The Council of Italian Restaurants in Australia (CIRA), 2009 Young Talent Award winner will be treated to an ‘ALMA Experience Scholarship’ – a two week course at the prestigious ALMA International School of Italian Cuisine in Parma Italy, including accommodation and return airfares.

A collection of Sydney’s best known Italian chefs including Armando Percuoco, Lucio Galletto, Logan Campbell, Danny Russo, and George Pompei; the Council’s purpose is to safeguard Italian culinary culture, increase public knowledge of both traditional and evolving values in Italian food, and encourage informed experimentation within the Australian food industry.

CIRA President Armando Percuoco says “The Young Talent Award is part of CIRA’s efforts to foster young chefs in Italian cookery, and increase their knowledge of Italian food. And we are thrilled to be able to offer this once-in-a-lifetime ALMA experience to our 2009 Winner.”

The award is open to young chefs aged between 18 and 30, currently residing in Australia (i.e. Australian citizens or permanent residents) and working in an Italian restaurant.

The judging panel will include some of Australia’s leading chefs and a food critic. To enter, eligible applicants must complete the on line or hard copy application form.

The winner will be announced at the CIRA Gala Dinner on Monday 26th October.

Criteria:

Open to NSW and ACT residents only

Provide up to three places of employment including referees and contacts

Write 300 to 400 words on their philosophy of Italian food

Entries must be submitted to CIRA by 30th September 2009.

Application forms can be downloaded from the CIRA website, http://www.cira.com.au

Finalists will be selected and required to cook a classic Italian recipe supplied by the judging panel and an Italian recipe of their choice.