Check out this blog post for pictures and tips from David's Outstanding cooking demo at Grey Lynn Farmers' Market!

David Schofield is New Zealand Culinary Fares' Chef of the Year 2011! Starting his career in the late 80’s in his hometown of Wellington, New Zealand, his first introduction to the industry was washing pots and pans at the Plaza International on its opening day.

Returning home to Wellington “DG” worked a number of leading kitchens and thrived under the passionate vibe of the capital city’s food industry. It was from here that he represented New Zealand in several international culinary competitions, gaining gold and silver medals and setting records that still stand today in the process.

“DG” spent four years in Christchurch before again moving to Europe. Thinking a 2- year break would be good to refresh his passion and a bit of a sabbatical …. It ended up being closer to 7 years away, leading him from London to the South of France.

Stints for Michelin rated chefs in Michelin properties have featured though out his career. 1, 2 and 3 Michelin star kitchens have all had an effect on him and he has been lucky enough to have worked with and alongside the best of the best. At each step he’s deliberately focused on the specific areas he needed while setting his sights on the next level.

His style would best be described as honest and straightforward with seasonal produce taking center stage. He loves sweet and sour/ hot and cold pairings as well as matches from different cuisines. Although a convert to some of the science of “molecular gastronomy” he continues to believe that the taste and texture of natural products can always be embellished but should not be diluted.

He is passionate about artisan producers and believes that the standard of the produce in New Zealand equals and often exceeds the produce being offered in Europe, Asia and a vast majority of the world. He is great believer in what are now tagged “heirloom” or “original” strains of vegetables and is an advocate for good welfare standards when it come to the rearing of livestock.

Culinary Awards

New Zealand Chef of the Year, 2011 (over all winner of the individual competition of the New Zealand Culinary Fare) 1st place.

Prix Pierre Taittinger 2002, Great Britain Grand Final, Runner up.

Chaine Des Rotissuers, Concours du meilleur jeune commis rotisseur, Wellington final 1993, Gold Medal.

Chaine Des Rotissuers, Concours du meilleur jeune commis rotisseur, New Zealand final 1993, Gold Medal.

Chaine Des Rotissuers, Concours du meilleur jeune commis rotisseur, World final 1993. Silver Medal.

Chaine Des Rotisseur, Concours du meilleur jeune commis rotisseur, Wellington final 1995, Gold Medal.

Chaine Des Rotisseur, Concours du meilleur jeune commis rotisseur, Oceania final 1995, Gold Medal.

Chaine Des Rotisseur, Concours du meilleur jeune commis rotisseur, World final 1995, Silver Medal.
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