An octopus dish by a Toi Ohomai cookery graduate has claimed the Judge’s Choice award during Flavours of Plenty’s Battle of the Snack contest.
Rikayla Bridge-Zwezerynen’s chargrilled octopus, romesco, potato, herb, and squid ink caught the attention of co-host and judge, Kelli Brett, editor and owner of Cuisine magazine.
Festival director, Rae Baker, says the Battle of the Snack provided a fun and tasty evening showcasing the region’s beautiful flavours and the talented people who work in its hospitality sector.
“I want to say a huge thank you to all our incredible chefs who donated their time to upskill our region’s rising culinary stars,” she said.
“Rikayla’s win means her octopus dish will feature in an upcoming article in Cuisine, which is really exciting. It’s a great way to share her culinary feat with a national audience.”
Rae also thanked sponsors and supporters including Saltwater, Bay Distilling, Mount Brewing Co, Leveret & Mills Reef, Herringbone Wines, and Southern Hospitality.
Four aspiring chefs were matched with four of the Bay of Plenty’s most experienced chefs to produce eight snack platters for Battle of the Snack held at Saltwater, Mount Maunganui.
Rikayla, who now works as a commis chef at Solera, was mentored by chef Shane Yardley. For the second year running Shane has mentored a Judge’s Choice winner after supporting Aditya Raut when he claimed the title last year.
A renowned chef with global experience, Shane has led some of New Zealand’s best restaurants. A chef tutor at Toi Ohomai, he also offers private catering, pop-up dinners and cookery demonstrations.
Battle of the Snack also saw diners vote for their favourite in the People’s Choice award. Nathan Turley’s curry Malay-flavoured stuffed chicken wing and sambal mayo pipped two other close contenders to the post.
Owner of Somethin’ Somethin cafe, Mount Maunganui, Nathan was mentored by Paul Patterson, who has more than 17 years in the culinary sector and owns Fisherman’s Wharf in Ōhope.
Held from late March until mid-April, Flavours of Plenty again showcased the best of BOP produce to locals and tourists alike.
