The face of hospitality’s future was revealed on Monday evening at The Age Good Food Guide awards, as two young women from both sides of the restaurant industry – kitchen and front-of-house – attained prizes that will propel their careers. In front of a crowd of 500 peers at the Plaza Ballroom, Saavni Krishnan of Manze restaurant won Young Chef of the Year presented by Smeg, an honour that’s been awarded to the likes of Andrew McConnell, Robin Wickens and Phil Wood in previous years. Nicole Sharrad of Alta Trattoria received the inaugural Katie McCormack Young Service Talent award , recognising professionals aged 30 or under working in front-of-house roles.
Founding judges Bronwyn Kabboord ( Du Fermier ) and Hannah Green ( Etta ) wanted the new prize to inspire young waiters, sommeliers and managers in the same way the award for young chefs has since 2002 in Victoria. Naming it after the late Katie McCormack, who died at 39 in 2022, was a way to honour an industry leader widely respected for her front-of-house skills, generosity and commitment to staff development, showcased at venues including Congress (which she also co-founded) and Merricote. The judges said McCormack’s values informed the award criteria.
“It was always about other people for Katie, about educating and giving back,” says Green. Sharrad, 29, impressed the panel with her maturity, warmth and varied interests in all things food and hospitality. She studied horticulture after working at fine-dine.