Central West NSW Youth Transition Services is pleased to partner with regional hospitality and tourism industry folk as mentors and judges at the inaugural NSW Whirlpool Cooking and Barista Challenge.

Chief Judge:

Michael Manners - Manners & Borg- Orange

Perhaps one of the regions best-known “blow-ins” is chef Michael Manners. Michael Manners had been using Orange produce since the '70s, at his then mountain retreat, the celebrated Glenella, in Blackheath. When he eventually moved further inland, it must have seemed natural to follow his nose to the source.

Manners opened Selkirks restaurant in Orange during 1997. He moved on from there in 2007 and Selkirks now continues under chef Scott Want trading inder Bistro Ceello.Scott maintains the restaurant's focus on the wines and produce of the district.

Chef Manners’ new business, meanwhile, also continues in the cause of the region, creating restaurant-quality ready-meals (takeaway is hardly the word for what Manners does). Typically for Orange's tendency for understatement, Manners & Borg is in the meandering car park behind a supermarket; here, in partnership with Orange butcher Michael Borg, Manners offers his prepared meals, artisan charcuterie and gourmet sausages.

For  a more complete biography please follow the link below:
http://www.rcnsw.asn.au/hof/manners.htm

Guest Judge:

Barista Judge:

Peter Harrison - Fish River Roasters

Patisserie Judge:

Phillipe Legalle - Legall Patisserie Cafe

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2009 "The sign inside says it all: "Life is uncertain, eat dessert first." A gorgeous array of housemade cakes and pastries; to-die-for fragrant lemon tart, divine japonaise, plus locally roasted coffee"