Zach

How do you like your coffee? Only in its purest form of course. Black with a drop or 10 of Whisky! But on days when I'm at Onslow. A Classic Long Black.

What do you do to relax on your days off? Sounds mundane and not restful but I love a to start a day off with a good solid workout, a eggy breakfast and then spend some time tending to my plants put on good album, spend the rest of day at the beach, in the sun, or the rain. (Looking at you Auckland weather) and getting to spend time with friends or whanau on days off is always an added bonus too!

What ingredient/condiment could you not live without? This is so hard! Honestly the only thing that I couldn’t live without… would have to be coffee. Cliché I know. Anything else I'm fine not being able to have or consume but 12 hours without coffee and you'll find me in a million pieces on the floor! Literally. If the question is coffee, the answer will almost always be yes.

What is your go to meal at home? When I'm not being boring and living off smootheis, protein, vege and rice. You'll find me inhaling a classic Full English Breakfast or a good Sunday roast. I'm a sucker for a good Chicken Roast dinner, Smothered in lots of Gravy. When I say lots. Like buckets of it.

What got you into hospitality? I grew up in a family where food was always an integral part of the daily routine. Hunting, fishing, home butchery, massive family Heirloom Orchard etc. So had always been immersed in food. And it was second nature. The little spark that lit my passion for food and our industry was lit up from my Nana. After spending time with her decorating, baking weddings cakes, scones, roast dinners and her Chocolate Profiteroles (which are the best you'll ever try) Nana shared and passed her knowledge and skills over and the passion ignited. Little Shout out to Block 9 Palmerston North Ucol Chef Tutur Team for continuing to fuel that passion. And the rest is history.

Favourite dish at Onslow? So Many classic dishes to choose from. So torn on this. Extremely hard to choose one! But I'd have to say the Chicken Liver Parfait with Smoked Black Pepper Maple and Brioche. Honestly to die for! Second favorite Macadamia and Dark Chocolate Brittle. But as I said way to many iconic dishes to choose from. And many more dishes coming that might take place in my favorites list!