Fusion restaurant tempts talent from overseas

Press release from threesixty, Queenstown
Tuesday 13 March 2007

A talented chef with two decades under his culinary belt has taken the reigns as Executive Chef at Queenstown’s only fusion restaurant.

Joji Iwama has joined threesixty restaurant from Cairns, where he worked for eighteen months in a thriving international restaurant.

Joji is skilled in Sushi, Sashimi, Teppanyaki, modern European and Australasian cooking. He was also the head chef of a successful Christchurch restaurant, Joji’s, for several years.

“With my authentic Japanese cooking background, I’m very excited to be working in threesixty and to be launching a new-style fusion autumn menu very soon,” said Iwama.

“Fusion is much more than just a type of cooking. I specialise in east meets west style, but I also work hard to track down authentic and locally grown Asian ingredients like Akaroa-grown shiitake mushrooms or wasabi horseradish, which I blend with the best of New Zealand produce like lamb, Otago venison and Akaroa salmon.

“At threesixty we’re offering a cutting edge way of eating, with sharp, fresh flavours and a commitment to New Zealand produce. Queenstown’s visiting and local clientele are largely adventurous when it comes to food; it’s my job to exceed their expectations.”

Joji’s experience, his commitment to offering truly distinguished dishes and his passion for tracking down only the best ingredients makes him a strong asset to threesixty.

Joji holds Le Cordon Bleu Diplome Professional de Cuisine from Sydney’s Le Cordon Blue establishment and Commercial Cookery Certificate IV from Northern Institute of TAFE, also in Sydney. Fluent in both English and Japanese, Joji is also a New Zealand and Australian national.

Joji will be showcasing threesixty’s fusion food at Queenstown’s Gibbston Harvest Festival on 17 March at Waitiri Creek Winery. Dishes on offer will include seared prawns with saffron vinaigrette rice, salad of Akaroa salmon carpaccio and Otago lamb with wasabi nori rolls.

threesixty is located on Beach Street, opposite Queenstown’s Steamer Wharf, and enjoys spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu and the mountains.

ENDS

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