Scott Picket is an award-winning Chef, author and television presenter with an enviable reputation. Scott reflects the essence of Australian hospitality, and his generosity of spirit, values and craft are honoured in his award-winning Melbourne restaurants Estelle, Matilda 159 Domain, Lupo, Pastore, and Pickett's Deli & Rotisserie.
Scott's love for great produce began early. As a kid growing up on his family's farm in Kangarilla, South Australia, he learnt about food and seasonality, and developed a deep respect for farmers and growers. Those years set the foundations of Scott's values as a chef and restaurateur – always putting food at the front and cooking with the greatest respect for the produce.
Scott's talent was recognised early in his career and he was awarded gold and title of "The One to Watch" at Salon Culinaire. His kitchen education and training proved to be disciplined and traditional. This respect for the classics and understanding of seasonality drew Scott to Europe, where he honed his skills in some of the most rigorous Michelin starred kitchens of London in the late 90s. In particular, Scott worked under the tutelage of chef Philip Howard at The Square in Mayfair and he remained with Howard for three years.
Returning to Australia in 2004, Scott settled into Melbourne's growing restaurant scene where he spent six years as one of the city's pre-eminent head chefs, achieving awards and accolades for his work. In 2005 he was selected to return to Europe to represent Australia at the prestigious Bocuse d'Or, where he achieved the highest Australian ranking at that point.
In 2011, Scott opened his first restaurant Estelle Bar Kitchen, in Melbourne's north. The restaurant received great critical acclaim was awarded one chef's hat in The Age Good Food Guide. He hasn't looked back and now runs a string of premium venues across Melbourne.
An experienced television presenter, Scott appeared alongside renowned UK author, food writer and journalist Tom Parker Bowles as co-host on the reality cooking series Hotplate (Nine). He has also made guest appearances on shows, including Everyday Gourmet.
Scott has authored two books: the cookbook Marriage of Flavours (Penguin) and the part-autobiography, part-cookbook A Cook's Story.
