No more 'Large fries with that?'

What do Kylie Minogue, Sir Elton John, Cate Blanchett, Jessica and Ashley Simpson, Sam Neill, Jamie Oliver and Eddie Maguire have in common? They have all been patrons of Australia's best chef, who grew up on a farm at Waipapakauri and began his culinary career with a part-time job at KFC.

Joe Pavlovich, son of Drago and Ena Pavlovich (who now live in Auckland), won the Chef of the Year title earlier this month, while the Hilton Sydney's glass brasserie, where he leads a team of 26 chefs, was named Restaurant of the year.

Those who knew Joe as a child were hardly surprised by the heights he had achieved, and, interviewed after winning the award, he said he had decided he would be a chef when his mother told him he had to. ("Just kidding.")

He hasn't forgotten where it all started though. If he was to ask his parents for a recipe he would be coaxing the secret of Dalmatian doughnuts (fritule) from his Mum; Dad "can't cook" so would not be quite as fruitful.

And if he could invite any guests to his restaurant he would choose his grandparents.

"They are no longer here but I know they did it pretty hard back in the day, and it would be great if I could cook them a memorable feast," he said.

Joe began his career in earnest at Auckland's Kermadec Ocean Fresh Restaurant in 1995. He crossed the Tasman two years later. In 2001 he joined Luke Mangan's Bistro Lulu as sous chef, and less than 18 months later was appointed head chef. More recently he has been appointed executive chef of the Luke Mangan group, which has restaurants around the world, and continues to lead the team at glass brasserie.

Of the award, he said kitchens were a "team sport" and that everyone contributed to the success of the restaurant.

"It's a great thing for the team," he said. "To be doing so well after seven and a half years of trade, and then be recognised for that, is fantastic for all involved here at glass brasserie."

And one small trade secret - the most-used ingredients in his pantry - salt and pepper. The unused - powdered beef stock.