We’re proud to work with the world’s leading appliance brands and through them we’re getting to learn the cooking secrets of some of the world’s best chefs. In this new series on our blog we’ll be introducing you to the culinary talents who have teamed up with our winning appliance brands and filling you in on what makes them such a great fit.
Mark Best – AEG
Award-winning chef Mark Best is the ambassador for AEG. Mark started his career as a chef accidentally and ended up becoming an unquestionable symbol of Australian cuisine.
Taking culinary inspiration from all over the globe, Mark’s food is inventive, spirited, adaptive and progressive; not bound by the “shackles of culinary history”.
Interestingly, Mark started his working life as an electrician in the gold mines of Western Australia before beginning his culinary career at the age of 25 when he commenced an apprenticeship at the Macleay Street Bistro, Potts Point, in 1990.
Since then Mark has gone on to garner a significant award collection. In 1995 he was recognised as one of Australia’s leading talents winning the Josephine Pignolet Award for Best Up and Coming Chef in NSW. Then, after opening his restaurant Marque in 1999, Mark went on to win Chef of the Year in the annual Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide and was awarded Restaurant of the Year by Australian Gourmet Traveller, Sydney Morning Herald and Time Out Magazine.
Currently, Mark divides his time between his award-winning contemporary bistros, Pei Modern in Sydney and Melbourne.
AEG is an innovative appliance manufacturer which offers a prestigious range of appliances, combining precision German engineering with the ultimate in stylish and graceful design. Mark’s reputation, dedication and understanding of the latest and most advanced cooking techniques and technologies, make him a natural brand fit for AEG.
Find out more www.aegaustralia.com.au.
Massimo Mele – Electrolux
Electrolux ambassador and chef, Massimo Mele, was born in Tasmania and raised in Naples, Italy, where his culinary journey began. After cooking in kitchens in Tasmania, Melbourne, the Amalfi Coast and Sydney, Massimo won the People’s Choice Award at Appetite for Excellence in 2004.
Massimo’s food is simple Italian made with fresh seasonal ingredients and demonstrates how good Italian fare doesn’t need to be heavy. His ethos of Tutti A Tavola – everyone to the table - was the inspiration behind a series of successful pop up dinners he collaborated on with local producers in Tasmania, and is at the heart of his business, Catering by Massimo.
Massimo now divides his time between Hobart and Sydney where he is opening a new restaurant in the heart of the Sydney CBD. This new project will reflect Massimo’s maturity as a widely recognized chef, his relaxed approach to food and his journey from the kitchens of Tasmania via Amalfi.
Electrolux is a partner of the Taste Festivals, which showcase the best in local and international cuisines at events across Australia. You can find Massimo sharing his cooking tips as the host of Electrolux Chefs’ Secrets at Taste Festivals in Australia.
Find out more www.electrolux.com.au
Giovanni Pilu – ILVE
Giovanni Pilu was always destined to cook. Born in Sardinia, he arrived in Australia in 1992, aged 20, full of enthusiasm, and passion, for the unique flavours of his homeland.
At his restaurant, Pilu at Freshwater, Giovanni uses authentic products imported from across Italy, together with fresh local produce, presenting a menu that is refined and innovative whilst maintaining the strict traditions of the cuisine of his island home.
Giovanni is the official ambassador for the high-end kitchen appliance brand, ILVE. Sharing a rich Italian heritage, unquestionably high standards and having a strong passion for all things food, the synergy between the two is undeniable.
Giovanni’s role includes taking part in ILVE’s latest advertising campaign, leading cooking classes using ILVE’s handcrafted products, while showcasing his expertise in Italian culture and cooking as well as discussing how ILVE has made a difference to his life in the kitchen.
Find out more www.ilve.com.au
