Our Jason rises to the top

The 24-year-old is working at Quay in Sydney alongside top chef Peter Gilmore.

Jason started his career under Brett Melhuish at Bathurst’s Crowded House when he was 16. He later went with him when he opened Restaurant 9inety 2wo before accepting Christine Le Fevre’s invitation to be head chef at Absolutely Delicious.

Twelve months later he left Bathurst to work at the Park Hyatt where he was mentored by one of the world’s most talented Italian chefs, Alessandro Pavoni. Jason later moved to Pilu where he studied under the incredible Giovanni Pilu.

Yesterday he said that winning the award launches his career to a whole new level.

“Going from the country to the city it is quite easy to become lost,” he said.

The prize which recognises a chef under the age of 30 was set up by chef/restaurateur Damien Pignolet in memory of his wife.

Mr Pignolet said he and the other experts who interviewed Jason saw a young man who shared Josephine’s traits.

“He just glowed with those qualities,” Pignolet said. “He’s got guts. He’s got determination. He’s clear in his thinking.”

As part of his prize Jason was awarded an international air fare, $15,000 in cash and help in securing a work placement.

He plans to stay at Quay for the summer, before travelling to Italy next year to study, perhaps at Osteria Francescana or Le Calandre, both ranked among the 25 best restaurants in the world.

He said he will learn as much as he can and then bring it back to Australia where he will open his own restaurant which will serve Italian inspired food.

“I want to take Italian flavours and raise them to the next level,” he said.

Jason said the awards ceremony was incredible because there were so many culinary stars under one roof.

“It was nerve wracking,” he said.

“I came to the city with nothing more than wanting to cook.

“Not many young chefs get this kind of recognition. The only thing to do now is run with it.

“This will open so many doors for me.”

He said it was the support from everyone in Bathurst that gave him the confidence to believe he could make it.

“It’s an amazing feeling to know that I still have local supporters,” he said.

Brett Melhuish was very proud of his young protégée yesterday.

“He’s done an amazing thing,” he said.

The best things about Jason are his confidence, his dedication, passion and his willingness to try different things. It’s amazing to see people pushing themselves so hard to succeed in what is a very tough industry.”

Christine Le Fevre said Jason showed a huge amount of promise and ability from an early age.

“Brett is a master teacher and brings out the best in all his staff. He taught him to strive for excellence in every dish he prepared and Jason was always keen to learn.”

She said watching Jason work was inspiring.

“He took up every challenge. He wanted to be an architect of food,” Ms Le Fevre said. “This award is just brilliant. I am so proud of him.”