August 5 is Selaks NZ Roast Day - a day dedicated to honouring the iconic Kiwi meal. It's all about bringing friends and family together around the dining table to celebrate good food and wine and the fun and good times that go with it.
This year master roaster Jonny Schwass is the ambassador for the campaign. Colleen Thorpe asked him a few questions:
WHAT IS A MASTER ROASTER?
The ability to select a quality piece of meat, treat it with respect and cook it properly.
WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF FOOD?
Sitting on my grandmother's knee and podding peas in preparation for Christmas lunch - the ultimate roast.
WHO WAS THE MAJOR INFLUENCE IN YOUR LOVE OF COOKING?
Both my grandmothers. One was a great baker with the most delicate touch and the other a classic farmhouse cook who could roast or pickle anything.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DISH?
It depends on who I am with, the occasion, what we are drinking, the time of day, the time of year and who's picking up the tab.
WHAT INGREDIENT COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
Salt.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE COOKING GADGET?
I love my Thermomix but wouldn't feel comfortable cooking without a spoon my grandmother used to use.
IF YOU GO OUT TO A RESTAURANT WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO ORDER?
What no one else at the table does. I like variety.
IN THE COOKING WORLD WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?
English chef Fergus Henderson; a true gentleman and lover of a good lunch who espouses the philosophy of "nose-to-tail" eating.
WHAT DISH DO YOU MOST LOVE TO COOK?
Anything from a pig, the most noble and generous of all God's creatures.
WHAT IS THE BEST/WORST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
The best thing is the creative expression through food and giving people something delicious to eat. The worst is when guests don't trust you to be creative and don't allow themselves to enjoy food.
YOU SAY CONDIMENTS AREN'T JUST THERE TO SWEETEN THE DISH. WHAT DO THEY DO AND WHICH CONDIMENT WOULD YOU MATCH WITH WHICH ROASTS?
I like the classics:
Horseradish with beef, mint sauce with lamb, apple sauce with pork. But everything is better with gravy.
WHICH CELEBRITY WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO COOK FOR?
Any with a healthy appetite, good manners and no unusual dietary requirements - it limits it down pretty quickly. I always believe in treating famous people as if they are average and average people as if they are famous.
IF YOU WERE THE GOVERNMENT'S MINISTER OF FOOD WHAT WOULD BE YOUR FIRST RULING?
Food education as a compulsory course in schools and free school lunches. Children are the future.
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET INGREDIENT?
Rendered animal fat.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE COOKBOOK?
Est Est Est by Donovan Cooke.
HAVE YOU A GUILTY PLEASURE?
Yes - pie sandwiches.
WHAT THREE NEW ZEALAND FOODS ARE TOP OF YOUR LIST?
Waipara lamb, Limestone Hills truffles and Cressy Farm pigs
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD/MOST HATED FOOD?
I love good cheese and dislike any food cooked without love, passion or respect.
IF YOU'RE NOT COOKING WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO?
Eat.
TELL US THREE THINGS ABOUT YOURSELF PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW OR MAY BE SURPRISED TO LEARN:
My DJ name is Thomas the Funk Engine and I have 3000 records in my collection.
I have size 15 shoes and collect Converse Chuck Taylors.
I can change a nappy with one hand.