Jock Zonfrillo is a Scottish-Italian chef who has become a household name in Australia as one of the judges on MasterChef Australia. However, his culinary expertise extends far beyond his role on the popular TV show. With his passion for Indigenous Australian cuisine, Zonfrillo has been at the forefront of the country’s food scene for over a decade.
Born in Glasgow in 1976, Zonfrillo started his career in London, working at various Michelin-starred restaurants. He moved to Australia in 2000 and quickly made a name for himself as head chef at some of the country’s most prestigious restaurants, including Restaurant 41 and Magill Estate Restaurant.
In 2011, Zonfrillo opened his own restaurant, Orana, in Adelaide. Orana has become known for its innovative approach to Indigenous Australian cuisine, showcasing native ingredients and techniques in a contemporary fine dining setting. The restaurant has been named Australia’s Restaurant of the Year multiple times and has earned two Michelin stars.
Zonfrillo’s passion for Indigenous Australian cuisine goes beyond just showcasing it in his restaurant. In 2016, he founded The Orana Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating Indigenous Australian food culture. The foundation’s work includes researching and cataloging traditional Indigenous ingredients and techniques, as well as working with Indigenous communities to develop sustainable food production practices.
Zonfrillo’s commitment to Indigenous Australian cuisine has earned him numerous accolades, including being named Australia’s Hottest Chef by The Australian in 2013 and being awarded the Basque Culinary World Prize in 2018 for his work with The Orana Foundation.
Zonfrillo’s profile was raised even further when he joined the judging panel of MasterChef Australia in 2020. His calm and considered approach to judging, as well as his wealth of knowledge about Indigenous Australian cuisine, have made him a fan favorite.
However, Zonfrillo has not been without controversy. In 2020, he faced criticism for comments he made about Asian cuisine during an episode of MasterChef Australia. Zonfrillo later apologized for his comments, acknowledging that they were insensitive and offensive.
Despite the controversy, Zonfrillo remains a respected figure in the Australian food industry, known for his innovative approach to cooking and his commitment to preserving and celebrating Indigenous Australian cuisine. With his work at Orana and The Orana Foundation, he has helped to put Indigenous Australian food culture on the map and has inspired a new generation of chefs to explore and embrace native ingredients and techniques.
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