Biography

Biography | Philosophy | International

Jason began his career in his native New Zealand, completing formal chef training at CPIT before perfecting his craft at various eating establishments throughout New Zealand.

Named New Zealand Chef of the Year in 1996, Jason garnered international praise and reviews in the New York Times for his innovative, modern, regional New Zealand cuisine. Jason went on to conceptualize One Skinny Cook in Blenheim and quickly became the preferred caterer for reknown New Zealand wine companies, creating exquisite cuisine for lavish vitner dinners, luxurious weddings and up-market corporate events.

In 2002, Jason was headhunted by Blanket Bay the luxury super lodge in Glenorchy near Queenstown, owned by former Levi Strauss President and CEO Tom Tusher of San Francisco. Rated by the international travel and leisure industry as one of the worlds top ten hideaways, Blanket Bay is frequented by celebrities and the world’s uber-rich.

A senior member of the New Zealand Culinary Team in 2005/2006, Jason represented his country on the international circuit, returning from FHA Singapore in 2006 with gold and bronze medals. In 2007 he was recipient of the PATA Young Tourism Professional Award at the NZ Tourism Awards, in recognition of outstanding individual talent in the NZ Tourism Industry.