Gareth Stewart is one of the most renowned chefs in the culinary industry. He has made a name for himself as an executive chef, restaurateur, and culinary consultant. Born and raised in New Zealand, Chef Gareth has an extensive culinary background that spans more than 25 years. In this biography, we will delve into his life, career, and achievements.
Early Life
Gareth Stewart was born on July 23, 1974, in Whangarei, New Zealand. His father was a dairy farmer, and his mother was a homemaker. Growing up, Gareth had an interest in cooking and spent most of his free time experimenting with different recipes. He was fascinated by the flavors, textures, and colors of food, and he enjoyed the creativity that cooking allowed him.
At the age of 16, Gareth left school to pursue a career in cooking. He attended the Auckland Institute of Technology, where he earned a diploma in culinary arts. During his studies, Gareth worked as a commis chef at the Sheraton Hotel in Auckland, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience.
Career
After completing his studies, Gareth moved to London, England, where he worked as a sous chef at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. He spent several years working in some of the best kitchens in London, including The Savoy, The Ritz, and The Dorchester.
In 2002, Gareth returned to New Zealand to take on the role of executive chef at The Hilton Auckland. During his time there, he oversaw the hotel’s two restaurants, Bellini Bar and Fish Restaurant. He was responsible for creating menus that showcased New Zealand’s unique flavors and ingredients, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the country’s top chefs.
In 2006, Gareth took on the role of executive chef at Euro Restaurant and Bar in Auckland. He worked there for six years, during which time he won numerous awards, including Cuisine Magazine’s Best Metropolitan Restaurant in New Zealand. Euro Restaurant and Bar was also named Best New Zealand Restaurant in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
In 2012, Gareth left Euro Restaurant and Bar to open his own restaurant, The Nourish Group. The group includes some of New Zealand’s most popular restaurants, including Jervois Steak House, The Culpeper, and The Crab Shack. Gareth is responsible for creating menus that showcase the country’s best ingredients, and he works closely with local farmers, fishermen, and producers to ensure that his dishes are always fresh and flavorful.
Achievements
Gareth has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2008, he was named Chef of the Year at the New Zealand Culinary Fare. In 2009, he was a finalist in the San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. In 2011, he was named one of New Zealand’s top 40 under 40 business people by Unlimited Magazine.
In addition to his success in the culinary world, Gareth has also been a judge on several cooking competition shows, including MasterChef New Zealand and My Kitchen Rules New Zealand. He has also appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia and Iron Chef America.
Gareth is also passionate about giving back to his community. He is a member of the New Zealand Chefs Association and has worked with several charitable organizations, including KidsCan and the Auckland City Mission.
Personal Life
Gareth is married and has three children. He enjoys spending time with his family and traveling. He is also an avid sports fan and enjoys playing golf and rugby.
In his free time, Gareth enjoys experimenting with new recipes and ingredients. He is passionate about using sustainable and locally sourced ingredients in his cooking and believes that food should be both delicious and nutritious.
