By Ewen McRae
When Anthony Cruz put down his spatula and walked away from a chef’s apprenticeship he thought his cooking days were behind him.
However, earlier this month he took home three first place trophies at the Geelong Baking Show, matching it with some of the best bakers in the state.
After claiming the top prize in the vanilla slices, fruit flan’ and custard tarts categories, the Kurunjang man reflected on a long road.
“I started my apprenticeship in 2011, but I wasn’t enjoying it at the time so I went to work at the airport for a bit, but then in 2014 a position came up for a pastry chef and I got the job,” he said.
“I had no experience really, but along the way I learnt so much and now I’m here.
“I only put in an entry at the last minute so to get three wins is amazing.
“I couldn’t believe it when I heard I’d won, it was pretty cool.”
Now one of the head bakers at LaManna Food Group in Essendon, Mr Cruz said his dream would be to take his talents around the world.
“Long term I’d love to work on a cruise ship,” he said.
“Seeing the world and making pastries would be great, and there’s always more to learn so I’ll see where it all takes me.”
