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Alison Cheng

Born:

Hong Kong.

History:

I moved to Australia when I was 20-years-old. In 2015, I graduated from university with my Bachelor's Degree Major in Hotel and Tourism Management. Shortly after, I decided I wanted to pursue my passion for cooking and become a Pastry Chef; this led me to study patisserie at Tafe.

After completing Certificate III at Tafe, I began working at Rydges South Bank as a casual Pastry Chef. I specialised in high tea and preparing desserts for our banquet operation.

Two years later, I was offered a full-time Pastry Chef position at Bacchus Restaurant, where I began my career in fine dining.

I left Rydges South Bank during COVID and moved to a small pastry shop, which specialised in birthday cakes.

Come 2021, the Head Chef of Bacchus contacted me and offered me a position as Chef de Partie at Bacchus. I currently manage the pastry section and regularly create new recipes.

Have you always wanted to be a Chef?

If you asked me 20 years ago about my career plans, I’m certain becoming a Chef wasn’t one of them. In Asia, there is a stigma around being a Chef; there are harsh working conditions and generally, parents are not encouraging their kids to go into hospitality careers.

However, I was always so intrigued by my grandparents cooking in the kitchen since I was a little kid – my grandpa even forced me to leave sometimes as he perceived the kitchen to be dangerous for kids, but I always wanted to help. Also, I grew up watching a lot of cooking shows on TLC.

During my university degree, I was given an opportunity to do my placement in a hotel kitchen, making desserts for the buffet. It was at this moment I knew I wanted to become a Chef.

How would you define your style?

When designing my desserts, they must be eye-catching. My main goal is to create an element of surprise and to create a ‘wow’ moment the guests.

Everything must be well balanced. The texture must balance creaminess and crunchiness and the flavours must embody a balance between sweetness, sourness and bitterness.

What is your feature flavour these days?

My goal is to bring traditional Hong Kong dessert flavours, ingredients and techniques into fine dining. The standout flavours I’m currently utilising are sesame and tea.

Obsessive-compulsive about?

Keeping my bench clean.

Your greatest culinary influence:

Cerdric Grolet.

What do you love about this business?

I can create dishes with seasonal and local produce, bringing traditional flavours from my hometown into fine dining.

An ingredient you can’t live without?

Cream.

Bacchus

Bacchus, located in the vibrant South Bank precinct of Brisbane, offers an exquisite high tea experience that transcends the ordinary. With its elegant interior adorned in warm hues and plush furnishings, the setting invites guests to indulge in a sophisticated afternoon escape. The menu features a tantalising selection of artisanal teas paired with a delightful array of sweet and savoury treats, showcasing the culinary creativity of the chefs. What sets Bacchus apart is its commitment to locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every bite reflects the flavours of Queensland. As the afternoon sun filters through the windows, guests can savour their high tea while enjoying picturesque views, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or special celebrations.

RECIPES

Alison Cheng

Bacchus

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