Introduction
Chef Josh Emett is one of the most renowned chefs in the world, having worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in Europe and North America. His passion for cooking began at a young age, and he has since gone on to become a Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author. In this biography, we will take a closer look at his life, career, and accomplishments.
Early Life and Education
Josh Emett was born in New Zealand in 1979, and his interest in cooking began at a young age. Growing up in a family of food lovers, he spent much of his childhood watching his mother and grandmother cook in the kitchen. He was particularly drawn to the flavors and spices of Indian cuisine, which his mother had a keen interest in.
Emett attended the University of Otago in New Zealand, where he studied dentistry for two years before realizing that his true passion lay in cooking. He then enrolled in culinary school at the Tante Marie Culinary Academy in Surrey, England, where he honed his skills in classical French cooking.
Career
After completing his culinary training, Emett began his career in London, working at some of the city’s top restaurants, including the Savoy Grill and the Dorchester. He then moved to Paris, where he worked at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant L’Arpege under the tutelage of chef Alain Passard.
In 2003, Emett moved to New York City, where he worked at the world-renowned restaurant Le Bernardin. It was here that he met chef Gordon Ramsay, who would later become his mentor and business partner. Ramsay was so impressed with Emett’s skills that he invited him to become his right-hand man at his flagship restaurant in London, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay.
At Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Emett worked as the sous chef, and he played an instrumental role in helping the restaurant earn three Michelin stars. He then went on to work as the executive chef at Ramsay’s restaurant at the London hotel The Berkeley.
In 2010, Emett returned to his home country of New Zealand to open his first restaurant, Rata, in Queenstown. The restaurant was an immediate success, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. Emett has since opened several more restaurants in New Zealand, including Madam Woo, Hawker & Roll, and Onslow, as well as a restaurant in Los Angeles called NoMad.
Emett has also appeared as a judge on several cooking competition shows, including MasterChef New Zealand and Hell’s Kitchen.
Awards and Accolades
Throughout his career, Emett has received numerous awards and accolades for his culinary achievements. In 2005, he was named one of the “Top 50 Young Chefs in the World” by Restaurant magazine. In 2006, he was awarded a Michelin star for his work as sous chef at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay.
In 2011, Emett was awarded the title of “Chef of the Year” at the New Zealand Culinary Fare, and Rata was named “Restaurant of the Year” at the Cuisine Good Food Awards. In 2014, he was awarded the title of “Outstanding Chef” at the New Zealand Hospitality Awards.
Emett’s restaurants have also received numerous accolades, including being named the “Best Restaurant in New Zealand” by Cuisine magazine and the “Best Fine Dining Restaurant” at the New Zealand Restaurant Awards.
