Applications are now open for the 2021 Beef + Lamb Young Ambassador Chef Award

Applications are now open for young New Zealand chefs to plate up their best beef and lamb dishes in the hope of becoming the very first Beef + Lamb Young Ambassador Chef.

For twenty-five years, Beef + Lamb New Zealand has been shaping the careers of chefs around the country by selecting those who are creating and serving incredible beef and lamb dishes in their restaurants to be Ambassador Chefs.  To celebrate this milestone, Beef + Lamb New Zealand are offering a one-off opportunity for a young emerging chef to put their culinary skills to the test and join the 2021 Ambassador Chefs - Tejas Nikam, Paddock to Plate Waikato; Phil Clark, Phil’s Kitchen; Jack Crosti, Mela and Norka Mella Munoz, Mangapapa Hotel.

Beef + Lamb Foodservice Manager, Lisa Moloney says the winning young chef will be someone who is hungry to learn more and take up opportunities to be mentored by some of New Zealand’s top chefs.

“We see the young chef as someone who can showcase their passion for cooking with New Zealand beef and lamb and use this opportunity to grow their culinary skills to tell the paddock to plate story in an exciting and innovative way.” says Moloney.

Beef + Lamb Ambassador Chef, Phil Clark of Phil’s Kitchen started his career at the tender age of 15 and says he is looking forward to the opportunity to give back to the industry and encourage young chefs to get creative in the kitchen.

“My advice to any young chef is to take your time and get the foundations right – there is no rush. Spend time working under great chefs and learn as much as you can and the rest will follow.”

Applications are now open and close at midnight on Friday February 12th. Young chefs will need to present their best beef and lamb dishes with three finalists being invited to a cook-off event in Auckland in March 2021.

Young Chefs can apply here.