The search for Canberra’s best Chef working in an ACT Club continues, as former champion Danielle Riley joins forces with Yiu Wan Lee to produce an impressive submission for the National Press Club, served to 20 guests on Monday, 3rd of March.
The ‘Chefs on Show’ challenge is to prepare a three course meal for a party of 20 people, on a strictly limited budget. Chefs are judged on their creativity, innovation, presentation, flavour, wine matching and timing.
The National Press Club has competed in the competition in the last three years, bringing home gold in 2006 and bronze in 2007. Danielle Riley, Sous chef and three time competitor, says she loves the challenge of creating something from nothing.
“The ‘Chefs on Show’ competition allows us to do things we wouldn’t normally do. We get to use our imaginations to create something new and interesting. I guess the hardest part of the competition is getting the ideas out and being happy with what you’ve come up with.”
On the evening, the pair presented a very special dessert that ‘took the cake,’ the perfect finale to a beautifully prepared and creative evening.
“I love to make Dessert. The concept this year came about because we couldn’t decide what dish to make, so we made them all, in miniature form,” Riley said.
“We presented peach parfait with almond nougat, strawberry jelly with a tequila and saffron poached pear, white chocolate risotto wrapped in sponge with a butterscotch coating on sliced kiwi fruit, and lastly a grilled fig with mascarpone cheese and cassias glaze.”
The aim of the ACTTAB sponsored event is to acknowledge and reward the culinary talent and innovation of chefs and other cooking professionals working in the club sector.
Canberra’s community based clubs are the biggest employers of chefs in the Territory, with tens of thousands of meals and snacks served every month to thousands of local members and guests.
‘Chef’s on Show’ will continue at the Canberra Southern Cross Club on Monday 17th, The Mawson Club on Monday 31st and Wests Rugby Club on Monday 7th April.
OutInCanberra wish all competing chefs and clubs the best of luck.
