Introducing - Rhys Barrington
From The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Christchurch
Rhys was interested in cooking from an
early age. This interest eventuated into a lifelong passion,
when he was recommended for an apprenticeship at the Crowne Plaza Hotel
Christchurch by his teacher at Burnside High School. Since
then, his career has taken off and although he is still young, he
has been recognized with a number of honours including: Toque d'or
2010 winner, Apprentice Of The Year 2009 Finalist and the Fonterra
Proud To Be A Chef 2010 Finalist.
1. What are your role and responsibilities at the Crowne
Plaza?
Apprentice Chef - I have moved around the hotel
experiencing all of the different sections in the various kitchens.
I am currently in the pastry section learning the pastry chef craft
and am learning management roles as well.
2. What's your favourite thing to do on your day
off?
Go for a mid-morning run, then relax at home with a
cold beer and a few swings of the 9-iron in the
paddock.
3. What are you reading at the moment?
'Noma' by Rene Redzepi - The just-released first
book from the restaurant rated "best in the
world".
4. If you were to be stranded on an island, which three
things would you take with you?
My BBQ, ice cream machine and a well-stocked
pantry.
5. If I invited myself over to your house for dinner,
using only the contents in your fridge right now, what would you
make me?
Definitely some barbecued meat, with a salad made
with vegetables from the garden and a couple of cold
Heinekens.
6. Who is your favourite celebrity chef and
why?
Neil Perry - He has a very relaxed approach to
cooking, centered around having great company as well as great
food. I've had the privilege of cooking at one of his restaurants,
and have tried many of his dishes and the food is always
amazing!
7. What advice would you give to your 15 year old
self?
Learn a language at high school.
8. If you could only ever go one place in the world on
holiday for the rest of your life - where would it be?
New York - and eat my way around the famous burger
joints.
9. If you could acquire one new skill within the next 24
hours, what would it be?
To live on 2 hours sleep a day
10. What's one thing most people do not know
about you?
When I don't feel like cooking, I love a sneaky
cheeseburger!
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