Food fights are generally to be avoided, but not this one. In fact, discerning diners should be beating down the door for a place at the Hunter Culinary Association’s annual Food Fight and its associated auction.

This year’s event – the tenth – sees four of Australia’s top young chefs go head to head at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley in Pokolbin. Each will prepare one course, with diners voting for their favourite at the conclusion of lunch.

The four chefs – dubbed the ‘Ledbury All-Stars’ for their time cooking under Brett Graham at The Ledbury in London – are Thomas Boyd (Margan), Troy Crisante (Quay), George Mirosevich (Restaurant Mason) and Eilish Maloney (formerly of Saint Peter);

“Each of these talented chefs have trained under the legendary Brett Graham at his acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant,” says Hunter Culinary Association chairman Gus Maher. “So guests will be dining at an incredibly high standard.”

The Food Fight, and its signature auction, supports the Hunter region’s young chefs by giving them the opportunity to work with Brett in London through the Brett Graham Scholarship, undertaken in conjunction with TAFE NSW, explain Maher.

“What is rewarding is seeing young chefs and scholarship winners coming back to the Hunter,” he continues.

Jo Thomas, general manager of Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism, agrees. “I’m really proud of what culinary association do for young chefs. The Hunter is a great destination for food; it’s really important we nurture chefs.”

This year’s event will again be hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Matt Kemp, both longtime supporters of the Hunter Culinary Association.

The lunch will be held on Monday, June 17, starting at 11am
at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. The cost for HCA members is $175, for non-members $195, and for apprentice chefs $90.

To book, email: mail@hunterculinary.com.au.
More info: www.hunterculinary.com.au