Coffs Harbour chef Richmond Rodrigues has been crowned Australian Professional Chef of the Year at Food & Hospitality Week 2025, marking his triumphant win after years of competing.
Richmond first entered the competition in 2012 as a commis chef and has since honed his skills and determination, finally securing the prestigious title this year.
“The journey since my first competition in 2012 has been incredible. Over the years, I’ve built my confidence, focused on winning and truly wanted it. The key is keeping it simple and clean – don’t overcomplicate things. Be confident in your decisions and stick with them. I’m overjoyed to finally take home the award,” Richmond said.
Richmond impressed judges with his creative and thoughtful approach, presenting two standout dishes. He presented an Italian Asian inspired starter featuring fresh squid noodles and agrodolce sweet and sour prawns. For his second dish, Richmond created a Middle Eastern inspired BBQ butterflied quail with braised baby carrots, Lebanese garlic sauce toum and topped with freshly roasted pecans.
The competition required Richmond and three other finalists to create eight plates in just one hour, using all assigned ingredients.
The judging panel included John McFadden, Beth Candy, Jerry Mai, Mark Normoyle, Markus Werner. This year’s competition also marked Head Judge John McFadden’s last year of judging, after a 13 year tenure.
For those looking to try Richmond’s cooking for themselves, they can dine at Aanuka Beach House in Coffs Harbour where Richmond is currently the Executive Chef. Previously he served as Head Chef at Muse Kitchen in the Hunter Valley.
Australian Professional Chef of the Year formed part of Australia’s most anticipated foodservice trade show: Food & Hospitality Week, which took place at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 18-20 May 2025.
Australian Professional Chef of the Year
- Winner: Richmond Rodrigues, Executive Chef at Aanuka Beach House in Coffs Harbour
- Finalists: Grant Parry from The Star Gold Coast, Antoine Potier from Restaurant Dan Arnold and Sam Smith from The Growers by Ponte
- Sponsors: Bidfood, Cookers, Frutex, Robot Coupe, UNOX, Western Star, ALSCO Uniforms
Website: https://fhweek.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausprofessionalchefoftheyear/
