Shannon Bennett is a chef, author, and television who is widely respected in the culinary world. He rose to public attention when he began appearing on MasterChef Australia. Bennett has also attracted attention due to his high-profile marriage and being at the centre of several controversies. As he is one of the most interesting celebrity chefs in the limelight now, we thought our readers might enjoy reading some Shannon Bennett facts. These include facts about his personal life, information about his career, Shannon Bennett’s net worth, and many other fun facts.
Shannon Bennet Facts: His Early Life and Family
- He is from Victoria, Australia
Shannon Bennett was born in Melbourne, Victoria, on 23 November 1975, and he was raised in the Westmeadows area of the city, says Wikipedia.
2. He Went to School with Curtis Stone
In his teens, Shannon Bennett attended Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School. He was in the same home economics class as fellow celebrity chef Curtis Stone. It was the only subject in which either of them excelled, and it was at this time that both Bennett and Stone realized they had a passion for cooking.
3. Who Is Shannon Bennett’s Wife?
Shannon Bennett has been in a long-term relationship with Neighbours actress Madeleine West since 2005. The couple separated in 2018 but decided to give their relationship another go the following year.
4. Does Shannon Bennet Have Children?
Yes, Shannon Bennett and Madeleine West have six children together. So, what are Shannon Bennet’s children called? Their only son his called Hendrix, while their five daughters are called Phoenix, Xascha, Xanthe, and twins Xalia and Margaux.
5. Where Does Shannon Bennett Live?
Shannon Bennett has a multimillion-dollar mansion in South Yarra, Melbourne. The property was custom-built for Shannon Bennett and his family.
Facts About Shannon Bennett: His Culinary Career
6. Bennet Did an Apprenticeship in Melbourne
Shannon Bennett’s uncle Tom first introduced the aspiring young chef to the restaurant industry. However, it was at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne where Bennett completed his apprenticeship.
7. He Cooked Abroad
After completing his apprenticeship, Shannon Bennett worked in various countries around the world, including spending some time in London, England. His travels have inspired both his cooking and his cookbooks.
8. Marco Pierre White was One of His Mentors
Their high school education is not the only thing shared by Shannon Bennett and Curtis Stone, as they also both received part of their culinary education from Marco Pierre White. Both chefs worked with White in his London restaurants.
9. He is the head Chef at Vue de Monde
Shannon Bennett is probably best known as the head chef at Vue de Monde, an award-winning restaurant in Melbourne’s Rialto Tower. He also owns the adjacent Lui Bar.
10. Bennett Also Owns and Operates Several Other Venues
Shannon Bennett owns the Burnham Beeches Estate in the Yarra Valley, and this is home to two of his projects, the Piggery Café at Burnham Beeches and the Burnham Bakery. He also operates the overseas Vue Events venture. Another of Bennett’s venues is ‘Jardin Tan’, a Vietnamese-French fusion restaurant in Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Other restaurants owned by Bennet include Benny Burger, Bistro Vue, and Café Vue, the latter of which has two locations.
Other Aspects of Shannon Bennett’s Career
11. Bennett Has Written Eight Cookbooks
During his career as a professional chef, Shannon Bennett has become a cookbook author. So far, he has published eight books. His books and their contents all relate to locations around the world. For example, he released ’28 days in Provence’, ‘Cooking All Over the World’, ‘My French Vue- Bistro Cooking at Home’ and My Vue Modern French Cookery’. Bennett has also published ‘Shannon Bennett’s France’, ‘Shannon Bennett’s London’, ‘Shannon Bennett’s Paris’ and ‘Shannon Bennett’s New York’.
12. Shannon Bennett was a Mentor on MasterChef Australia
Bennet has appeared on MasterChef Australia since it began in 2009. Initially, he was a guest chef who appeared on the show for single challenges, which were judged by Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan, and George Calombaris. However, he became more involved in the cooking competition when he was invited to become a mentor for the competitors. Each week, he would mentor a competitor while they competed against a professional chef to win an immunity pin.
13. He is a Brand Ambassador
Like many other celebrity chefs, Shannon Bennett has become a brand ambassador, and this is one of the Shannon Bennett facts that people do not know. The brands he endorses include Miele, Audi, and Nespresso.
Other Shannon Bennett Facts
14. What Is Shannon Bennett’s Net Worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Shannon Bennett’s net worth is approximately $10 million, which is around £7.5 million. He has made his money as a chef, restauranteur, cookbook author, and television personality.
15. He Has Won Multiple Awards
Bennett is a talented chef, so it is hardly one of the most surprising Shannon Bennett facts to learn that he has won multiple awards. One of his first accolades came from Australia Gourmet Traveller in 2003, when the magazine gave him the Inaugural Award for Best New Talent. A year later, he was the overall winner and the winner of the best dish at the San Pellegrino Cooking Cup in Venice, Italy. Since then, he has been the recipient of many more accolades for his cooking, restaurants, and interior design.
16. There Are Several Controversies Involving Shannon Bennett
In recent years, there have been several controversies involving Shannon Bennett. One of the most notable was the criticism for underpaying his staff. He also came under fire for the non-payment of a fish tank installed in one of his restaurants, although Bennett later settled the matter. Furthermore, there was media attention when builders claimed that Bennett had not paid them for work on his home.
17. What Is Shannon Bennett’s Favourite Food?
An interview with American Express Essential reveals that Shannon Bennett has a sweet tooth. Shannon Bennett’s guilty pleasure is Jelly Babies. Another of his favourite treats is doughnuts with a Nutella filling.
Read More…
If you enjoyed reading our Shannon Bennett facts, you might also enjoy our facts about other celebrity chefs and people in the food industry.