Queensland Chef of the Year 2023 named

Grant Parry has been named Queensland Chef of the Year, winning the title as well as cash, prizes and a trip to Sydney to compete in next year’s national competition.

Parry is the Chef de Cuisine at the Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast. He has worked at fine dining establishments around the world, including time with Peter Gilmore at Quay in Sydney, Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s in London and the Hilton in the Seychelles.

Karen Doyle, Head Judge of the competition, said Parry was an outstanding competitor.

He had entered the competition for third time, reaching his second grand final. He impressed the judges with his preparation, creativity and the flavour of his dishes.

“All the finalists put in solid performances. It is amazing to see the increasing sophistication of the dining scene in Queensland and this was reflected in the dishes being put up for the competition,” Doyle said.

The competition had over 100 entries from professional chefs throughout Queensland. The top 28 competed live at the Brisbane Convention Centre as part of the Food & Hospitality Queensland trade exhibition.

After two days of competition, the Grand Final was between Parry, Paul Humbert from Restaurant Dan Arnold, Sammuel Lee from The Queensland Club and Adam Coyne from dnata Catering.

The challenge was to cook two dishes from a mystery box of ingredients in front of the judges and a crowd of onlookers.

The Queensland Chef of the Year is a prestigious and rewarding competition, made possible by sponsors including Unox Ovens, Love Buds, Cookers Bulk Oil Systems, Simco and Global Hospitality Retail.

“This year’s event drew huge interest. By running it in the middle of the popular Food & Hospitality exhibition, we ensure it is at the centre of our industry. Our compere, Glenn Flood kept everyone fully informed,” said Peter Wright, competition director.

“We were also lucky to have top chef judges including Karen Doyle, Caleb Bilewicz, Gary Johnson, Paul Rifkin, Dan Arnold and Shane Keighley.”

The national competition will be held as part of Foodservice Australia in Sydney from 19–21 May 2024. The Queensland Chef of the Year will also return in 2024, from 4–5 August.