Chef Jake Nicolson's Veal: Grilled Loin, Braised Breast, Tongue and Sweet Bread Cromesqui http://www.todaysworldkitchen.com/ Full Name:Jake Nicolson Restaurant: Circa the Prince Resides: Melbourne, Warnabol -- Coastal Country Mentors: Ella Wolf-Tasker Favourite Music: Mixed Bag -- Indie Rock, Big Q Hobbies: Sprint Car Racing, Camping, Snorkelling Charities Involved in: Young Prince Award Australian chef Jake Nicholson has claimed third place for Australia in the prestigious San Pellegrino Cooking Cup, held in Venice late last month. Nicholson's dish of John Dory, baby squid in ink and marsala with soft white polenta, treviso, pinenuts and currants saw him surpass seven of the world's best young chefs, but fall just short of South Africa and Italy -- in first and second places, respectively. The day long challenge saw the young chefs pit their skills against each other while on fast moving yachts, who in turn were competing with each other in a race on Venetian waters. The culinary section of the challenge is judged by renowned restaurateurs, sommeliers and chefs from around the world. Nicholson, the 2008 Appetite for Excellence Young Chef of the Year, was joined on the yacht by 2008 Young Waiter of the Year Leanne Altman as part of their prize for winning last year's awards. "Preparing a dish for Michelin star chefs and restaurateurs whilst on a fast moving yacht is probably one of the toughest cooking experiences I've had," the Circa, the Prince chef explained. "My success in Appetite of Excellence last year really gave me the confidence and inspiration to perform well in this challenge." This year's Appetite of Excellence award winners are due to be announced on August 10 at a gala dinner in Sydney.

• published: 24 Oct 2013
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