INDEPENDENT NEWS

Ben Bayly & Gareth Stewart to host My Kitchen Rules NZ

Published: Mon 17 Mar 2014 11:14 AM
Ben Bayly & Gareth Stewart to host My Kitchen Rules NZ
Award-winning chefs Ben Bayly (The Grove, Baduzzi) and Gareth Stewart (Soul Bar and Bistro) will host My Kitchen Rules NZ, coming to TV ONE later this year.
Ben Bayly is currently Head Chef at both The Grove and Baduzzi in Auckland, and is renowned for his modern-style food using classic French cooking techniques.
Ben has had an illustrious career in senior chef roles at Michelin starred restaurants in London and France (The Ledbury & The Square (London), Restaurant Jean-Paul Jennet (France)).
Under his influence, The Grove holds the title of Supreme Winner of the Metro Audi Restaurant of the Year for 2010 & 2011, it was a finalist in Cuisine Magazine’s Restaurant of the Year from 2004 – 2011 and the winner of Cuisine Best Metropolitan Restaurant 2012.
“I’m so excited to be hosting My Kitchen Rules NZ alongside Gareth, who is a fantastic chef and friend. I’m a big fan of the Australian series, and know the Kiwi teams will give us their all,” says Ben.
“I’ll be looking for deep flavours and seasoning from the teams’ dishes, and complementary ingredients on the plate,” he adds.
Gareth Stewart hails from the UK and has been the Head Chef of Soul Bar and Bistro for almost seven years. He has put his stamp on the food at Soul and loves working with and inspiring his large and loyal kitchen team. Soul was the 2009 winner of Cuisine’s Restaurant of the Year.
Gareth has featured on The Best of New Zealand showing Kiwi men how entertaining can be done easily and look and taste great.
Gareth is thrilled to be judging My Kitchen Rules NZ, and cooking with this country’s seasonal offerings is something he’s embraced.
“I’m looking forward to seeing New Zealand’s best home-cooks show us what they’ve got in distinctive New Zealand locations with local foods and specialities. I’ll be looking for food with a flair incorporating great colours, flavours and textures – it’s really about getting the best from each product. Bring it on!” says Gareth.
TVNZ’s Head of Television, Jeff Latch says, “Ben and Gareth have been friends for years and their natural chemistry and camaraderie are bound to strike a chord with Kiwi audiences. We’re thrilled to have two such talented chefs and personalities on board for MKR NZ."
Think you’ve got what it takes to impress Ben and Gareth? Don’t miss your chance to apply for My Kitchen Rules NZ! Head along to www.tvnz.co.nz/mkr-apply.
Applications close at noon on March 31, 2014.
ENDS

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