NEW COMPETITION ANNOUNCED FOR 2021

For twenty-five years, Beef + Lamb New Zealand has been shaping the careers of chefs around the country. Each year the Beef + Lamb Ambassador Chef programme selects those who are creating and serving incredible beef and lamb dishes in their restaurants. These chefs drive innovation and creativity within the food service sector.

With the challenges that Covid-19 has brought this year, Beef + Lamb New Zealand are delighted to announce that they will be carrying over their four current Ambassador Chefs – Tejas Nikam, Paddock to Plate Waikato; Phil Clark, Phil’s Kitchen; Jack Crosti, Mela; and Norka Mella Munoz, Mangapapa Hotel into 2021.

In addition to this, and to celebrate 25 years, Beef + Lamb New Zealand are offering a one-off opportunity for a young emerging chef to be named as the Beef + Lamb Young Ambassador Chef 2021.  This new award will create the opportunity for a young chef to join our four talented Ambassador Chefs throughout 2021 with the opportunity to work closely with, and be mentored by, some of New Zealand’s most talented chefs.

It has been a difficult year for everyone in hospitality and Beef + Lamb New Zealand wanted to look to the future and provide inspiration for young chefs in New Zealand to get excited about their careers in the restaurant industry.

 Beef + Lamb New Zealand will be looking for a talented young chef who wants to grow their culinary skills and shape their career as a chef by joining our four current Ambassador Chefs for 2021. The Beef + Lamb Young Ambassador will be someone who can showcase their passion for cooking with New Zealand beef and lamb and tell the paddock to plate story in an exciting and innovative way.

Applications open in January 2021 and young chefs around the country will present their best beef and lamb dishes to judges. Entries will be whittled down to three finalists who will be invited to a live cook-off event in Auckland in March 2021.