As the lazy, hazy days of summer holidays begin, thinking about what to eat can be a challenge - especially if you have unexpected guests. We asked chefs from around the region what their go-to recipe is and what the 10 staples you should always have in your kitchen are.
For Schnappa Rock head chef Dean Thompson, food has always been a social occasion.
“That’s what really pushed me into hospitality as a whole,” he said. “Having good booze, good service, good food and a good atmosphere. It’s great when everything complements each other.”
Growing up in Tokoroa, Thompson decided at the age of 15 that being a chef was his dream. He dropped out of school to pursue a diploma in culinary arts.
Working fulltime the next few years, he worked in a cafe, a restaurant and a steak house, where he learned how to cook different cuts of meat.
Thompson said Schnappa Rock is all about using local produce, meat and seafood wherever possible.
He said he enjoys building up personal connections with suppliers, and using produce from the restaurant’s own garden is “massive for us”.
“The main focus for us is that whole paddock to plate,” he said. “We grow things in bulk and we use them to make it taste better. They add so much texture, flavour and freshness to the dish.”
He said he likes to use ingredients that “have a purpose on the plate”.
Thompson said for those trying out new recipes, the cliche of “just relax and enjoy” applies.
“Have fun with it, especially if you’re cooking at home and you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. The reality is, I don’t know what I’m doing, these dishes come from trial and error.”
This is a great summer recipe to use up some of that leftover smoked fish. Best served with croutons and pickles, on an antipasto platter or just on its own with a box of crackers.
Ten staples for Summer:
Butter - In my opinion, one of the best and most important ingredients in any kitchen.
