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Luke and his Commis Chef Petros Dellidis

Australia announces candidate in Bocuse d’Or 2009

LUKE Croston will be Australia’s candidate in the next Bocuse d'Or World Cuisine Contest, to be held in Lyon, France in January 2009.

This prestigious competition, named after the ground-breaking French chef Paul Bocuse, is held every two years and hotly contested by candidates from all over the world.

Luke and his Commis Chef Vanessa Mateus competed in the Bocuse d’Or 2007, coming 12th out of a field of 24 countries. Luke also supported George Calombaris as his Commis Chef when George competed in 2003.

“We believe Luke has the experience and the technical skill to take Australia into the top 10 in 2009,” said Walter Wagner, President Bocuse d’Or Australia, at a Gala Dinner held at Crown.

“The committee took the decision to use the resources usually allocated to a cook-off to enhance Luke’s training program over the next 10 months and give the Australian team the best possible chance of success.”

Walter added this gave other potential future candidates the opportunity to spend time training with Luke so they were well prepared to compete in a cook-off for the 2011 Australian National Selection.

From now until January 2009, Luke and his Commis Chef Petros Dellidis will train in the Crown kitchens with a team that includes some of Australia’s top chefs such as Jacques Reymond, Tom Milligan, Philippe Mouchel, Peter Wright and Alain Fabregues.

In addition Serge Vieira, winner of the Bocuse d'Or 2005, has indicated he would like to assist the Australian team by mentoring Luke as he did for the previous competition. A range of Australian companies have donated funds, services and products to support the team.

“Given Luke’s talent and experience, combined with the level of support he will receive over the next 10 months, Australia is well placed for success in the Bocuse d’Or World Cuisine Contest 2009,” says Walter.

Media Release – 3 April 2008