Latest news with #BenBayly
Otago Daily Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Otago produce in spotlight
Fruit synonymous with Central Otago will feature on this weekend's episode of top chef Ben Bayly's A New Zealand Food Story . Bayly, who runs Aosta and Little Aosta in Arrowtown, the historic Bathhouse in Queenstown, award-winning Ahi and Origine in Auckland and The Grounds in the Waitākere Ranges, is in his fourth series of New Zealand Food Story which follows him around the country seeking out some of the best food producers in the country. "I believe our Kiwi produce is world class," Bayly says. "But the faceless piece of steak or fruit in the supermarket — how was it raised or grown? We need to connect with the growers, the producers, the harvesters and shine a light on their care and commitment." In this weekend's episode he seeks out apricots and cherries in Central Otago visiting Cromwell's Jackson Orchards and Forest Lodge Orchard (Electric Cherries), near Mt Pisa. He meets owner Kevin Jackson, a fourth-generation orchardist, his daughter Kristin Nolan and grandson Jackson Nolan. Bayly travels around the orchard in its tour bus sampling fruit such as peaches, apricots and nectarines along the way, declaring he has tasted the "best ever" apricot. Then he visits Forest Lodge, a 6ha cherry production business, with 1650 trees per hectare planted using an upright fruiting offshoot-trained system. Owners, Mike and Rebecca Casey and Euan and Rachel White, aim to develop a premium cherry orchard and be sustainable so they have an electric tractor, an electrified irrigation pump, and New Zealand's first electric frost–fighting fans. They are also developing an electric foliage sprayer. In 2022, they set themselves a challenge of going completely fossil-fuel-free, hoping this will potentially save about $50,000 per year in energy bills. Bayly takes inspiration from the producers he visits by cooking using ingredients he has found on his journeys. The knowledge picked up also helps him in his own garden, Ahi Organic Gardens in South Auckland, which grows seasonal produce for his Auckland restaurants. Previous series of New Zealand Food Stories have been aired on SBS in Australia, on National Geographic Asia and the Middle East and has played in France and Norway as well as on Air New Zealand, United Airlines, Lufthansa and Air Canada flights. The show New Zealand Food Story , TVNZ1, tonight, 7pm. — APL
Scoop
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
A New Zealand Food Story With Ben Bayly Puts Ruapehu On The Map
Discover the Ruapehu region's unique food journey through the highly anticipated Season 4 TV series of A New Zealand Food Story with Ben Bayly. Chef Ben Bayly meets some of Ruapehu's passionate growers, producers and restauranteurs in the final episode screening on TVNZ 1 on Saturday July 19. 'Food experiences are a big part of what attracts visitors to destinations and showcasing Ruapehu's offering through the TV series is a fantastic way to share stories of our people and place' says Jo Kennedy, General Manager of Visit Ruapehu. The Ruapehu region has a rich grower's history, market gardening, fertile volcanic soil and is home to the carrot capital of NZ – Ohakune. Across charming mountain towns to riverside settlements, there is a year-round offering of seasonal delights and unique food experiences to taste and enjoy at local cafes, pubs and restaurants serving up fresh bites and beverages. 'Working with Ben and his incredible team has been a boost for our communities and a unique opportunity to invite viewers to come and explore Ruapehu's emerging food story,' adds Jo. The chef and TV presenter says he loved his time in the region when filming earlier in the year. 'The vast and majestic Ruapehu region, there is no place in New Zealand that compares to its beauty! I fell in love with it as a kid as Whakapapa is my home ski field,' says Bayly. 'It was amazing to head back to film A New Zealand Food Story and see that Ruapehu has so much more to offer, especially when it comes to food.' 'From growing New Zealand's best carrots grown in rich volcanic soils, to the legendary Johnny Nations eclairs in Ohakune and onto its very own truly world class restaurant –The Chef's Table at Blue Duck Station. I am over the moon that the Ruapehu district is serving up a superb regional food story,' concludes Bayly. Home to Tongariro National Park and Whanganui National Park, Ruapehu is a top destination for hiking, biking, skiing and snow sports as well as an array of authentic activities in the Central Plateau. Watch A New Zealand Food Story with Ben Bayly Season 4 final episode on Ruapehu on Saturday 19 July at 7pm on TVNZ 1 and on demand on TVNZ+.
NZ Herald
21-06-2025
- NZ Herald
Kiwi chef Ben Bayly reveals what makes Kiwi cuisine truly unique
Chef, TV presenter and proud champion of Kiwi kai, Ben Bayly chats to Herald Travel's Sarah Pollok about NZ's must-visit eateries, why travel is key for developing a good palate and more As a chef, what NZ region has surprised you most? This is a hard one, I feel Advertisement Advertise with NZME.
Otago Daily Times
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Cherries, venison a winning recipe
Residents, hunters and farmers wanted a "bloody good burger and a pint of lager" and with that the Bushman was born, say Saints Hanmer Springs owners JJ Sandall and Mel Elliot. The bold flavours of cherry sauce, a house-made venison patty, fresh rocket, smoked cheddar and gherkin, locally sourced and all tucked into a brioche bun, tickled the taste buds of many of their cliental during May, propelling the Bushman into the finals of the Monteith's Wild Food Challenge. JJ and Mel, who have owned Saints Cafe, Restaurant, Bar for 18 years, and head chef Yash Rawat. will now wing their way to Auckland, as one of five finalists all voted into the top spots by the public — three of them from Canterbury. They will now battle it out for top honours in a cook-off on Wednesday, June 18. JJ says Hanmer Springs is right on the doorstep of two of New Zealand's biggest high country farms — Molesworth and St James. ''We've got to know the locals, hunters and farmers who frequent these farms daily. ''So when we asked them what dish they thought would be perfect for the Monteith's Wild Food Challenge, the consensus was clear,'' he said. He says they wanted to showcase local products wherever possible, bringing together simple, yet bold flavours in a burger that you could ''wrap ya laughing gear around'', and the Bushman appeared to hit the spot. ''We chose golden lager because its smooth, full-bodied flavour pairs perfectly with cherries and venison every day of the week — and twice on Sundays,'' JJ says. He says the response was incredible. ''We've received loads of great feedback and sold heaps of burgers throughout May. ''Our chefs and staff have loved every minute of it.'' JJ says after nearly two decades owning Saints, making it to the top five in the country ''means the world to us''. ''We are incredibly proud to be flying the flag for North Canterbury in (thsi) week's finals.'' The other finalists are the Christchurch Casino, Thirsty Acres in Kirwee, Black Label BBQ from Rotorua and Smoking Barrel from Motueka. The grand finale will see each eatery put their wild dish to the test in front of an expert judging panel featuring Ben Bayly, Sam Wild, and Emily Lucas. ''It's awesome to see such a mix of eateries from all over Aotearoa in the final, and some lesser-known gems putting themselves on the map,'' Ben Bayly says after a month of fierce competition, and thousands of votes from the public. ''All five finalists are bringing something totally unique to the table and I can't wait to give each dish a try.''
NZ Herald
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
TV shows to watch if ‘toxic' reality TV isn't for you
The good news is there are plenty of alternatives if you still need your reality TV fix. Here are a few suggestions for your next binge-watch that won't leave your brain feeling fried. Wholesome reality shows If you occasionally need to be reminded that there are good people out there who are funny, kind, inspiring and creative, look no further than these reality shows. Wholesome, bittersweet, genuinely interesting and just a little bizarre, these shows feature ordinary people, not aspiring influencers, and give some insight into parts of society you may not have given much thought to. The Restaurant that Makes Mistakes This New Zealand-made reality series follows New Zealanders living with dementia as they learn hospitality skills under Auckland restaurateur Ben Bayly. Each one of the Kiwis featured on this show - and their families - have had a different experience with dementia as they come to terms with their diagnosis. Here, they work together to run restaurant services under Bayly's guidance. There are two seasons available to view on TVNZ+, by turns bittersweet, funny and emotional. The Casketeers Francis and Kaiora Tipene star in this reality TV series filmed in Aotearoa. Available to view on TVNZ+, there are six seasons of the original series so far, as well as The Casketeers: Life and Death Around the World - a global twist on the original format. The Tipenes introduce viewers to a side of life many of us don't know much about - what really goes into running a funeral home in New Zealand. Old Enough This documentary-style show filmed in Japan follows toddlers setting out on tasks designed to test their independence, from picking up grocery items to taking the bus. It may sound like a bizarre concept, but it's strangely heartwarming to watch, as kids aged 2-5 years old learn new skills that boost their confidence. Advertisement Advertise with NZME. It's important to note that their parents and production staff preview the errands they will run and inform neighbours in the area what's happening, while a safety crew and camera operators follow closely behind during filming. It's been airing for decades in Japan, with just two seasons available to view on Netflix in New Zealand. Dating and relationship shows There's a reason there are so many reality TV shows about relationships these days - we all love a bit of real-life romance. If you're interested in shows about relationships that don't involve dramatic dinner parties or beauty contests, here are a few other options to try. Love Is Blind Netflix's Love is Blind is MAFS without the focus on appearance-based attraction - at least, that was the idea when the show was created. More recent seasons have devolved into drama between the couples rather than focusing on the marriages that do work out. If you do tune in, the first season of the original US series is arguably the best; it gave us some of the most successful couples in the franchise, including Cameron and Lauren. Love on the Spectrum Love On The Spectrum is an Australian Netflix dating show that follows several people with autism as they navigate the world of dating and relationships. While it's faced some criticism - for example, not all of the date locations chosen by producers are neurodivergent-friendly - it's been lauded for its portrayal of what life with autism can be like. Marriage or Mortgage Netflix's Marriage or Mortgage isn't a dating show but it does highlight a dilemma faced by many modern couples: should you spend your savings on your dream wedding or your dream home? Filmed in the US, it's hosted by Nashville real estate agent Nichole Holmes and wedding planner Sarah Miller, as they each aim to win over clients. Adventure and escapism shows There's nothing like judging the antics of the likes of Bear Grylls from the comfort of your couch. If you like the stakes a little higher when it comes to reality TV, here are some adventure shows to add to your watchlist. Tracked NZ Survival series Tracked, filmed in the South Island, hit screens in 2023. Hosted by none other than UK hard-man Vinnie Jones, it followed eight teams of two adventurers from all over the world attempting to evade capture by elite SAS Trackers. Available to view on ThreeNow, it's a tense watch that's worth it for Jones' gruff commentary as host alone. Alone On Alone, contestants are dropped into an isolated area with a camera and a few necessities as they attempt to survive the wild - and the loneliness, each documenting their own experience along the way. It's been filmed all over the world from Norway to Canada, with the Australian series even featuring one brave Kiwi this year. It's available to watch on TVNZ+. The Mole The Mole is a US game show dating back to 2001, with an updated version arriving on Netflix in 2022. It follows 12 contestants undertaking a series of challenges to earn a cash prize, while trying to identify which one among them is the titular Mole attempting to sabotage their efforts.
