Local celebrity chef devours Dunedin's dining establishments

New Zealand MasterChef finalist Stu Todd is about to lift the lid on Dunedin dining as he embarks on a food journey around the city.

In conjunction with Tourism Dunedin, Stu Todd is visiting 52 Dunedin restaurants and cafes in 52 weeks to promote and celebrate the city’s local cuisine and the people who make it.

Stu says food is an important part of any destination experience and a great way to connect with the city, its culture, local produce, and people.

“There is an abundance of quality Dunedin establishments and I’m really excited to become a gastronomic tourist and hopefully encourage others to do the same.”

Earlier this year the 27-year-old became a household name, becoming one of three finalists in the New Zealand MasterChef television show.

Although he missed out on the title Stu has been actively involved in the Dunedin community with cooking classes and fundraising evenings.

Tourism Dunedin chief executive Hamish Saxton said food is a big motivator behind domestic travel decisions.

“Stu’s food journey will raise awareness of the high calibre and variety of dining options on offer in Dunedin and its surrounds to encourage a city travel experience.

The articles resulting from Stu’s visits will feature weekly on DunedinNZ.com and in Dunedin’s weekly community newspaper the D Scene.

Dunedin photographer Isabella Harrex is documenting the journey with an illustrative account of the food and Stu’s experiences.