Nero wins Plate of Origin with sirloin and oyster dish

A top-class Palmerston North restaurant has won the national Plate of Origin competition.

Nero’s angus sirloin and oyster dish was announced as the winner on Thursday. The other top-three scoring restaurants will be announced in Cuisine magazine on Monday.

Seven Manawatu¯ chefs paired with chefs from throughout New Zealand to compete in the third year of the Plate of Origin, in Palmerston North in March.

Nero paired with Cibo, from Auckland, and created a mouthwatering dish featuring Kahuterawa angus sirloin from Manawatu¯ , flavours of Te Matuku oysters from Waiheke Island, crisp beef tendons, heirloom tomatoes and sticky beef bonbon.

Nero owner and chef Scott Kennedy said he was chuffed with the win.

‘‘It is a hard competition to win because of all the variables with ingredients and different chefs, and to get a win is fantastic,’’ he said.

‘‘It is great for Nero to be showcased in a national magazine, as well as Manawatu¯ .’’

Cuisine editor and competition judge Kelli Brett said organisers wanted to ensure the winning dish reflected the featured ingredients and remained true to the local restaurant and its customers.

This year, a key requirement was for each dish to feature a product produced or grown in each of the partnering regions. ‘‘This year’s winning dish did all of this and more, being innovative and creative, while also reflecting and respecting the philosophy and culture at the heart of Nero,’’ she said.

‘‘Hearing stories from chefs and restaurant owners about the opportunity to learn from one another and develop lasting relationships that build a stronger New Zealand hospitality network is inspiring.’’

Part of New Zealand Agrifood Week, Plate of Origin is designed to showcase the country’s top chefs, restaurants and finest produce on a national stage.

Other restaurants involved were Aberdeen and Palate, Table 188 and Mount Bistro, The Fat Farmer and Meat and Liqour, La Patio Cafe and White Swan, Amayjen and Gatherings, and Christchurch NOSH and Bracken.