Beef + Lamb New Zealand have announced their five Ambassador Chefs for 2019. The appointments follow the announcement of the 173 Beef and Lamb Excellence Award holders for 2019, with the ambassadors selected from some of the highest rated restaurants during the assessments.
The five selected for the coveted roles are; Andrew May (Amayjen the Restaurant, Feilding) Freddie Ponder (Tables Restaurant, New Plymouth), Jarrod McGregor (Rothko at Sculptureum, Matakana), Pablo Tacchini (Cucina, Oamaru) and Scott Buckler (No. 31 Restaurant, Hanmer Springs).
Freddie Ponder, head chef at Tables Restaurant in New Plymouth, is returning to the ambassadorial role for a second year.
“You only have to look at some of the high-profile names that have been Beef + Lamb Ambassador Chefs over the years to know what an honour it is,” he said. “I was stoked to be asked last year, so to get another call up is awesome. What I really enjoyed about the experience was meeting and connecting with other chefs, seeing their enthusiasm and sharing ideas.”
Lisa Moloney has been food service manager for Beef + Lamb New Zealand for over 12 years.
“This year’s ambassadors have been selected not just because they are fantastic chefs, they were identified because of their creativity, dedication and excitement for cooking with beef and lamb,” she said. “Their purpose is simple; to inspire a network of likeminded chefs to move forward, try something new and showcase what amazing creations are possible with beef and lamb.”
