It can be tough work impressing industry greats like Peter Gilmore, Dan Hunter and Daniel Puskas, but 26-year-old Bianca Johnston has managed to do just that, with the Tom McHugo’s chef taking out the coveted title of Young Chef of the Year at the 2019 Appetite for Excellence Awards.

The prestigious awards, which were started by Luke Mangan in 2005, are designed to recognise and support the nation’s future kitchen rockstars, with a list of alumni that includes James Viles (Biota), Josh Niland (Saint Peter) and Danielle Gjestland (Wasabi).

The awards are judged by the best in the biz, with big names like Peter Gilmore, Daniel Puskas, Dan Hunter, Guy Grossi, James Viles, Analiese Gregory and Andrew McConnell, throwing their support behind the competition.

The winners were announced at an award ceremony at Glass Brasserie at Hilton Sydney tonight. Other big winners on the evening were Olivia Evans from Fleet who took out Young Waiter of the Year and Luke Piccolo from Limone Dining who was named Young Restauranteur. The trio will receive a return holiday for culinary inspiration, as well as a cash prize to cover expenses.

The 2019 Appetite for Excellence winners are:

2019 Appetite for Excellence Young Chef
Winner: Bianca Johnston, Tom McHugo’s TAS
One to Watch: Anna Ugarte-Carral, Momofuku Seiobo NSW

2019 Appetite for Excellence Young Waiter
Winner: Olivia Evans, Fleet NSW
One to Watch: Sophie Gitterle, Quay Restaurant NSW

2019 Appetite for Excellence Young Restaurateur
Winner: Luke Piccolo, Limone Dining NSW