Media Release - 07 September, 2007

Major wins for Peppers

Peppers' chefs have recently enjoyed success in New Zealand with major wins for Peppers Martinborough Hotel at the Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Awards, extremely close second place for Peppers on the Point, Lake Rotorua, at the Apprentice of the Year Awards and now a win for Peppers Clearwater Resort at this week's Torque d'Or Culinary Awards.

Ken Harris, Regional General Manager of Peppers Clearwater Resort says, "The Peppers name is synonymous with fantastic food and dining experiences and these awards recognise the dedicated and talented chef's coming through the ranks. Peppers' apprentice development programme is focused on inspiring young chefs, instilling a commitment to excellence and giving them the confidence to produce great food."

The prestigious Toque d'Or is a team event where competitors produce and serve a three-course meal under the heavy scrutiny of top industry professionals. Daman Griffith from Peppers Clearwater Resort competed in a team of Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) students. "Damo", as he's known to his colleagues, came top of his class at CPIT in the Certificate of Professional Cookery course and is now working towards a Diploma in Culinary Arts. He has been part of the Peppers Clearwater Resort team since 2002.

Executive Chef, Michael Maguire, encourages all of his kitchen brigade to challenge themselves and enter the Salon Culinaire Competitions held annually in Christchurch. This year Damo entered 'Commis of the Year.' He was awarded Gold Commis chef of the year Hot cook off, and Bronze - Hot present cold.

Damo says the key behind the win was "practice, practice, practice" and not just about cooking but team work and great execution on the day. The winning entry comprised of:
Entre
Cured salmon (smoked in part) with a parmesan
biscuit and chilli mango salad
Main
Sirloin rolled in prosciutto on a potato tower with oregano
Dessert
Hazelnut parfait with a chocolate fondant pudding and
passion fruit coulis
Peppers Retreats, Resorts & operates a collection of premium retreats, resorts and hotels in beautiful locations throughout New Zealand and Australia, including Rotorua, Martinborough, Christchurch, Queenstown and soon to be opened in Lake Tekapo and Lake Taupo. For more information go to: www.peppers.co.nz

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