Kiwi Michelin Star Executive Chef Hosts Exclusive Lunch At
Queenstown’s Amisfield Winery Restaurant

Highly regarded Kiwi chef Josh Emett, whose name is synonymous with international Gordon Ramsay restaurants, will create an exclusive five course degustation lunch at Amisfield Wine Company’s bistro on February 9th, 2010 in an exceptional coup for the award winning Queenstown restaurant.

Amisfield Wine Company’s General Manager Fleur Caulton says that attracting someone of Josh Emett’s calibre is outstanding.

“Josh, who is recognised as Gordon Ramsay’s right hand man in North America in his role as Executive Chef de Cuisine at Gordon Ramsay at The London New York and West Hollywood, will appear exclusively at Amisfield Bistro. His food, matched with our medal winning wines, particularly the Amisfield Pinot Noir 07 which has won gold consecutively at the Sydney, New Zealand and Hong Kong international wine shows this year, will highlight our local and regional produce and flavours.”

Hamilton born Emett has worked for ten years alongside Gordon Ramsay and has achieved four Michelin Stars, which are acknowledged as the culinary world’s most significant ratings. His first star was awarded at the Savoy Grill in London, two at the Gordon Ramsay at The London in New York and the fourth at the Gordon Ramsay at The London in Los Angeles.

“Josh is New Zealand’s only Michelin Star chef and to be awarded four stars for his work with Gordon Ramsay is an incredible feat,” says Ms Caulton. “He was also named as a New York Rising Star Chef in 2008 which further underlines his standing as an executive chef. We are incredibly privileged to have him appearing at Amisfield and we know it will be a unique experience for our guests.”

“Numbers are limited and Josh will speak prior to each course, describing the inspiration behind each dish while Amisfield winemaker Claire Mulholland will showcase our wines to match the menu.”

Emett is looking forward to his guest appearance at Amisfield.

“Amisfield is one of my favourite New Zealand restaurants. I had a memorable lunch there earlier this year and I think the wines are incredible. I never forget my New Zealand roots and I’m really looking forward to coming home to work with our amazing local produce.

“I plan to provide guests with an insight into the way I look at food, and will discuss the flavours and different combination techniques we use in our restaurants, which can also be applied in home kitchens.”

His philosophy is to make a dining experience “relaxing and enjoyable.”

“I don’t think diners should have to think too much. Guests at the Amisfield lunch will discover that I like to cook with attention to balance and a clean finish, so that they will leave the restaurant indulged yet content, not overly full.”

Emett’s appearance with Amisfield Wine Company will precede his relocation to Melbourne where he will be responsible for opening Gordon Ramsay’s first two restaurants in Australia, maze and maze Grill - both due to open early next year.

“It is fantastic to think that Josh will be bringing his talents to Melbourne and close to home,” says Ms Caulton. “Undoubtedly it will increase his profile further and will give more New Zealanders an opportunity to appreciate his incredible skills as a chef.”

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