Shannon Bennett facts for kids

Shannon Bennett (born November 23, 1975) is a famous Australian chef and author. He is most known for being the head chef at his restaurant, Vue de Monde, located in Melbourne's Rialto Tower. Shannon also works as the creative director for Vue de Monde and its related companies. Many people know him from his appearances as a guest judge on the popular cooking show MasterChef Australia.

Besides Vue de Monde, Shannon Bennett owns and runs several other food places in Melbourne. These include Vue Events, The Lui Bar, Bistro Vue, Benny Burger, and two Café Vue locations. He has also written many cookbooks and appeared on Australian food TV shows. He is an ambassador for brands like Miele, Audi, and Nespresso.

Early Life and Training

Shannon Bennett grew up in Westmeadows, Victoria, Australia. He went to Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School. While at school, he discovered his love for cooking with his classmate, Curtis Stone, who is also a well-known chef. Shannon's uncle, Tom, helped him get started in the restaurant world.

Shannon completed his cooking apprenticeship at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne. After that, he worked in other countries to learn more before returning to Melbourne. When he came back, he opened his famous restaurant, Vue de Monde.

Cooking Career Highlights

Shannon Bennett trained for three years at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne. He then worked with famous chefs like John Burton-Race, Marco Pierre White, and Alain Ducasse in places like the Hotel de Paris. In 2003, he won the 'Best New Talent' award from Gourmet Traveller Magazine. In 2005, he moved his restaurant, Vue de Monde, to Melbourne's main business area.

Shannon was the first Australian chef invited to join special cooking groups like Jeunes Restaurateurs D’Europe and Le Grand Tables Du Monde. In 2007, he was a guest chef at the Star Chefs Congress in New York. Vue de Monde was named 'Restaurant of the Year' by The Age Good Food Guide in both 2013 and 2014.

Shannon has also worked on other projects. He helped redevelop the Burnham Beeches property. In July 2014, he opened "Jardin Tan," a restaurant with Vietnamese and French flavors, in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens.

Books by Shannon Bennett

Shannon Bennett has written several cookbooks, sharing his recipes and cooking tips.

• 28 days in Provence ISBN: 0522858074
• Cooking All Over the World ISBN: 9781921383823
• My French Vue - Bistro cooking at Home ISBN: 9780731814206
• My Vue Modern French Cookery ISBN: 0731813219
• Shannon Bennett’s France ISBN: 9780522862096
• Shannon Bennett’s London ISBN: 9781743791745
• Shannon Bennett’s Paris ISBN: 0522858139
• Shannon Bennett’s New York ISBN: 9780522861808

Awards and Recognition

Shannon Bennett has received many awards for his cooking and restaurant design.

• 2003: 'Best New Talent' from Australian Gourmet Traveller.
• 2004: Overall winner and best dish winner at the San Pellegrino Cooking Cup in Venice, Italy.
• 2012: Eat-Drink-Design Awards for Best Bar Design and Best Restaurant Design.
• 2013: Vue de Monde was named 'Restaurant of the Year' by The Age Good Food Guide.
• 2013: Bistro Vue was listed in the Top 10 French restaurants.
• 2012: Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide recognized his work.
• 2012: The Lui Bar won 'Best Restaurant Bar' from The Age Good Bar Guide.
• Australian Interior Design Awards for Hospitality Design and Sustainability Advancement.
• 2011: Recognized by Wine Spectator.
• Recognized by Gourmet Traveller Fine Wine Partners.