AUSTRALIA | Tommy Prosser has been named the Australian Professional Chef of the Year for 2024, following a closely contested final.
Tommy Prosser from Crustacean Nation in Sydney has been named the Australian Professional Chef of the Year after a tough final series held in Sydney last week. He walked away with the prestigious title, cash and prizes from major sponsors Unox, Anchor Food Professionals and Bidfood.
“I was overwhelmed and exhausted when my name was called. The competition was intense, and some amazing chefs were in the battle. This was my third attempt and everything went right. It has been a long journey but well worthwhile,” said Prosser.
Head Judge John McFadden said Prosser was consistently good across the heats and final.
“Tommy Prosser has been here before and knew what was required. He worked confidently and efficiently. Paired with great flavours and presentation, it made a winner,” said McFadden.
“Every year, the competition gets more intense with more entries and greater preparation. It is amazing to see the calibre of chefs entering this competition, and just reaching the finals is a big effort.”
Up against Tommy Prosser in the Grand Final was Sam Smith from Ponte Bar & Dining, which is located in Nowra; Sean Cameron from Elsewhere at Sam, which is located in Shepparton; and Oliver Garrioch from Cumulus Inc. in Melbourne.
Each chef had to cook two dishes from a mystery box of ingredients in one hour - in front of a panel of expert judges and a huge crowd of cheering onlookers.
“This was a real pressure test. The mystery box was challenging and all four chefs performed phenomenally well,” said McFadden.
The Australian Professional Chef of the Year competition is one of the most rewarding in the country, with chefs competing for the prestigious title as well as prizes and AUD 10,000 cash. But most said it is the experience that is the real reward.
The next Australian Professional Chef of the Year will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 18 to 20 May 2025.
