For this competition the vital ingredients are ...
You and KONO Mussels.
Right at Marlborough doorstep in the iconic Marlborough Sounds grow KONO’s succulent, tasty mussels. High in protein, low in carbohydrates and calories, KONO mussels provide many valuable minerals and vitamins. Their omega 3 content is helpful in preventing heart disease, lowering triglycerides and thinning blood.
Four finalists prepare to compete for the claim to NZ’s finest Mussel Chowder
Contestants in the KONO New Zealand Mussel Chowder competition will feel the heat in the finals cook off with head judge Chris Fortune at the Marlborough Convention Centre. Four finalists will compete for the claim of “NZ’s best mussel chowder creator” on Saturday 7 June.
KONO New Zealand, known for its succulent Heat’n Eat flavoured halfshell mussels asked home chefs to get creative in the kitchen, stewing up unique blends of richness and flavours with NZ’s icon KONO New Zealand Greenshell mussels.
The finalists are Steve Holtum of Blenheim with Satay Mussel Chowder, Diane Davidson of Auckland with Mussel Chowder Pasifika, Katrina Smith, and Caroline Anderson both of Blenheim.
Aucklander Diane Davidson was thrilled to get the telephone call the other night. “I'm really looking forward to coming down to Blenheim & competing, also to see the other finalists entries!”, she said. She took the chance to get creative with Marlborough’s Greenshell mussels, after spending four months in the UK last year where she longed for New Zealand produce.
“I really missed New Zealand's rich produce - particularly our 'Kai Moana'. Our Greenshell mussels are unique! We are blessed with a cornucopia of good foods in this part of the world- a real cause for celebration!” she said.
Head Judge Chris Fortune has prepped the brand new Convention Centre kitchen, where he is joined by associate judges Marcus Pickens of Wine Marlborough, and Jason Mitchelmore of Hotel d'Urville. All are experienced judges. They will be waiting for the contestants with all ingredients on hand. The winner will receive a cash prize of $500 . Second place winner will receive a fabulous hamper treat of KONO wine and mussels. To enter entrants had to be amateurs and supply their favourite mussel chowder featuring KONO mussels.
Chris Fortune is a well known Marlborough chef who shot to fame as winner of the National televised Hells' Kitchen competition. Chris is a regular food writer at the Marlborough Express. He is the chair person and regular chef at the Marlborough Farmers Market. After a long history of running restaurants he has taken a break from front line cooking to help raise his 26-month young son. Chris says the position of father has been the hardest but most rewarding one he has ever held. he's looking forward to meeting the finalists for a cook-off.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
1. E-mail us your original, unpublished submission for inclusion on our website, using "Recipe Competition" as part of the subject line.
2. All entries must be received at competition@kono.co.nz by midnight Friday 2 May. No responsibility is accepted for lost or misdirected mail entries.
3. The four finalists will be chosen Tuesday 6 May.
4. All recipes must include KONO Greenshell Mussels as an ingredient.
5. This is a contest open to all amateur chefs who are 18 years or older at time of entry. Entry is open to residents of New Zealand only. Employees & their immediate families of Aotearoa Seafoods Ltd, its associated companies and agencies are ineligible to enter.
6. The finalists and winner will be chosen solely at the discretion of the judges, whose decision is final.
7. The winner will receive a cash prize of $500 . Second prize is a Hamper of mussels and wine. All entries will receive a mussel voucher to the value of $10 .
8. The prize is non-transferable and no substitutions are allowed.
9. Be sure to include complete instructions, have readily available ingredients which are listed in the order of their inclusion in the dish, use specific standard measurements, and note suggested number of servings.
10. Judges have the option of awarding more than one prize.
11. Prize winning recipe(s) will be determined based on overall flavour and visual appeal.
12. Judging is not open to entrants or to the public.
13. Winner(s) will be notified before posting on this site.
14. Multiple entries will be accepted.
15. Be sure to include your name, mailing address and phone number as well as e-mail address; we need to be able to easily contact you. Unless authorized in writing, we will not share your personal information with anyone for any reason whatsoever.
16. By submitting an entry, the entrant certifies that he/she has authored their recipe and that, as such, it reflects their own efforts and creativity. Entrant further certifies that the recipe does not violate any copyright laws.
17. The entrant understands that their recipe may be published on this website and/or as part of a manuscript, and, by their submission, authorizes and agrees to such publication without any compensation other than if they are selected the prize winner.
18. Any entry not complying with these terms & conditions is invalid.
19. All decisions are final.
