Bocuse d’Or Team New Zealand has gained a top five ranking in the recent Bocuse d’Or Asia Pacific 2022 online application selection.
This means Bocuse d’Or Team New Zealand will compete in the Bocuse d’Or final on 22 or 23 January 2023 in Lyon, France at the SIRHA Lyon Trade Exhibition for the first time.
Announcing the selection, Bocuse d’Or Team New Zealand President, John Kelleher said the team’s application paid homage and took inspiration from traditional Māori food and culture, as seen in the video submission which captured the human element of our story and journey.
Team Aotearoa consists of candidate chef William Mordido and commis chef Szren Hamberger, who will be in an open kitchen for five hours and 30 minutes showcasing their skills across two themed courses, of which the criteria will be released later in the year.
Coach Ken O’Connell will oversee the contest with directions and timings and President John Kelleher will be on the tasting jury over the two days.
Joining the New Zealand team in the final are 10 European teams, five teams from the Americas, two from the African selection, four other Asia Pacific countries, and two countries will receive a wild card invitation. This makes 24 teams effectively competing in the “world cup of culinary arts”.
