Guest Chef 2013
Our 2013 Guest chef: Mark Mehalski – now at the wonderful Jellyfish Cafe and Bar on the Mapua wharf.
Returning to New Zealand after 20 years honing his craft in London, Valencia, Tel Aviv and Sydney, Mark has a passion for produce-driven, rustic food he describes as “decidedly Antipodean with a Mediterranean leaning”. The 2012 Nelson Hospitality Head Chef of the Year focuses on clean, precise flavours that combine the finesse of the British fine dining establishment with Spanish flair and rugged Middle Eastern passion.
After a time gardening in Christchurch and then working for a cousin as a kitchenhand, Mark went on to Polytech to learn his trade as a chef. He has worked with a number of celebrity chefs such as Alastair Little in London.
For the Sarau Festival, Mark will be making two simple but incredibly delicious desserts using local blackcurrants – the famous “Eton Mess”, and “Knickerbocker Glory”….which he describes as a glorified trifle …but what glory!
When not in the kitchen, Mark can be found surfing, tracking the fortunes of his beloved Tottenham Hotspur football team, or hanging out with his two lively children Nico and Eva.
Don’t miss Mark’s fantastic demo at the Festival this year!
