SHOW CHEFS Chef – Justin North Becasse Having worked at some of the top restaurants around the world, Justin is now chef and proprietor of acclaimed Sydney restaurants, Becasse, Quarter 21, Etch, his cafes include Plan B and Le Grand Café, and burger bars Charlie & Co. Most recently he was named ‘Chef of the Year’ by the Sydney Morning Herald. Kiwi born, it is great to have him back!
Chef – Jonny Schwass Restaurant Schwass Jonny Schwass takes a no-nonsense approach to cooking which has made him a big hit in the world of cuisine, overseas and at home. During his 20 years of working in the hospitality industry, Jonny has cooked in various different restaurants and hotels in Australia and New Zealand. He has also spent two summers’ as a private chef in America. The uniqueness of Jonny’s cooking comes from his firm belief in well chosen ingredients and simply prepared food.
Chef – Tim Pickering The Farm at Cape Kidnapers New Zealander Tim Pickering only started cooking at age 23, but once he started there was no stopping. Working in both Japan and Canada Tim returned to work at The Farm. In his time as Head Chef at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, the Relais & Chateaux lodge was named in the Conde Nast Traveler HOT LIST 2010 as Best for Food.
Chef – Sachie Sachie’s Kitchen Sachie is from Aichi, Japan but has been a Kiwi for well over a decade and believes that great food can instantly change our feelings for the better. Sachie is the mentor at Auckland-based cookery school Sachie’s Kitchen.
Chef – Michael Van de Elzen Molten Founder and Head Chef of Molten Restaurant, Michael is more recently known as driver and food innovator behind the popular TV series The Food Truck. Michael has picked up many awards for his efforts and is the author of the recently published The Molten Cookbook.
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2011
top 50
Chef – Phil Neverman Food solutions NZ Chef Phil Neverman has been in the hospitality trade for 26 years, Phil worked at the waterfronts renowned Cin Cin on Quay for 8 years and is now the Corporate Chef with Unilever Food Solutions New Zealand and has been with them for 5 years.At the festival he will be the executive chef of the Taste of New Zealand Awards kitchen.
Chef Janaka V.B & Owner Wendy Gribben Marvel Grill Wendy has been in the hospitality industry for 24 years, she has opened several leading restaurants and a luxury lodge in New Zealand. Most recently she has opened Marvel Grill Takapuna and Marvel Grill North Wharf. Wendy has a passion for creating superb food and wine experiences, and brings to life restaurants that keep customers coming back.
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STEIN, RAMSAY, NIGELLA AND PETA ON