Gareth Walker took up the position of Head Chef in mid July and is looking forward to enhancing New Zealand produce and flavours with contemporary international twists.
Originally from the Waikato, Gareth trained in cuisine and hospitality in Dunedin before joining the five-star Jumeriah hotel group, based in London for three years. Gareth then returned to New Zealand in 2007, working as a Head Chef and then Food and Beverage Manager.
“Through my travels I’ve had the chance to observe and be inspired by the simplicity of various cooking methods and the quality of flavours that international cooking brings to the food.”
Gareth particularly enjoys cooking Mediterranean dishes and believes this is a style and taste-range that would be popular in New Zealand. “Plate’s Chef de Cuisine Jozsef Szekely has done a brilliant job with the present menu. I’m really looking forward to working with Jozsef and the rest of the Plate team to build on that work, developing new dishes our diners will find exciting and irresistible.”
General Manager Heather Idoine-Riley says Plate Restaurant has enjoyed popularity with the same Head Chef since the 4+ Star, design award-winning Holiday Inn Wellington opened in 2007. “However, a new kitchen leader always brings a certain freshness and creativity to both the menu and the atmosphere. We’re really delighted Gareth is joining our team.”
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