TasTAFE
TasTAFE apprentice chef to represent Tasmania at national culinary final TasTAFE Certificate III in Commercial Cookery learner Sophie Batterham will represent Tasmania at the Grand Final of the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award in Melbourne this September after achieving the highest score at the Nestlé Professional Tasmanian regional cook-off competition in Launceston recently. An apprentice chef at Joseph Chromy Wines, Sophie competed against six of Tasmania’s emerging culinary talents at TasTAFE’s Paterson Street Campus. During the competition, each participant had two and a half hours to prepare and present two versions of a main course and a dessert. Dishes were assessed against globally recognised standards for technical skill, creativity, presentation and flavour. “I was very nervous at first but once I got into the competition, I really enjoyed it,” Sophie said.
Now in the final year of her apprenticeship and preparing to graduate in September, Sophie credits TasTAFE’s supportive learning environment for helping her develop the skills and confidence needed to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom. “I’ve learnt a lot; I’ve had great teachers who have been really supportive – it’s been really good.” The Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award is the third major competition Sophie has entered since beginning her culinary career, having already achieved success in two prestigious national events. “I was a finalist in this year’s Proud to be a Chef and Australian Emerging Patissier of the Year competitions. These events offer opportunities for networking and learning. You meet top chefs and it’s so important to find the right mentor as you progress in your career.”
Raised on a farm, Sophie is passionate about
FRONT ROW (L-R): MEG JESSOP, SOPHIE BATTERHAM, MAREE ENNISS
BACK ROW (L-R): VISHAL PREET SINGH, EDWARD MARONEY, KUSHAL RAJ KATEL SHARMA, HARRY STEPHENS
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Tasmanian Hospitality Review August/September Edition
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