Cooking Philosophy

Biography | Philosophy | International

New Zealand is, in human terms, the youngest country on earth, the last land to be discovered and inhabited by mankind. That sense of young discovery permeates our whole culture and our attitude towards most things. We’re not governed or restricted by centuries of culinary traditions handed down through the generations. In New Zealand, as chefs we are more free spirited, more willing to be adventurous, almost experiential. This is what sets the antipodean chef apart from some of the more traditional chefs of Europe.

Cosmopolitan in style, I loosely define my cooking ‘Euro Pacific’: an eclectic showcase of fresh, healthy, vibrant tasting fare that pleasures the palate. Across my repertoire, I aspire to deliver crisp clean flavors, seductively creamy and dreamy taste combinations and visual, contrasting textural elements. My cuisine incorporates Pan Asian, Californian and Mediterranean influences with classical cooking techniques.

Jason Dell is acknowledged as one of New Zealand’s leading chefs and culinary ambassadors, highly regarded internationally as a shining example of the excellence of New Zealand’s food and beverage industry.