Damien Pignolet facts for kids
Damien Pignolet (born around 1948) is a famous Australian chef. He is known for creating the Josephine Pignolet Young Chef of the Year Award.
Damien was born in Melbourne, Victoria. His family has French roots. He started studying at the William Angliss College of Catering in 1966.
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Early Life and His Journey
Damien faced big challenges when he was young. At age 5, he went into the hospital and stayed there for almost four years. He had a rare hip disease and had to lie flat in a full-body cast. This experience made him quiet and shy. He couldn't play sports for many years. Damien remembers, "I was always the odd person out." He found comfort in cooking. He started by using Women's Weekly cookbooks. Soon, he went to the library and learned about the great chef, Escoffier.
In 1966, Damien began a four-year course in catering and hotel management. His career started in catering. He later taught cooking and helped manage a cooking school in Melbourne. He also worked in hospital kitchens. In 1979, he moved to Sydney. He became well-known working at the restaurant Pavilion in the Park. There, he met Josephine Carroll. He said they fell in love instantly. They worked together at another restaurant called Butlers.
From 1981, Damien owned a restaurant called Claude's in Woollahra. It was a small, 36-seat French restaurant. Claude's became very famous and received many awards.
In 1987, a very sad event occurred. Damien was driving with his wife, Josephine, and two other chefs. They were involved in a serious car accident. Josephine sadly passed away from her injuries. Damien also suffered major injuries and needed a long time to recover at home.
The Josephine Pignolet Young Chef Award
Josephine is remembered through the Josephine Pignolet Young Chef of the Year Award. This award helps promising young chefs travel overseas to learn more. Winning this award has helped many chefs start amazing careers. Some past winners include Mark Best, Damian Heads, Dan Hong, Daniel Puskas, James Parry, and Phil Wood.
In 1992, Damien teamed up with Ron White. They bought the Woollahra Hotel and opened Bistro Moncur in Woollahra. Damien is seen as a leader in the food world in New South Wales.
He also wrote a cookbook called French. It was published in 2005 and features photos by Earl Carter.
Bistro Moncur Restaurant
Bistro Moncur is a restaurant located inside the Woollahra Hotel in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It first opened its doors in 1993. The restaurant focuses on modern Australian and French cuisine. Damien Pignolet is the main chef there.
Awards and Recognition
- Restaurant & Catering Association Awards for Excellence Winner - 2003 and 2004 - Best Restaurant in a Pub
- Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2004 - Awarded Two Chef's Hats
- Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2005 - 2007 - Awarded Two Chef's Hats
