culinary Shows for Inspiration:
Shows like Junior MasterChef have played a pivotal role in inspiring a new generation of culinary enthusiasts. These programs showcase the incredible talent of young Chefs and provide a platform for them to express their creativity in the kitchen. Aspiring young Chefs watch in awe as their peers whip up gourmet dishes, fostering future hospitality dreams.
Career Options for Young Aspiring Chefs:
For kids or teenagers harbouring dreams of becoming Chefs, there are various career paths to explore. For example, the Proud to Be a Chef program recognises, develops and supports apprentice Chefs to become the culinary leaders of tomorrow.
Chef Tools for Little Hands & Generational Connections:
Recognising the budding talent of young Chefs, there's a growing market for Chef tools designed specifically for small hands. For example, child-friendly knives like the type Opinel produces, making it easier for kids to engage in the kitchen safely. These knives not only cater to their size but also help nurture a sense of independence and confidence in their culinary endeavours.
Former Australian Pastry Chef of the Year, Pierrick Boyer (of Reverie Café) explains: "I was a boy scout in France at 8 years old when I first got my Opinel! So, it is a great childhood memory too.”
Timeless and irreplaceable, the Opinel is more than a knife – it’s a philosophy. It was this exact feeling, this notion of working better, cooking better, eating better and an associated childhood memory that led Pierrick to purchase his daughter’s first knife – engraved with her name. She may not read yet, but she knows the junior knife with her name is hers for adventure, creation and a lifetime of dreams.
The rise of young Chefs in Australia is a testament to the enduring appeal of the culinary arts. With a blend of generational connections, popular shows and tailored tools for little hands, the kitchen is becoming a playground for aspiring young talent.
Little Chef Competition LIVE NOW:
Calling all young culinary talents! Step into the spotlight with the Opinel Mini Chef Awards and let your flavours do the talking! Seize the opportunity to win a family dinner, a meet-the-Chef experience in your local city and an Opinel Mini Chef pack valued at more than $1000! Just register online and capture your mini Chef's creation. Open up to ages 18, the contest closes February 29, 2024. Full details here.
