Auckland chefs to host My Kitchen Rules NZ

Ben Bayly and Gareth Stewart have been named as the hosts of My Kitchen Rules NZ.

Two award-winning Auckland chefs have been named as the hosts of My Kitchen Rules NZ.

Ben Bayly, head chef at The Grove and Baduzzi, and Soul Bar and Bistro's Gareth Stewart will front the cooking show, coming to television later this year.

Bayly is known for his modern-style food using classic French cooking techniques, and has worked at Michelin starred restaurants in London and France.

In 2010 and 2011, The Grove was named the Supreme Winner of the Metro Audi Restaurant of the Year, and it was a finalist in Cuisine Magazine's Restaurant of the Year from 2004 to 2011.

UK-born Stewart has run Soul Bar and Bistro's kitchen for seven years. It was named
Cuisine's Restaurant of the Year in 2009.

Bayly says he is a big fan of the Australian series of My Kitchen Rules, where couples compete in a series of home dinner parties and cooking tasks.

Meanwhile, long-time friend Stewart is keen to see what Kiwi's home-cooks can deliver.

"I'll be looking for food with a flair incorporating great colours, flavours and textures - it's really about getting the best from each product."

Applications to compete on the show will remain open until the end of March.

- nzherald.co.nz