Chef's quest for the culinary crown

After reaching the finals last year, Sean is back with an even greater hunger to prove his culinary excellence.

“After last year, it definitely made me a bit more hungry. I got so close,” he said.

“My partner was actually a big driver behind me entering this year.

“Hopefully we can come away with a win this time.”

The competition is one of the most prestigious and intense in the industry, where professional chefs push their creativity, skills and ingenuity to the limit.

The spotlight is on them, and they must demonstrate flawless technique, a deep understanding of flavour and the ability to craft two exceptional dishes using a carefully curated selection of featured ingredients.

Everywhere at SAM co-owner Jono Chan said it was the ultimate pressure test.

“Chefs don’t just compete against one another but also race against the clock in front of a live audience,” he said.

“We couldn’t be prouder to see Sean representing Everywhere at SAM and Shepparton once again.

“His skill and technical ability make him a true contender and after coming so close last year, we’re incredible proud and excited to see him back in the competition.”

The competition’s defining moment is the mystery box challenge, where the 32 finalists are presented with key ingredients and tasked with preparing four servings each of an entrée and a main dish.

The challenge highlights the unique flavours of the ingredients while demonstrating culinary innovation.

With every dish meticulously judged, the chefs are evaluated on taste, presentation and overall execution.

Points are awarded for visual appeal, flavour harmony and technical mastery.

“At least this year, I’ve got a better idea of what’s coming,” Sean said.

“I’ve also got more confidence after how it went last year — knowing I can trust myself and my judgment makes it a bit easier going in.

"We’ll do one or two test runs under competition-style conditions beforehand.

“The guys will probably go out, grab a few ingredients and then spring it on me — give me an hour to cook something … we’ll run through it a couple of times just to get back into that mentality, because it’s definitely a very different setting when you’re there.”

Cheering him on every step of the way will be his work colleagues and co-owners of Everywhere at SAM — Jono Chan, Alaina Tuckett and Ricardo Vilsson Mullor — along with his adoring partner, two young daughters and family.

The support means everything to Sean, who said he wouldn’t be where he was today without it.

“It’s amazing. You really can’t do anything without support. You can only go so far on your own,” he said.

“Just knowing you have people around you who want to see you do well makes a huge difference.

“I’ve got a young family, and it can be challenging at times — kids get sick and my partner works two jobs — so their support means everything.

“It’s also really cool to be able to set an example for my kids while they’re young — to show them that they can go after what they want and be great at it.”

While we all wait for the final outcome of the competition, fans can follow Sean’s journey and behind-the-scenes updates via @elsewheresam on Instagram and Facebook.

The big question now is — if he wins, what comes next?

"It’ll be straight back to work — another day in the kitchen,” he said with a smile.

“We’ve got plans to start pushing into outsourced catering, sending our food out to people who can’t make it here. And maybe, down the track, I’d love to work on an Elsewhere book with some of our favourite recipes and stories from the café.

“I’ve been doing this for over 20 years now, and maybe it’s getting close to time to hang up the apron — or at least think about what the next chapter looks like.

“But right now, I’m just enjoying what we’ve built here. We’re doing something really special, and I’m proud to be a part of it."