The people behind what we cook, eat and drink are the true drivers of the New Zealand food & drink story. The movers and shakers that have led their communities, inspiring and motivating the good people of their towns to step up, collaborate and get involved. So much work from so many passionate and dedicated visionaries has gone into making Hawke’s Bay into the amazing playground for foodies that it is today. What are we looking for when we talk about a legend within the business of food...

What will 2021 bring? In particular, for our hospitality industry it’s a big question. This is a collection of conversations that I had across a time period that spanned lockdown to the end of 2020 to find out the different approaches our hospo folk are taking in New Zealand, and how they are feeling about their future. I also wanted to take the opportunity to recognise their impressive work through immense challenges and celebrate some wins. One thing is for sure, we can no longer take great...

This renowned New Zealand chef and ex-restaurateur has sliced up his heart to serve it to you in a multitude of pieces in this episode. As a result, it is a conversation that is way too special to be condensed into 40 minutes… it’s a story of an uncompromising quest for taste, texture and flavour, unending curiosity, incredible skill and great resilience.  As the phenomenon that is Visa Wellington On A Plate draws to a close at the end of October, this month-long celebration of all things...

In a post-COVID world what does Visa Wellington On A Plate bring to the table with regards to tourism, economic development and the telling of the all-important New Zealand food story? The festival runs for the month of October with hundreds of venues right across the greater Wellington region participating, and along with all of the excellent eating and drinking options on offer, there is no denying that WOAP builds a special spirit of collaboration. Hear from Sarah Meikle the Chief...

Amisfield Restaurant & Cellar in Central Otago is home to New Zealand’s Cuisine Good Food award-winning Chef of the year Vaughan Mabee. So it stands to reason that this superb winery restaurant should be on your radar as one not to miss. In the lead up to the awards last year Vaughan had held the title of New Zealand’s most innovative chef for 2 years running. Vaughan then led his talented team to take home 3 hats at last year's Cuisine Good Food Awards. One of the great pleasures about...

There is a fabulous new show on THREE. It airs at 5.30 on Saturdays and it’s called  A New Zealand Food Story. It follows multiple award-winning chef, Ben Bayly, as he works towards opening his new Restaurant Ahi,  with an aim to encapsulate the essence of New Zealand.So there is really no better time than now to take a look at how Ben has become one of our highly respected NZ chefs. Ben has been extremely generous in the telling of his story that concludes with a question that many...

It’s a glorious but tough gig working your way up the professional culinary ladder. Working long hours, in sometimes hot and cramped spaces, giving so much of yourself for very little in return. You can understand why many don’t end up choosing to be a chef. However, those that do, that stick at it and find a great employer, an inspiring mentor, a platform that allows them to shine. Those young chefs have a light in their eyes and a fire inside them that demonstrates just how rewarding a...

So very sad to hear of the passing of chef Tony Bilson. Here's a tiny bite from a chat we had 10 years ago. I remember him being so excited as he told me about his recent trip to Northeast Arnhem Land and the cooking techniques learned from the Yolngu people. Techniques that are now being experimented with by many young chefs. Tony played such an important part in the developing Aussie food culture across an incredible career. His 2011 book Insatiable is one of my favourites...   

Why are the foods of some nationalities commonly described as ethnic, but not others? Is the yearly list of cheap eats regularly delivered by many food publications becoming problematic? Is there a general perception that Asian food should be cheap? Can New Zealand compete in the high-end Asian restaurant scene? Do we care?  Cuisine editor Kelli Brett tackles these questions alongside a stellar cast of food experts in this episode of Cuisine Bites. Buckle up! It's a doozy!   David Myers -...

Springtime in New York offered Cuisine editor Kelli Brett conversations inside the kitchens of two exceptional but very different chefs, at very different stages within their brilliant careers. Listen in to the diverse approach of chefs Eric Ripert & Matt Lambert to the highs and lows, the pressures and the excitement of running a Michelin starred restaurant in one of the worlds most competitive restaurant hot spots... Sadly, as this episode was published we were informed that Matt has...

Cuisine editor Kelli Brett explores that wonderful occurrence, the Chef's Collab. The opportunity as a diner to experience the flavours, techniques and approach of a visiting chef that you may not usually have access to. You'll hear from 3 incredible chefs that are winging their way to New Zealand to perform alongside local chefs at Visa Wellington on a Plate 2019; Sara Kramer from restaurant Kismet, LA; London's Ravinder Bhogal from restaurant Jikoni, London; Margot Henderson from The...

In the aftermath of the Christchurch terror attacks, discover the power that the sharing of food can bring to the table. Hear local chef Simo Abbari describe how he will use food to build a new bridge to understanding, respect and connection for all Kiwis. Listen as Cuisine editor Kelli Brett asks hospo professionals Ben Shewry and Sid & Chand Sahrawat to share the outcomes of their tremendous initiatives to support the Christchurch victims and their families. #proudlynewzealand

Chef Massimo Bottura has made the TIME magazine list of the 100 most influential people on our planet. Cuisine editor Kelli Brett shares an intimate conversation with this super heavyweight within the world of gastronomy recorded back in 2012 during the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival 20th anniversary celebrations. Much has changed, or has it? Have a listen...   

Cuisine editor Kelli Brett brings you the latest food news and chats with Lauraine Jacobs, past president of Food Writers New Zealand, the food columnist for the NZ Listener magazine and an internationally respected food and drink writer and author. Fiercely passionate about New Zealand food and in particular the promotion of regional food and artisan producers. Have a listen as Lauraine shares some of her delicious stories from the past and her thoughts about the brilliant future of the New...

Cuisine Editor Kelli Brett takes Heston Blumenthal out for lunch and has some very Sassy Chats with New Zealand women in hospitality.