QT Queenstown has appointed award-winning chef Christopher Will to head the hotel’s culinary program, overseeing Red’s Bar, Bazaar Interactive Marketplace, Room Service by QT and meetings and events.
Chef Chris brings a wealth of knowledge to our dining experience, having worked in Michelin-starred restaurants with the likes of Heston Blumenthal, Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay.
Closer to home he worked at Hatted joints such as the Sugar Club and Trout in Auckland, alongside Peter Gordon and Nick Watt respectively.
Chris clearly has his own vision and style, influenced by the flavours of Japan, Korea and South America, and he is adamant that it is not “fusion” but rather a combination of flavours that work well together.
Keep it simple
“For a while, food was all about bubbles and dots on a plate, but my style is more relaxed and suits the modern diner. For me, fine cuisine isn’t about how much food you put on the plate, it’s about showcasing the ingredients and keeping it simple and unassuming,” says Chris.
These cooking techniques are at the forefront at Red’s Bar along with a flavorful new menu of wood-fire and charcoal grilled dishes. Chris’ vision for Red’s is a place to relax and connect, with tasting plates designed to be shared, a wine list that celebrates the surrounding vineyards, and a place to laugh and share stories over cocktails that match the views.
From his humble beginnings as a kitchen helper in South Africa, Will has sharpened his knives in Dubai, London and Namibia before settling in Queenstown and making a name for himself in the local F&B scene.
“Queenstown is a fantastic place to live and I feel incredibly lucky that my workplace is a restaurant on Sixth Avenue.Number “This is the first floor of QT Queenstown. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this view. QT is a brand I’ve always admired as it’s a bit of an unconventional hotel which suits my style perfectly. The team here is amazing and willing to do things in a unique way. I can’t wait for guests to taste what we’ve come up with in the kitchen,” says Chris.
QT Queenstown General Manager Jeremy Black said, “We’re thrilled to have Chris join us in the kitchen, bringing his unique flair to Reds, the hotel’s room service menu and meeting services. Chris’s experience around the world will ensure that our international and local guests alike will have a truly exceptional experience with Chris at the helm.”
The new menu will be available at QT Queenstown’s Reds Bar, which is open daily from 2pm until late.
