Young Waiter of the Year announced

James Audas, Australian Young Waiter of the Year.

Sydney sommelier James Audas from Black by Ezard was named 2012 Australian Young Waiter of the Year at the Electrolux Appetite for Excellence 2012 awards ceremony at glass brasserie in Sydney last night.

The 23-year-old who believes there are four traits that are paramount in becoming a great waiter - patience, compassion, understanding and of course a smile was completely blown away by the honour.

"To be recognised  as the national waiter of the year is amazing, especially with the calibre of the field this year," he said after receiving the award.

"I'm incredibly happy, incredibly proud and very shocked!"

"I'm so thankful  for the support that has been around me for the last week," said Audas.

Meanwhile Alexander Tuckett, assistant restaurant manager, Pilu at Freshwater, Sydney was named Runner Up amongst an impressive field of national finalists including Christopher Sarandis (sommelier, The Marquis, Adelaide SA), Christopher Rose (sommelier, glass brasserie, NSW), Damien Byrne (sommelier, LOT 7, VIC), Pierre-Etienne Geoffroy (assistant manager, Jacques Reymond Restaurant, VIC), Simone Spicer (senior waiter, Pei Modern, VIC).

Master of Ceremonies Jill Dupleix and duel guests of honour Peter Gilmore and Mark Best all paid tribute to the next generation of culinary stars that made up this year's Electrolux Appetite for Excellence Awards national finalists.

Established in 2005, the awards attract the highest profile members of the food industry each year to celebrate young talent, and the future of the industry.

Source: Foodservice, 21 August 2012