George Calombaris

George Calombaris is an extremely well-known and highly influential Greek-Australian chef, restaurateur, and television personality. He rose to national and international prominence as one of the original judges on MasterChef Australia from 2009 to 2019, but his career has also been marked by significant successes and controversies in the restaurant industry. George displayed immense talent early in his career. He completed his apprenticeship at Hotel Sofitel and, at just 23, represented Australia at the Bocuse d'Or culinary grand prix in Lyon, France. At 24, he won "Young Chef of the Year" and his restaurant at the time, Reserve, earned two chef's hats.