Temuka chef wowing the Scots

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WINNIGN WAYS: Kirsten Gilmour, originally from Temuka, has tempted palates around the world with her award-winning cookery. She is now based in Scotland.

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It is a long way from Temuka to northern Scotland but expat chef Kirsten Gilmour is taking fame in her stride.

Mrs Gilmour has been nominated for the Casual Dining Chef of Scotland award, but she remains humble about the whole thing.

Her latest accolade follows a list of awards and it was in South Canterbury where the award-winning chef got started on her intrepid journey to conquering the world of cuisine.

Raised in Temuka, she spent three years studying cookery at Aoraki Polytechnic before taking on the world.

During her studies, Mrs Gilmour was selected to compete with the 1999 Toque d'Or team which went on to compete at the New Zealand Culinary Fare and won gold.

She also won awards at the Southern Culinary Fare between 1997 and 1999.

Like many other budding Kiwi talents, she followed her dreams to the United Kingdom where it wasn't long before she landed a job working for Annie O'Carrol at the award-winning London Sugar Club.

O'Carrol was internationally renowned cook Peter Gordon's original sous chef.

Mrs Gilmour trained under her before travelling through Europe where she met her Scottish husband and settled in his homeland.

It is in Aviemore in the north of Scotland where the Kiwi has owned and operated the Mountain Cafe for nearly five years and the accolades have continued to pour in.

However, Temuka's golden girl remained staunchly Kiwi about her achievements.

"I am very excited, nervous and proud to be even considered for this award. This will give me the opportunity to thank the tutors who taught me and may inspire more people to consider studying cookery.

" I am very proud to be a Kiwi living in Scotland, bringing New Zealand-style food and service to a popular, cosmopolitan region," she said.

- © Fairfax NZ News