The Knives Are Out - New Zealand and Australia Battle for Trans Tasman Culinary Supremacy at Fine Food New Zealand

Fine Food New Zealand (FFNZ) will be the place to be from June 13th - 15th 2010. Teams of young professional chefs from the New Zealand Chefs Association (NZCA) and the Australian Culinary Federation will square off against each other in the cauldron of the culinary arena as they vie for the inaugural NZCA Junior Gourmet Pacific Challenge Cup at the NZCA Gourmet Pacific Challenge, determining which side of the Tasman can lay claim to culinary supremacy.

Over the two days of intense competition, 4 teams of young professional chefs will compete in a variety of cooking competitions earning points for their teams as they seek not only culinary glory, but to uphold their national pride.

Sunday June 13th will see team members compete in individual competitions, preparing dishes of NZ King Salmon and NZ Beef & Lamb accompanied with appropriate garnishes of NZ Vegetables and mouth watering desserts.

Monday 14th June will see the entrants compete in their teams reproducing their individual dishes as part of a 5 course gourmet meal under the scrutiny of a panel of international judges from the World Association of Chefs Societies.

The Gourmet Pacific Challenge Event Director, Mr Murray Dick states, "the key elements behind the Pacific region's vibrant and dynamic food and beverage industry are the people who have committed their time, effort and dedication to ensuring only the highest standards are achieved.

Symbolising the pinnacle of excellence, young professional chefs from Australia and New Zealand will gather to compete with their peers. The NZCA Gourmet Pacific Challenge will celebrate with these young culinary talents for their superb culinary skills and also their current and future contributions to the food and beverage sectors of our respective countries."

On Tuesday 15th June, the big boys come out to play when the Australian and New Zealand International Culinary Teams go head to head for the first time ever in "The Battle for the Tasman."

Both teams have enjoyed numerous success on the international culinary competition circuit and on June 5th they will be putting their reputations and national pride on the line when, for the first time ever in New Zealand, an international team's event will take place at Fine Food new Zealand. Each team will have five hours to prepare, cook and then serve a four course lunch for 70 people, all under the scrutiny of an international panel of judges.

New Zealand Team Business Manager Gary Miller says, "it is fantastic having this opportunity to not only square off against Australia, but to be able to share with the rest of New Zealand the thrill and excitement that is an international teams event.

For the past 8 years, the NZCT has travelled the world clocking up numerous awards, accolades and gold medals and now we get the opportunity to try to achieve in our own back yard."

Australian Culinary Federation Team Manager, Patrick O'Brien says of the event, "Fine Food New Zealand will be a great opportunity for both New Zealand and Australia to come together to share and demonstrate their passions and skills in the culinary arts. There is great 'friendly' rivalry between both squads as we've watched each other over the years, now we are in a position to cook-off against each other in Auckland, in June. It's going to be fierce and we look forward to it."

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For further details on the Gourmet Pacific Challenge contact:

Murray Dick
NZCA Events Co-ordinator 
021 777 774
kukboi@xtra.co.nz

Gary Miller
NZCT Business Manager
0275 918 777
nzculinaryteam@hotmail.com