Award surprises newcomer chef

Redoubt Bar and Eatery has received top recognition for its beef and lamb dishes for the third year running.

Head chef Cherie Nathan was awarded the 2013 Beef + Lamb Excellence Award after just eight months in the top job.

She was unaware she had been entered and said it was an ‘‘awesome’’ surprise.

The award acknowledges consistency and quality in beef and lamb cuisine based on anonymous assessments by culinary experts.

Cherie’s first dish was a 350g Silver Fern prime scotch fillet served with gourmet potato, asparagus, cherry tomato chorizo medley and an over-themoon blue cheese- stuffed portobello mushroom.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand judges said it was an ‘‘extremely well executed dish featuring a top quality cut of meat’’ that was ‘‘very tender, flavoursome and served at an ideal temperature’’.

Her second dish was pistachio and mint lamb koftas with parsnip puree, feta cream and pistachio garnish described by judges as a ‘‘simple but very tasty meal’’.

Former head chef Jenny Rhodes received the award in 2011 and 2012.

‘‘She was excellent at her job so I hope I’m following in the same steps,’’ said Cherie.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand says the awards are a trusted measure of an excellent beef and lamb meal.