Feast in store for AFL footy fans

TASMANIA’S apprentice chefs are fired up for the chance to learn from the likes of Tetsuya Wakuda through a new skills initiative.

Tetsuya Wakuda

TASMANIA’S apprentice chefs are fired up for the chance to learn from the likes of Tetsuya Wakuda through a new skills initiative.

The Great Chefs Series will also shine a spotlight on Tasmanian produce and gourmet tourism in the winter months.

TasTAFE Drysdale developed the program, bringing the world’s best chefs to Launceston to work with young chefs.

Chefs will deliver monthly degustation dinners and yum cha lunches from April using the best Tasmanian produce and wine.

Premier Will Hodgman said four of the six events would coincide with AFL fixtures, giving interstate footy fans another reason to spend more time in Tasmania.

“Tasmania is famed for its premium produce, our delicious wines and warm hospitality, and the Great Chefs Series brings all of these competitive strengths together on the one table,” he said.

Tasmania is a hotspot for gourmet tourism, with more than 320,000 interstate travellers visiting a Tassie food producer during their trip in the 12-months to September — up 15 per cent on the previous year.

Education and Training Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the venture would also equip Tasmania’s apprentices with skills and encourage others into the hospitality industry.

“In recent months there have been reports of a shortage of chefs in Tasmania, which shows just how far the economy has progressed since we came to Government; transforming from a state with a jobs shortage, to one with a skills shortage.”

MORE: TOURISM’S SKILL SHORTAGE ALERT

The Great Chefs Series is planned to be an ongoing event.

For more information, click here.