Chefs pay tribute to Jock Zonfrillo

The gastronomy world is mourning the loss of chef Jock Zonfrillo, who has passed away at the age of just 46.

The Scottish-born chef, who entered the industry as a dishwasher at the age of 12, and worked his way up to become a world-renowned chef, food innovator and later television celebrity was as big a personality as he was a talented and boundary-pushing chef.

The life and career of Jock Zonfrillo

At just 17, Zonfrillo worked under celebrated British chef Marco Pierre White, a period he wrote about in his 2021 memoir ‘Last Shot’ claiming he was homeless and addicted to heroin at the time.

A household name in Australia as a judge on MasterChef Australia, the chef was also a recipient of the Basque Culinary Prize in 2018 for his work in exploring and preserving the foodways of Indigenous Australian cultures with his Orana Foundation.

His restaurants Orana, Street ADL, Bistro Blackwood and Nonna Mallozzi were internationally recognised and lauded, and while controversy and at times financial stress sometimes blighted Zonfrillo’s career, he will be remembered for his undoubted passion for food and indigenous culture as well as being a committed family man.

In 2019, he was also a local juror at the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition. 

Other chefs on Zonfrillo's death

The entire MasterChef Australia team and his fellow judges paid tribute to Zonfrillo, as did a host of the world’s top chefs.

Dominque Crenn posted: “We are devastated to hear about the passing of Jock Zonfrillo. His legacy of work in celebrating the food traditions of indigenous people is an inspiration for the culinary community. We send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. All our thoughts and prayers are with you.”

Gordon Ramsay tweeted, “Saddened by the devastating news of Jock Zonfrillo's passing. I truly enjoyed the time we spent together on MasterChef in Australia. Sending all my love to Lauren and the family in this difficult time Gx”.

Jamie Oliver expressed his shock at the news: “In total shock to hear of the sudden death of chef Jock Zonfrillo. Had the best time working with him for this year’s @Masterchefau. Jock was very generous with his time and spirit in the show and will be so very missed. Sending heart felt love and condolences to all of his family, friends and the MasterChef team and contestants. Love jo xxx”.