New Zealand Chef Wins Cultural Tourism DC's Embassy Chef Challenge 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW ZEALAND CHEF WINS TRIFECTA AT CULTURAL TOURISM DC'S EMBASSY CHEF CHALLENGE 2013
Chef Nathan Bates from the Embassy of New Zealand Wins All Three Honors at the International Culinary Competition
TWITTER: Chef Nathan Bates from New Zealand wins all 3 honors at #EmbassyChef Challenge – a first ever! http://bit.ly/WZdira
Washington, DC – March 18, 2013 – Chef Nathan Bates from the Embassy of New Zealand won top honors at Cultural Tourism DC's Embassy Chef Challenge—the 5th annual culinary competition for Washington, DC embassy chefs—held March 14 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
Chef Bates won Challenge Hungary, a preliminary Top Chef-like competition, as well as the Judge's Choice and People's Choice awards at the gala. He is the first chef to take home all three honors, as well as the first non-European chef to win the Judge's Choice.
Chef Bates' winning dish was a roasted lamb cutlet with zespri kiwi, herb and manuka honey relish, which he served to nearly 500 guests and a panel of celebrity judges that included Top Chef All-Star Carla Hall.
Embassy Chef Challenge is an annual benefit for Cultural Tourism DC. The event not only enhances culinary diplomacy, but also celebrates DC's arts, culture and heritage of Washington, DC, by supporting Cultural Tourism DC's free programs and events throughout the year.
ABOUT 2013 WINNING CHEF NATHAN BATES
Winner of Judge's Choice, People's Choice and Challenge Hungary
New Zealand born and trained, Nathan Bates arrived at the New Zealand Embassy in Washington, DC, as the Ambassador's Chef in 2007. Previously an executive chef at The George Hotel in Christchurch, New Zealand, Chef Bates ran acclaimed restaurants Pescatore and 50 on Park, both of which have won several national and international awards and have enviable reputations for their fine cuisine. In 2005 he won the prestigious title of South Island Chef of the Year.
QUOTES
"It was great to be able to represent New Zealand on the international stage. Bringing the award to the southern hemisphere after it's been won by European nations for the last few years is also an honor for us. The produce and ingredients, such as New Zealand lamb and kiwifruit, speak for themselves and made it easy for me to create a dish that represents New Zealand cuisine."
Attributed to Chef Nathan Bates, residence chef, New Zealand Embassy
"We are pleased that we had this opportunity to showcase New Zealand cuisine at the Embassy Chef Challenge and proud of Chef Nathan Bates. Now everyone knows what we've known all along about his talents as a chef. What a legend!" Attributed to Mike Moore, ambassador, New Zealand ambassador to the United States
PARTICIPATING EMBASSIES
> China > El Salvador > Jamaica > Korea > New Zealand > Norway > Russia > South Africa > Trinidad & Tobago
MEET THE JUDGES
> Tim Carman, food reporter, The Washington Post > Chef Xavier Deshayes, executive chef, Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Chef Duff Goldman, Founder and Head Pastry Chef of Charm City Cakes–the Baltimore Bakery featured on Food Network's Ace of Cakes, Member of the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Culinary Partnership American Chef Corps > Washington-based Chef Carla Hall, co-host of ABC's The Chew, finalist on Bravo's Top Chef, and finalist and "Fan Favorite" on Bravo's Top Chef All-Stars > Chef Penny Karas, owner and executive pastry chef, Hello Cupcake > Chef Viktor Merényi, Embassy of Hungary, Judge's Choice winner of the Embassy Chef Challenge 2012 > Chef Sina Molavi, executive chef, Occasions Caterers > Joe Yonan, food and travel editor, The Washington Post
Cultural Tourism DC acknowledges major sponsors for Embassy Chef Challenge 2013:
> Chef Level: Etihad Airways, Ronald Reagan Building And International Trade Center > Gastronome Level: 3M, The Coca-Cola Company, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Melrose Hotel > Bon Vivant Level: Gelberg Signs, Jumiera Hotels and Resorts, Occasions Caterers
For a complete list of sponsors visit: http://www.embassychefchallenge.com/sponsors#!sponsors/ccjb
ABOUT CULTURAL TOURISM DC
Cultural Tourism DC is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit coalition of more than 230 culture, heritage, and community-based organizations. Cultural Tourism DC and its members help residents and visitors experience DC's culture and heritage. www.culturaltourismdc.org
