Mark Sycamore, Sous chef at Blanket Bay, was awarded the title Chef of the Nation at the prestigious New Zealand Culinary Affair 10th October 2006 in Auckland.

The competition comprised a cold table display, a hot kitchen main course and dessert and hot kitchen mystery box.  Mark won the gold medal with an exceptional score of 93 for the cold table display, followed by two silver medals for the hot kitchen events resulting in the highest overall score. Mark is the recipient of the Gordon Ramsey Scholarship in 2004 and was runner up in the same competition in 2005.

Philip Jenkins, General Manager of Blanket Bay, says this is a marvellous result for Mark who is an extremely talented chef, passionate about his trade and a true professional.  We are delighted for him to have reached this pinnacle of success at such a young age and offer our heartiest congratulations for a well earned result.

Photo courtesy of Southland Times.