Top Manawatu chef represents NZ in Asia

ON TOP: Steak of Origin winner Scott Kennedy. PHOTO: BEEF + LAMB NZ

Palmerston North's Scott Kennedy will be flying to Asia this week to represent New Zealand after winning the Steak of Origin competition for the fifth time.

Mr Kennedy, who is the owner and chef at Cafe Nero, will be showcasing the best of New Zealand's beef to key audiences in Taiwan, Korea and Japan.

He will also be educating high profile chefs, key purchasers, importers, distributors and students, as well as running seminars that include cooking demonstrations and question and answer sessions.

Mr Kennedy said the Asian market was crucial to the future of New Zealand beef.

"Having the opportunity to teach them about our country's great product is very exciting. It will also be a fun and unique chance for me to teach the chefs the best cooking techniques in order to get the most out of our beef, techniques often very different to what they are used to."

Mr Kennedy will be overseas for two weeks during which he will visit seven different cities with his presentation.

While in South Korea Mr Kennedy will prepare a dinner at the New Zealand Ambassador's residence to a group of invited guests.

New Zealand Agri Investment Week director Lance Bickford said he was excited a chef from the Manawatu had been given recognition for his hard work. "If New Zealand wasn't aware of the calibre of our chefs and restaurants before Plate of Origin, they certainly are now. Chefs like Scott can foot it with the best anywhere. It was wonderful to see the region, and its food, profiled in the latest Cuisine magazine."