Chefs on a quest

By Tania Martin
TWO hills chefs are on a quest to prove they have what it takes to be named the 2007 Victorian Apprentice of the Year.
Kaylie Rogers of Monbulk and Alastair Brantjes of Olinda are now searching for that perfect chicken recipe to impress the judges with.
They will go head-to-head with apprentice chefs from across Victoria to show who really is the master chef.
Ms Rogers and Mr Brantjes have won the chance to compete in the up-coming cooking challenge after coming through their TAFE qualifying rounds with flying colours.
Mr Brantjes won gold in his section while Ms Rogers took out the silver medal.
They each had to make a chicken dish, which not only tasted good but was also rated on creativity and presentation and will have to produce another amazing dish at the state finals next month.
Mr Brantjes said working as a chef is a dream come true for him after he sweated it out in the kitchen for more than four years as a kitchen hand.
When he was offered an apprenticeship two years ago he jumped at the chance to learn more about cooking.
For Ms Rogers it has been a long hard road to become a chef and she is ecstatic that she has won a chance to prove her culinary skills. She has been working in the hospitality industry since she was 15 years old but it was only 12 months ago that she was given an apprenticeship.
“It’s been a amazing opportunity and I just love working in the kitchen,” she said.
Ms Rogers and Mr Brantjes work together at Coorara Springs in Olinda and at The Monbulk Bistro.
Kim and Mark Gipp, who own both restaurants, said it was great to see two of their rising chefs taking up the challenge to reign supreme. Mrs Gipp said working at the restaurants gives the chefs exposure to different styles of cooking.
“They get to learn how to cook bistro food as well as fine dining – it’s the best of both worlds,” she said.
Ms Rogers said winning the apprentice of the year would be a dream come true while Mr Brantjes said it was a chance to show the top chefs in the industry what they can achieve.
The state finals will be held on Thursday, 20, and Friday, 21 September.