Ameya Patil
Sous Chef – CulinaryOriginally hailing from Mumbai, India, I chose to move to New Zealand in 2016 for a change of scenery and to level up my professional knowledge. I completed my Bachelor of Hotel Management in India and additionally did a Diploma in Culinary Arts in Auckland to get a feel for the New Zealand culture and culinary styles.
I started my journey washing dishes part-time in a 200 seater pub in Auckland for a couple of years while completing my diploma. I have always had an inclination towards current culinary trends and fine dining.
Since relocating to Otago, I have worked in several renowned restaurants like The Grille by Eichardts and Cargo at Gantleys. These experiences have significantly shaped my love for Otago with its rich gold mining history and vibrant food scene, and I enjoy creating dishes with fresh, locally sourced and seasonal produce.
When I am not cooking in the kitchen, I like to spend my day with a walk around the lake or hitting the gym. I enjoy a good sports match on television, particularly cricket, and playing frisbee golf with mates on a nice sunny day.