He Cooks Chef Presenters

	Michael Rantissi - Presenter of He Cooks Classes in Glebe, Sydney Michael fondly recalls his earliest culinary education alongside his mother’s dishes. Ignited with a passion for food, Michael set his sights on a culinary career. Michael went to attain his education at the culinary arts academy in Paris, later cutting his teeth under several renowned Chefs in the industry including the Head Chef of the Academy were he was formally educated and the Head Chef of the 2 Michelin-star restaurant Sugar Club in London. Michael’s amazing culinary skills earned him two distinguished honours. The Association of Food Journalists awarded him “Best Chef” in 2003 and in 2004 rated him the “Most Innovative Chef” for Israel.  Michael arrived to Sydney in 2005, and joined the staff of The Bathers’ Pavilion as the Executive Sous and is now Executive Chef at Pink Salt, Double Bay.  Michael has just finished writing his first cookbook “Romantic Meals”, which is expected to be published by the end of 2009.
	Paul Black - Presenter of He Cooks Speciality Classes in Sydney  A true love of food saw Paul undertake a career change in his twenties – a move from fire protection to apprentice chef under Scott Clark at Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club.  A year later he moved to Morans at Potts Point where he continued his apprenticeship under Matthew Moran (Aria). Two more true loves, travel and ski-ing, eventually took Paul overseas to France to become Head Chef in a restaurant serving modern Australian cuisine in Val d’Isere. Since returning to Australia Paul has worked as Executive Chef at the Shoal Bay Resort & Spa, and most recently at Bistro Mix in Nelson Bay, enjoying a sea change in Port Stephens.  He now resides back in Sydney where he owns and operates his own catering business.
	Shannon Smerdon - Presenter of Terrific Thai Classes in Sydney Shannon is the Head Chef at Longrain Restaurant Sydney and authentic Thai cuisine is his passion. Growing up in Byron Bay, NSW Shannon completed his apprenticeship at Fins Restaurant one of the best seafood restaurants in Australia. Shannon was introduced to Thai cuisine at Longrain in 2003 and looks forward to sharing his passion and knowledge with the students in 2009.
	Brendan Too - Presenter Delicious Desserts Cooking Classes in Sydney Brendan began his apprenticeship in many hotels and restaurants in Sydney. He soon became interested in fine dining cooking, and spent the next 4 years at the accliamed Restaurant 41 rising to Sous Chef. After 41, Brendan worked at the fabulous Restaurant International and Brasserie Cassis. Eventually Brendan decided that he wanted to be his own boss. Today he owns and operate two cafes/coffeeshops in the CBD and Ashfield called Too's. Too's is also the prefered caterers for American Express Aviation.
	Paul Van Reyk - Presenter Sri Lankan Cooking Classes in Sydney Paul wants to turn Australians on to the richness of the cuisine of his native country. Paul has taught at the Seafood Cooking School and Accoutrement, runs a catering company (Buth Kuddeh), reviews South Asian restaurants (check out his recommendations in Sydney Eats) and runs foodie tours to Sri Lanka. Check out his website - www.paulvanreyk.com.au and hit the Food tab for recipes, reviews, and info on his tours.
	William Angliss Institute of TAFE host our classes in Melbourne  William Angliss strives to provide specialist education, training and associated services to the Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts Industries. Whilst this is the central focus of the Institute, it doesn't illustrate the full scope of the Institute's Training Plan that now includes training to the business and retail sectors. For more information, click here
	Suresh Saini - Assistant to all He Cooks Cooking Classes in Sydney Suresh is responsible for ordering all fresh produce and dry goods for the classes, and assists the chefs so they have everything they need. Suresh is also responsible for ensuring the kitchens are left orderly.  Suresh was a fitness instructor and dietician in India, and has now completed his Hospitality studies at Holmes College in Sydney . Suresh set a record as the only student to pass all of his courses. Suresh dreams of one day opening his own cafe, and we'll do all it takes to help him get there!
	He Cooks Director: Ben Dalton Ben has over 25 years' experience in the Wine, Food and Hospitality Industries. He founded the school with the aim of introducing to men the joy and satisfaction of cooking for friends and family. Ben's love of life comes from his desire to share his passion for food and wine with as many people as possible.

 

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