Free Range Chef

Between the 31st May and the 5th of June the Japanese National Rugby team came to Auckland to train and have a friendly match against North Harbour as a prelude to the Rugby world cup happening in New Zealand in 2011.

I was lucky enough to get the contract through Bstaff agency to cook for them with my sous chef Ryan, while they stayed at the Gulf Harbour Lodge in Whangaparaoa ran by Marie and Adrian Hunnego.

We had to cook them breakfast, lunch and dinner and they were specific about times and types of foods.

Before they arrived we received sample menu plans, and liaised through Marie with the team HQ in Japan.
When they arrived we spent time talking to the teams nutritionist Martin their manager J.K and their coach the kiwi legend John Kirwin to get the foods right.

They were basically looking for menus with variety, that were healthy, with high carb options, and plenty of it.

The team was a lot more westernised in their food habits than first expected but we still put on Japanese influenced menu with Miso soup and rice being on at every meal, stir fried rices, Teriayki roast chicken, Miso marinated salmon, braised soy beef, Daikon salads, Japanese curry, fresh fish every day and lots of pasta and noodles just to name a few of the things we did and the lads could eat!

The Team were very friendly with a number of Kiwi and Australian players in the squad. J.K, the Manager, had his birthday on the last night so we made a very large cake to help him celebrate.

We had many good comments all week from the team and management and it was great to be able to sit down with John Kirwin and the rest of the teams management and have a wine after service.

Unfortunately the team lost the match against North harbour, but they were still in good spirits.
Marie, Adrian, Paul and the front of house team did a fantastic job looking after the lads while they stayed at the Lodge, and we were very grateful for your help in the kitchen to.
I would just like to thank Ryan for doing such a great job too.

We got the contract for next year !!!