BIG ASK: Chris Scott from Sherwood

from SOUTH magazine Autumn 2022

Last month, Queenstown’s Sherwood scored a richly deserved two hats in the Cuisine Good Food Awards. Executive chef Chris Scott, who owns the restaurant with wife Hayley, faces up to a grilling in the inaugural Big Ask.

What inspires you?

My family, and also the team I work with. In a creative sense the produce that each season brings inspires me, as well as a new technique or new business opportunity. This industry changes and progresses all the time and that keeps me on my toes and inspires me to be better.

And what annoys you?

Mediocrity, people that don’t take every opportunity and give it 110% every time.

Can you recommend a book, a film, and an album (or song)?

Book - The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F**k - Mark Manson.

Film - I’m more a Netflix series guy - Animal Kingdom.

Song - Hurricane by Bob Dylan for a classic.

What’s the most important thing that you’ve learnt?

Resilience, patience (I’m still working on that one), and the fact that the harder you work the luckier you get!

Who do you admire?

People who wake up in the morning and work not just for a living but to make a difference.

What do you love about where you live?

The dramatic landscape here in Queenstown, the definite four seasons and the opportunities each brings with it in terms of produce for work. In a personal sense, I love the opportunities to get outdoors mountain biking, skiing, hiking the great walks, hitting the water, and BBQ.

Where are you happiest?

Spending time with family and friends. Working with my team and being part of their journey, passing on some wisdom where I can, sharing past experiences so they can reach their potential.

When was the best time of your life?

I don’t like to look back too much, there have been a lot of best times in my youth! It sounds a bit cheesy but our kids are at a good age now, and despite the challenges for our industry and country as a whole, now is a pretty good time too!