Silver Fern Farms: Only the best make the cut

The nation's finest red meat maestros are out in force, with the Silver Fern Farms Restaurant Awards judging process now officially underway.

Meat-lovers rejoice – the Silver Fern Farms Restaurant Awards are back.

Chefs from around the country will showcase nothing but the best over the next two months, with premium-quality red meat set to grace menus throughout New Zealand as Silver Fern Farms celebrates the fifth anniversary of their annual Restaurant Awards.

Founded in 2013, these awards recognise the creativity and artistry of Kiwi chefs at the top of their game, showcasing their craft and expertise while using Silver Fern Farms natural grass-fed, red meat.

Using premium cuts of Silver Fern Farms beef, lamb or venison, local chefs were invited to put forth their own interpretation of what makes a truly unique meat dish. The entries received reinforce that there is a growing demand amongst discerning diners for dishes that deliver on the expectation of untouched natural, authentic and delicious food.

Silver Fern Farms marketing manager in food service, Bernie de Bono says, “The awards give professional chefs an opportunity to create a memorable taste encounter for diners while also being recognised for their creativity and expertise. We want to provide them with the finest natural grass-fed red meat so they can express their craft and innovation to produce extraordinary results for diners.”

“We are excited about the growth of the awards, the excellent calibre of more than 60 entrants this year reflects the esteem that New Zealand chefs have for them,” says Bernie. “We know from working closely with them through the Restaurant Awards that product consistency is critical. Being able to deliver on this is important to us because we set ourselves high standards when it comes to suppling premium quality red meat here in New Zealand as well as in international markets.”

This year's line-up of judges will sample a staggering 63 delectable dishes, to discover who will make the final cut. As well as excellent meat preparation. judges will be assessing the chefs' use of seasonal produce, technique and taste, through the use of a combination of ingredients that complement the red meat hero dish.

Twelve finalists will be announced in early May and the head judges Catherine Bell and Geoff Scott will revisit each finalist restaurant and mark them against a set of strict criteria. Let the (meat) games begin.

SILVER FERN FARMS RESTAURANT AWARDS 2018 – FULL LINE-UP OF ENTRIES, LISTED BY REGION

WHANGAREI

• QUAY

AUCKLAND

• THE ARCHIVE BAR & BISTRO AT MUDBRICK 
• THE HUNTING LODGE 
• AUGUSTUS BISTRO
• BOTSWANA BUTCHERY
• HARBOURSIDE OCEAN BAR GRILL
• SAAN
• WHITE + WONG’S
• VILLA MARIA VINEYARD CAFÉ
• KAURI BAY BOOMROCK

MATAMATA

• THE REDOUBT BAR AND EATERY

HAMILTON

• BLUESTONE STEAKHOUSE 
• FURNACE
• PALATE RESTAURANT 
• VICTORIA STREET BISTRO

CAMBRIDGE

• ALPHA STREET KITCHEN & BAR
• ALPINO CUCINA E VINO

PUTARURU

• THE WOODEN FARMER RESTAURANT AND CAFÉ

TAURANGA/MOUNT MAUNGANUI

• HALO LOUNGE AND DINING
• MILLS REEF WINERY
• RAIN
• MOUNT BISTRO

TARANAKI

• SALT ON THE WATERFRONT 
• KAURI COTTAGE CAFE BAR AND BISTRO

NAPIER

• MISTER D

PALMERSTON NORTH

• NERO
• ABERDEEN ON BROADWAY

FEILDING

• AMAYJEN - THE RESTAURANT

WAIRARAPA

• WHAREKAUHAU COUNTRY ESTATE

WELLINGTON 

• 180 DEGREES AT THE COPTHORNE, 
• ARTISAN DINING HOUSE, BOLTON HOTEL
• CHAMELEON AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL
• HIPPOPOTAMUS
• PORTLANDER BAR & GRILL
• PRAVDA CAFÉ AND GRILL
• NOBLE ROT 
• SHED 5 RESTAURANT AND BAR
• THISTLE INN
• ​ST JOHNS RESTAURANT & BAR

CANTERBURY

• BLOODY MARY’S
• COOK'N' WITH GAS
• CHILLINGWORTH ROAD 
• THE FIG RESTAURANT AT QUALITY HOTEL THE ELMS
• ​UNIVERSO BRASSERIE AND BAR

AKAROA

• LITTLE BISTRO
• THE TRADING ROOMS RESTAURANT AND PANTRY

CENTRAL OTAGO

• BOTSWANA BUTCHERY QUEENSTOWN
• GANTLEY’S
• WAKATIPU GRILL

WANAKA

• KIKA
• BANNOCKBURN
• CARRICK WINERY

CLYDE

• OLIVERS VICTORIA STORE CLYDE
• OPHIR
• PITCHES STORE

DUNEDIN

• VAULT 21 
• PROHIBITION SMOKEHOUSE

To learn more about the Silver Fern Farms Restaurant Awards, simply visit their website here.