Shannon Bennett facts for kids

Shannon Bennett is a famous Australian chef and author. He was born on November 23, 1975. He is most known for being the head chef at the restaurant Vue de Monde in Melbourne, Australia. This restaurant is located in the tall Rialto Tower.

Shannon Bennett is now the creative director for Vue de Monde and its main company, Vue Group. Before this, he was the executive chef. Many people also know him from the popular cooking show MasterChef Australia, where he often appeared as a guest judge.

Bennett also owns and runs other food places in Melbourne. These include Vue Events, The Lui Bar, Bistro Vue, Benny Burger, and Café Vue. He has written several cookbooks. He has also been on many Australian food TV shows. He works as a brand ambassador for companies like Miele, Audi, and Nespresso.

About Shannon Bennett

Early Life and Education

Shannon Bennett grew up in a place called Westmeadows, Victoria. He went to Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School. While at school, he discovered his love for cooking. His classmate, Curtis Stone, also shared this passion. Shannon's uncle, Tom, helped him get started in the restaurant business.

Becoming a Chef

Shannon Bennett completed his cooking training at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne. After his training, he worked in other countries. He then came back to Melbourne to open his own restaurant, Vue de Monde.

Family Life

Shannon Bennett was in a relationship with Australian actress Madeleine West from 2005 to 2018. They have six children together.

Shannon Bennett's Career Highlights

Training and Early Success

Shannon Bennett trained for three years at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne. After that, he worked with famous chefs like John Burton Race and Marco Pierre White. He also spent a year working with Alain Ducasse at the Hotel de Paris.

In 2003, a magazine called Gourmet Traveller gave him a special award. He was named the 'Best New Talent'. In 2005, he moved his restaurant, Vue de Monde, to a new spot in Melbourne's city center.

Awards and Recognition

Shannon Bennett was the first Australian chef to join two important cooking groups: Jeunes Restaurateurs D’Europe and Le Grand Tables Du Monde. In 2007, he was a special guest chef at the Star Chefs Congress in New York.

His restaurant, Vue de Monde, won 'Restaurant of the Year' in The Age Good Food Guide in both 2013 and 2014.

New Projects and Ventures

Shannon Bennett has been working on exciting new projects. He is redeveloping the Burnham Beeches property. In July 2014, he opened a new restaurant called "Jardin Tan." This restaurant serves Vietnamese and French-style food. It is located in Melbourne's beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens.

Books by Shannon Bennett

Shannon Bennett has written several cookbooks. These books share his recipes and cooking ideas.

• 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 Achievements

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

• 2003: Australian Gourmet Traveller, 'Best New Talent' award.
• 2004: San Pellegrino Cooking Cup in Venice, Italy, where he won overall and for the best dish.
• 2012: Eat-Drink-Design Awards for Best Bar Design and Best Restaurant Design.
• 2013: The Age Good Food Guide.
• 2013: Bistro Vue was named one of the Top 10 French restaurants.
• 2012: Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide.
• 2012: The Age Good Bar Guide, where The Lui Bar won 'best restaurant bar'.
• Australian Interior Design Awards for Hospitality Design and Sustainability Advancement.
• 2011: Wine Spectator award.
• Gourmet Traveller Fine Wine Partners award.