Taste New Zealand competition finalists chosen
Taste New Zealand competition finalists chosen
The 10 finalists for the third annual Taste New Zealand Competition 2015 have now been selected to compete in the final cook-off.
The purpose of the competition is to showcase the variety and quality of New Zealand produce available in the UAE.
Chefs from across the UAE sent in a recipe along with photo of the dish.
The criteria for this year’s competition (themed ‘Create, Plate, Picture’) is that each chef’s dish must contain a key ingredient from New Zealand.
On 11 April 2015, the contestants will compete to impress judges by preparing a selection of five canapes using ingredients from New Zealand. They will be allowed to choose a professional chef partner to assist them.
The event is held each year by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, which aims to help businesses build strategic alliances and to develop international commercial relationships.
The winner will be revealed at the awards night on the 13th of April at the Conrad Hotel, Dubai. The winner’s prize is a round trip to New Zealand.
The judges at this year’s competition include Zuma executive chef Reif Othman, Emirates senior vice president of aircraft catering Robin Padgett, Jean George Dubai executive chef Colin Clague, and Chef Middle East operations manager Bruce Woolner.
Haylon Smith, New Zealand trade commissioner to the UAE said, “We’re thrilled with the calibre of the finalists. This talented group of chefs will highlight the fantastic quality and taste of New Zealand product with each dish.”
This year’s competition received the highest number of entries since the cooking contest began.
The 10 finalists for the Taste New Zealand 2015 competition are:
• Rahil Rathod, Radisson Blue Dubai Deira Creek - Seared Silver Fern Lamb Rack
• Adil Shaikh, The Address Montgomerie - Trio of Lamb
• Sudath Rodrigo, Radisson Blue Dubai Deira Creek - Oreo and Manuka Honey Cake
• Prasad Sadvikar, Emirates Flight Catering - Pavlova with Kiwi Custard
• Vishal Khulbe, The Oberoi, Dubai - Cod with Baby Spinach, Braised Mussels, Winter Peas and Salmon Roe
• Sivabalan Krishnan, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai - Assiette of New Zealand Lamb
• Mohd. Rene Johari, The Rib Room at Jumeirah Emirates Towers - Taste of the Fern
• Regiemar Damasco, Atlantis The Palm - Chicken New Zealand in Three Ways
• Johannes Hansen, J W Marriot Marquis Dubai - Taste of Aotearoa
• Chloe St. Cyr, Hilton - Lamb in the Garden