George Calombaris

George Calombaris has been awarded more accolades for his 
work than most receive in a lifetime and this exuberant chef is still only 31 years of age. George's molecular gastronomy has seen him 
become a much talked about chef in the international cooking 
circuit. In 2004, the Global Food and Wine Magazine voted George one of the worlds Top 40 Chefs of Influence.

George has always been fascinated by food. Inspired by his mother and grandmother, two brilliant cooks, George quickly learnt about food and cooking. Although born and bred in Melbourne (Australia), the centre of his early learning was his Greek heritage. With its rich and varied cuisine there was no doubt that this would later become George's trademark.

In the Age Good Food Guide (2004), George was awarded with 'Young Chef of the Year 2004'. Following these awards, George was swiftly approached to Guest Chef on many television programmes and later taking on a regular appearance on Australia's popular daytime TV show Ready Steady Cook.

October 2006, at the age of 27, George opened his flagship restaurant The Press Club Restaurant and Bar. George’s 'Modern Greek' concept paid off. At the 2008 Age Good Food Guide Awards, The Press Club was awarded two prestigious chef hats and named 'Best New Restaurant 2008'. George was also awarded 'Chef of the Year 2008' and was named George Top 100 Most Influential People by The Age Melbourne Magazine.

With 2008 being a successful year for George, he was also fortunate to have launched his successful first Cook Book aptly named 'The Press Club' and in February 2008 opened his second restaurant Maha Bar and Grill, a Mediterranean Middle Eastern restaurant. In late 2008, George took his traditional Greek heritage further with his third restaurant Hellenic Republic, a modern Greek Taverna.

His success in Australia has been phenomenal. His growth as a Chef has seen him successfully take the role as a judge on Australia’s most successful TV show, network 10’s cooking jugganaut, MasterChef.

On top of all this…George is getting ready to open his 4th Melbourne restaurant St Katherine’s, opening in February 2011.

George's famous Moussaka Recipe 

Moussaka is a much loved main dish in Greek households. George's mums recipe features lamb, pork and veal mince. Topped with a kefalograviera bechamel this recipe makes this the perfect winter's dinner.

buy his book for the recipe here 

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