Caelan O’Rourke is pretty handy in the kitchen.
The 20-year-old Shadowfax chef was recently awarded an Australian Overseas Foundation international scholarship, and will spend up to two years in Hong Kong where he’ll further his knowledge and skills.
“I actually wanted to be an architect,” O’Rourke told Star Weekly recently.
“The two aren’t that different. They’re both about creativity and design.”
He started his career as a chef straight out of high school, undertaking an apprenticeship at Shadowfax. He spent two years at the Werribee South restaurant, completing his final year at Point Cook’s Gemelli Cafe Grill. After qualifying, he returned to Shadowfax.
“I just really like food,” he said. “I love the creative side, and I love the kitchen atmosphere.”
The Werribee resident, who now specialises in French-influenced fine cuisine, is looking forward to the next chapter in his career in Hong Kong and is keen to broaden his horizons.
“I plan to learn as much as I can, going in-depth into different cooking methods and ingredients, keeping with the French-influenced food but with a bit of Asian infusion.”
O’Rourke recently completed his apprenticeship and was planning to spend 2017 travelling, but is now looking forward to working while experiencing different cultures and making new connections in the industry.
The Australian Overseas Foundation has been awarding scholarships to apprentices from different fields for 60 years.
