Jock Zonfrillo, the GraspChef Australia decide and award-winning Scottish chef, has died unexpectedly aged 46.
His household confirmed he handed yesterday in an announcement: “With utterly shattered hearts and with out figuring out how we will presumably transfer via life with out him, we’re devastated to share that Jock handed away yesterday.
“So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told, but at this time we’re too overwhelmed to put them into words. For those who crossed his path, became his mate, or were lucky enough to be in his family, keep this proud Scot in your hearts when you next have a whisky.”
A brand new season of GraspChef Australia was as a result of air this week, however has been postponed.
In an announcement, Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia mentioned: “Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family. Jock passed away in Melbourne yesterday. MasterChef Australia will not air this week.”
Zonfrillo joined the GraspChef group as a decide alongside former winner and chef Andy Allen and meals critic Melissa Long in 2019 after the exits of Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston. While some have been involved the adjustments would influence scores, the present has continued to be considered one of Australia’s high performing actuality competitions and sells internationally.
The restauranteur was born in Glasgow, Scotland, as Barry Zonfrillo. By 15, he had an apprenticeship within the kitchens of The Tunberry Hotel earlier than working underneath Marco-Pierre White. He was named head chef at The Tresanston aged 22 within the UK earlier than transferring to guide the kitchen at Restaurant 41 in Sydney, Australia, the place has beforehand spent a 12 months working. He opened two eating places of his personal in 2013, considered one of which, Orana, was named Australia’s Restaurant of the Year by two publications, in 2018 and 2019. Zonfrillo was named Hottest Chef in Australia in 2018 by The Australian newspaper.
Despite his success, Zonfrillo was pressured to place each of his eating places, Orana and Bistro Blackwood, into administration over unpaid money owed. In 2002, he intentionally set hearth to an apprentice chef, (*46*) Krammer, who had been labored slowly. He claimed it was a sensible joke that went fallacious however a decide awarded damages of A$75,000 ($50,000). Zonfrillo declared chapter in 2007 after Krammer issued a collectors’ petition.
He launched a memoir, Last Shot in 2021. Former mentor White claimed “almost everything” Zonfrillo had written about him was “untrue,” however Zonfrillo defended the chapters, saying, “This is the story of my life.”
Zonfrillo is survived by spouse Lauren Fried and 4 youngsters.
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