The Judges
Anthony Musarra
National Judge
Electrolux Young Chef
Restaurants Links
With a career spanning more than 20 years in the Australian food industry, Anthony Musarra, General Manager of the Van Haandel Group, is also recognised as one of the country’s leading chefs that continues to stimulate the ever-changing local dining scene.
Initially making a name for himself in his hometown of Sydney, Anthony earned a string of awards and ‘hats’ in some of the city’s top restaurants and hotels. After relocating to Melbourne, Anthony spent two years heading the kitchens of the Park Hyatt Melbourne. In 2006, Anthony became Executive Chef of Melbourne’s iconic two story waterfront venue, Stokehouse on St Kilda beach. After 5 years at the helm of the venue, Anthony was appointed General Manager of the Van Haandel Group, where he continues to oversee the management and key menu direction of 5 venues, including: Stokehouse; Stokehouse Restaurant & Stokehouse Cafe, Stokehouse Q (Brisbane), Trocadero & Comme.
Anthony’s approach to food was largely influenced by his upbringing; “My parents were perhaps my greatest food inspiration – a Sicilian father who taught me the art of respecting ingredients and keeping things simple, and an Australian mother with an enormous love for food and cooking.”
As a respected food identity, Anthony has been a regular contributor to various highly regarded food publications and is a national judge of the Electrolux Young Chef Awards program.
