Ian Atkinson

State Finalist - Electrolux Young Chef

New South Wales

Ian is currently working as the head chef at the Margan Restaurant, part of the Margan Winery Estate, NSW

The highlight of the program for me was...

Working alongside some of Australia’s top young chefs sharing ideas about the industries future and where we can take it to. Not to mention a great trip around Victoria wine tasting, rolling around with some cute little pigs before eating them, and more cheese than you can imagine, YUM!

I feel that the EAFE program has assisted me in my career because...

It has given me one of the greatest opportunities I could ask for. My own kitchen in Sydney in an amazing venue right in the heart of circular quay due to open in a month. You cant ask for much more, maybe just another paco jet.

Formerly I was...

Sous Chef at Universal, Sydney

My beginnings...

From Belfast Northern Ireland I started out on my culinary adventure 15 years ago, little did I know where it would take me first London then Sydney, Japan, Thailand , South east asia, Paris back to London and again back to Australia, which is now my home. This is a great career to travel and learn about food and the culture that connects us all as cooks.

My philosophy is...

Always be open to new ideas, new cooking techniques, new products, and look after the land on which we feed of.

Also look after the young chefs we employ as they will be the future of our industry, they need to be nurtured just as we were.

My dream is...

Hopefully the gods will shine this year with the help of my team we will achieve 2 chefs hats and a successful restaurant for the future, pushing and supporting each other all the way. And in time finish my first cookbook entitled “ The world is your Lobster “