Now in their 19th year, the New Zealand Beef and Lamb Excellence Awards have just been announced and the newest ambassador chefs honoured at the annual long lunch, this year held at the stunning Kelliher Estate on Auckland’s Puketutu Island. New chefs were joined by the six Platinum Ambassadors (chefs who have received the honour more than four times), and each chef impressed attendees by cooking their top dish. The awards are notably not a competition - the honours are bestowed on establishments (and chefs) that meet NZ Beef and Lamb’s criteria for skilfully prepared and presented beef and lamb.

This year welcomes Reon Hobson (Pescatore at the George Hotel, Christchurch), Brad King (The Falls Retreat, Bay of Plenty), Ken O’Connell (Bracken Restaurant, Dunedin), Marc Soper (Wharekauhau Estate, Wairarapa) and Ryan Tattersall (Cobar, Wellington). Each chef will host an event in NZ Beef and Lamb’s Ambassador Series this year, giving the public a chance to sample their dishes. In the meantime, look out for the gold plate next time you’re choosing a restaurant and you’re sure to be impressed.

For a full list of 2015 Beef & Lamb Excellence Award holders, visit nzexcellenceawards.co.nz.