Samoan Super Chef Aims For The Sky

Business class passengers flying Air New Zealand are about to get a taste of Pacific fine dining, thanks to award-winning chef Michael Meredith, as they sail through the skies.

As the airline's newest culinary consultant, the Samoa-born chef known for his degustation menus and adventurous approach will design dishes for 'Business Premier' passengers - Air New Zealand's executive class.

This year alone Meredith won the Metro Restaurateur of the Year and best fine-dining restaurant. He now joins the airline's other consultant chef, Peter Gordon, an airline menu contributor for 20 years.

"It's a huge privilege to be given the chance to showcase my take on New Zealand cuisine to people from all over the world.

"There's a bit of pressure but I'm also really excited to see what we can do together," Meredith said.

Air New Zealand general manager customer experience Carrie Hurihanganui said Kiwi cuisine was renowned for its fresh, high quality and diverse produce - and its wine.

"Michael will bring a fresh perspective to the table.

"We've long held a farm to plane philosophy where menus are crafted around the best seasonal, fresh produce on offer. Michael has a similar ethos at Meredith's and we're excited to see how he translates his expertise from the restaurant to meals served at altitude".

Menus with dishes from Meredith and Gordon will be available in 2017.

Source: stuff