Javier Ortiz: 30 Under 30
Published on 15 June 2022
Photo: Javier Ortiz (photo: Clint Peloso).
Javier Ortiz is a passionate young chef who likes new challenges and learning new techniques in the kitchen. He’s currently a chef de partie at Smith St Bistrot.
Hi, my name is Javier Ortiz. I’m 25 years old, I’m from Chile, and I’ve lived in Melbourne since July of 2019 (almost three years).
Right now I’m working at Smith St Bistrot as a chef de partie.
Before I started here, I worked for La Bohemia café as head chef where I did two years, before that I worked for Mandarin Oriental where I did two years as a chef de partie.
All up, I’ve been cooking for almost nine years, three years of them in Victoria
And I’m passionate about learning new concepts, flavours and textures.
Which means I like cooking traditional Latin-American food and using flavours from my origins.
At 30 Under 30 I’ll be cooking... I’m not sure yet but I will try to use simple ingredients and show them in their best light.
The person I’m most looking forward to working with for 30 Under 30 is... all the chefs who are going to be there because we can share ideas, make something different, learn form each other and enjoy what we do.
My favourite thing to eat in Victoria right now is... I don’t have any special place yet, but I like the diversity and quality.
The big change I'd like to see in our food and drink scene in the next 30 years is the new generation of chefs understanding the importance of what they are doing and respect it because it’s the only way to keep this beautiful profession moving.
Catch Javier Ortiz at the 30 Under 30 Gala dinner on Thursday 28 July and at the 30 Under 30 dinner at Matilda 159 on 2 Tuesday August. Follow his further adventures at @javierortiz2972
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