Variety of Chefs 2011

Zoe Naylor is a well-known, much loved Australian personality; she has worked extensively in film, television and theatre.

She is perhaps best known for her role as co-host on the 7 Network's Gladiators and for her role as Regan McLeod in McLeod's Daughters, the long running and much loved 9 Network drama.

Zoe has recently finished filming the lead role in Andrew Traucki's eagerly anticipated thriller The Reef that premiered at Cannes in May.

Sean Connolly
Connolly's passion for cooking started at a young age in the UK. His talent quickly led to his appointment at Star City's Astral in 1995 and Sean's Kitchen in 2008. He successfully worked to position the Astral as one of Sydney's top fine‐dining destinations, being awarded a Chef's Hat for an impressive five consecutive years.

After 15 years at Star City, in August 2010, Connolly parted ways with his long‐term employer, with plans to expand his career as a chef and restaurateur. While taking some time to evaluate the opportunities currently on the table, Connolly continues his work as the 'face' of Restaurant Associates (RA).

In 2009, he hosted the 13‐part series of SBS's My Family Feast, a celebration of multicultural Australia's food, family and the stories of life. A cookbook was also released to coincide with the launch of the series.

Connolly is currently in discussions for further television projects and the release of his second cookbook.

Jared Ingersoll from Danks Street Depot
Dank Street Depot has numerous and consistently good reviews and articles including a mention in Vogue Living, as being a must see destination when visiting NSW.

Jared started Danks Street Depot with his wife Melanie Starr in February 2002.

At the end of last year, Danks Street Depot also opened at the Sydney International Airport and a new restaurant, Cotton Duck is scheduled for opening in August 2010. Prior to Danks Street Depot, Jared was head chef at Bayswater Brasserie after working in London at SoHo's Mezzo, Michelin two star - The Square and Hillaire in South Kensington.

Out of the kitchen, Jared makes numerous media appearances. He has, amongst other things, been a regular on Channel 10's Ready Steady Cook and The Morning Show and writes a monthly column for Home Beautiful Magazine.

Peter Kuruvita from Flying Fish
Born in London, acclaimed chef Peter Kuruvita spent his childhood in Sri Lanka where he was introduced to the delights of cooking by watching his grandmother prepare ancient Sri Lankan dishes. Drawing on his extensive international experience, Peter now co-owns and runs Flying Fish Sydney and in 2008 Peter was asked to open Flying Fish Fiji, located on the grounds of the Sheraton Denarau.

Peter has a reputation in the Australian culinary circles as an expert on seafood and he has a strong stance on seafood sustainability. He continues to develop the Flying Fish brand and in 2008 launched a range of products along with his cookbook "Serendip."

Flying Fish has again been awarded 1 Chef's Hat and 1 Wine Goblet at the prestigious 25th Annual Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards

Darren Simpson from La Scala
Darren Simpson studied and began his career in Northern Ireland where he was born.  Within two years of landing his first job, Simpson was named UK's Young Chef of the Year.  Since then Darren has worked in many world renowned restaurants, making his mark in the industry. Darren now heads up the fabulous restaurant and cocktail bar La Scala on Jersey in Sydney's Woollahra.

Darren Simpson has not only made his mark on the Sydney restaurant scene but has also become a well known TV personality. Darren has made regular appearances on  Channel 7's Sunrise' program. His other TV appearances include presiding as a judge on hit reality show, 'My Restaurant Rules' (Channel 7) and co- presenter on popular Lifestyle Channel's "The Best in Australia" with Ben O'Donoghue and Anna Gare.