Chef Brian Howard has been selected as Grand Prize winner of the Pure South North America Online Chef Contest, announced yesterday (June 10, 2020) by the Pure South North America Alliance. Chef Howard learned the news with a surprise in-person presentation at his restaurant Sparrow + Wolf.
Chef Howard dominated over some 580 entrants worldwide, who were given the chance to create an original dish using either Te Mana Lamb and Pure South Handpicked Venison and then post the dish on Instagram, hashtagging #puresouthNAchefcontest. His prize is an all-expenses-paid trip tp New Zealand in 2021 to see where the lamb and venison are raised (as well as $500 cash). Local Las Vegas Chefs Lanny Chin, Yuri Szarzewski, and Justin Kingsley Hall were also among the 25 North American finalists.
The winning dish created by Chef Howard, pictured below, was titled “Middle Eastern Dim Sum” and included Wood Smoked Te Mana Lamb Ribs with Dukkah Spice and Fresh herbs / Harissa Glazed Te Mana Lamb Loin with Shawarma Pickles / Te Mana Lamb Neck Gyros with Aji Amarillo Labneh and Pickled Red Onion with Fresh Naan Bread / Te Mana Lamb Kofta with Green Harissa / Wood Fired Te Mana Lamb Chop with Za’atar Spiced Wild Spring Vegetables and Muhammara / Crispy Te Mana Lamb Cutlet with Sweet and Sour Chickpea Relish.
“This is a total surprise and really a great honor,” said Chef Howard. “There were a lot of amazing entries, including from chefs I love and admire, so I’m very flattered. I love cooking with Te Mana lamb and can’t wait to make more delicious dishes with it.”
