Andy Allen (chef)
Andy Allen | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 30, 1988 Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, culinary critic, television host |
| Known for | Winning MasterChef Australia (season 4), judge on MasterChef Australia |
Andrew Peter Allen (born 30 April 1988) is an Australian chef, culinary critic, and television host. He rose to fame after winning the fourth season of MasterChef Australia in 2012 and has been a judge on the program since 2020.
Early life
Prior to pursuing a culinary path, Allen worked as an electrician and played basketball for the Maitland Mustangs. Additionally, he contributed his time to volunteering on projects related to local sports facilities, highlighting his early involvement in community initiatives.
His father, Peter, was an educator at Bolwarra Public School and held the role of primary cricket coordinator for the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association.
Career
Andy Allen established himself within the hospitality sector and is currently a co-owner of the restaurant Three Blue Ducks, which maintains five venues across Australia: Rosebery, Byron Bay, Nimbo, and Bellingen in New South Wales, as well as Melbourne in Victoria. In 2018, his establishment was awarded a distinguished Chef's Hat, marking him as the first MasterChef Australia alumnus to achieve this distinction.
In 2021, Allen co-presented Three Blue Ducks, a television series that delves into Australian culinary influences behind new dishes introduced to the restaurant’s menu.
MasterChef Australia
Allen secured victory in the fourth season of MasterChef Australia, surpassing finalists Audra Morrice and Julia Taylor with a final tally of 76 to 68. He also participated in MasterChef Australia All-Stars in 2012 and returned during the eleventh season as a professional Secret Chef, where he was defeated by Sandeep Pandit in an Immunity Pin Challenge.
In October 2019, Allen was appointed as one of three new judges on MasterChef Australia, succeeding George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, and Matt Preston.
In May 2023, he honored Jock Zonfrillo by serving as a pallbearer at his funeral.
Personal life
Allen became engaged in May 2020 and wed Alex Davey on 8 October 2022.