Competition Heats Up in the Search for NZ's Best Red Meat Dish

The challenge has been issued, and New Zealand’s best chefs have responded. The annual Silver Fern Farms Premier Selection Awards is underway. With an impressive line-up of creative dishes on offer, the real winner is sure to be the New Zealand dining public.

Now in its fourth year, the Silver Fern Farms competition sees chefs from around the country transform premium cuts of Silver Fern Farms New Zealand beef, lamb or venison into original and innovative dishes. The winner will receive the prestigious title of Premier Master of Fine Cuisine.

Just 12 finalists remain from an original line up of 73 entrants who joined the competition last year. Judges narrowed down the line-up by singling out the culinary creations that showcased creativity, innovative techniques, and of course, perfectly cooked meat. 

Tempt your tastebuds with a finalist dish

Now you have the chance to taste a Silver Fern Farms finalist dish. From now until the end of February 2017, the Silver Fern Farms Premier Selection Awards dishes will be available at the 12 finalist restaurants. Dishes are identified on the restaurant's menu, and you may want to step into the judge's shoes and critique the dish yourself. If you need a few tips, judges will assess the finalists on presentation, preparation and cooking of the meat, taste and texture, creativity and promotion.

On 8 February 2017 in Auckland, judges will announce five category winners for Best Beef Dish, Best Lamb Dish, Best Venison Dish, Best Metropolitan Dish and Best Regional Restaurant. The supreme winner will receive the title of Premier Master of Fine Cuisine.

It's a tough job but somebody has to do it

The finalist judging team is made up of highly-respected foodies Kerry Tyack and Tony Adcock. Tyack has years of experience as a writer, critic and educator in the New Zealand food and drinks industry, and Adcock is one of New Zealand’s most experienced restaurateurs with over 40 years in the industry. Both bring a wealth of experience in judging national food competitions and are looking forward to applying their experienced palates to judge the finalist dishes.

A record number of chefs entered this year’s awards, all hoping to claim the title of ‘Premier Master of Fine Cuisine’. You’ll find some of the talented chefs who submitted an entry right here on First Table including Pilkington’s in Auckland; Ember Bar & Grill in Hamilton; Fig Restaurant in Christchurch; and Wakatipu Grill in Queenstown.

To find one of the 12 Silver Fern Farms Premier Selection Award finalists, visit the Silver Ferns website here.

* Photos supplied by Silver Fern Farms