CHEFS' Specials Eye on The Kai!

HOME COOKING’S NEVER BEEN HOTTER – AND HERE’S MORE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR KITCHEN CREATIONS

- Rebekah Hebenton

Josh Emett

He is one of the country’s most celebrated chefs, but Josh Emett wasn’t always the Michelin-star success that he is now. Born in the Waikato, he had humble beginnings growing up on a dairy farm, before jetting off overseas. He cut his teeth working under hot-head Gordon Ramsay for 10 years, then returning home to start his own restaurants.

Despite his impressive resume, the former MasterChef NZ judge still gets a thrill out of people online enjoying his recipes at home or raving about a meal they had at one of his eateries.

“I love to see guests enjoying the dishes I create or seeing the engagement I get when I post a new recipe on my Instagram [@joshemett] – especially when I see photos of people making the dish at home.”

His restaurants Onslow and The Oyster Inn, that he runs with wife Helen, are favourites of the Auckland foodie scene. Taking over the beloved Waiheke Island institution The Oyster Inn in 2020 was a no-brainer for Josh as he admits that the island is his favourite spot in New Zealand and where he always takes his overseas visitors.

“I love how you get the island vibe as soon as you step off the ferry. There is so much to do there and it’s only 40 minutes from Auckland.”

He now has the perfect excuse for regular visits. “Now that I have The Oyster Inn, I am on the island several times a week and it feels great to be part of the community.”

With a busy schedule running two restaurants and raising his sons Finn, 12, and Louis, 10, with Helen, Josh admits that his dream day off involves a long sleep-in – but the kids and their pet pooch make that hard!