Beef + Lamb NZ seek ultimate steak connoisseur

Beef + Lamb is looking for someone who would appreciate steaks like these.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc. is looking for the Ultimate Steak Connoisseur to help determine New Zealand's tastiest steak.

The chosen person will form part of the judging panel at the 2018 PGG Wrightson Steak of Origin grand final at Mystery Creek on Wednesday June 13.

Candidates are asked to send 50 words (or a one-minute-max video) explaining why they are New Zealand's Ultimate Steak Connoisseur, and describe how they like their steak cooked to imogen@beeflambnz.co.nz; go to www.recipes.co.nz by 5pm on May 4.

Further details are on the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Facebook page.

Head judge Graham Hawkes, owner and executive chef of the Paddington Arms in Invercargill and president of the New Zealand Chefs' Association, said the PGG Wrightson Steak of Origin competition was the pinnacle for any beef producer, the Oscars for steaks, which set the benchmark for quality produce, helping guide chefs on where to obtain ingredients.

"The committee feels that a good quality steak is as Kiwi as cricket on the beach at Christmas, so we want to comb the nation to find New Zealand's Ultimate Steak Connoisseur. We do not expect the candidate to be a chef, or come from a culinary background — we simply want to see passion for tender, succulent steak.

"The successful candidate will be someone whose application stands out from the herd. Kiwi steaks are no ordinary steaks, so we don't want an ordinary judge."

The winner will be expected to judge steaks on aroma, taste/flavour, tenderness, juiciness and texture, alongside some of New Zealand's top chefs.

They won't be paid, and will have to make their own way to Mystery Creek, although 'reasonable' expenses will be covered. Applicants must be New Zealand residents and at least 18.