MATT Richter’s decision to trade his accountancy job in on a culinary career is paying off.
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The Albury chef picked up the prestigious NSW Minister for Tourism’s Student Achievement Award, which will be presented at NSW Parliament House in Sydney on September 23.
The third-year Riverina TAFE student employed by The Bended Elbow in Albury said he came to the job later than most.
He studied accountancy at CSU Albury before he worked in the industry for two years.
“I danced around the idea of being a chef for a while, then my wife Lauren said: “Just do it’,” Richter said.
“The Bended Elbow gave me a shot and I’ve loved it ever since.”
Wagga-born and bred, Richter said he grew up in a family that enjoyed preparing food.
Both his parents cooked, his mother baked and his two grandmothers, who lived locally, also baked.
“That’s how I developed a sweet tooth,” he quipped.
Richter said he enjoyed the creativity of cooking and the adrenaline rush of the commercial kitchen.
“It’s the best decision I ever made,” he said.
What's your favourite dish?
Chocolate Fondant. Elegant yet simple; it’s my go-to dish for dinner parties.
What are the staples in your pantry?
Butter, cream, eggs, pink rock salt, quality olive oil, cous cous, quinoa, polenta, 00 flour and fresh herbs.
What's the biggest product discovery you have made in cooking?
Immersion circulator for sous die cookery. Definitely the future, gives the perfect result every time.
What's your secret vice?
It has to be chocolate. Its versatility means I can create too many things from it.
What is your recipe standby?
Gnocchi Parisienne, made from choux pastry. It’s quick and delicious and can be used in a variety of ways.
What is your most unforgettable meal and where?
36-month aged ribeye at Rockpool in Melbourne. I didn’t understand the word “tender” until tasting that steak.
What's your favourite cooking utensil?
Kitchen-Aid
What's in your kitchen toolkit?
Knives, stones, steels, tweezers, spatula, small bottles for sauces, syphon (foam gun), spoons, piping bags, whisks, thermometers.
What did you have for dinner last night?
Homemade pizza
What are you drinking?
Campbells Classic Rutherglen Topaque.
Details:
The Bended Elbow,
480 Dean Street, Albury
(02) 6023 6266
