Top chef for Raetihi restaurant

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 27, 1 December 1987, Page 5

Top chef for Raetihi restaurant

A world-class chef has recently made Raetihi his home and is wowing Waimarino diners with his cuisine at the Ruapehu Hotel. Scottish-born naturalised New Zealander Peter McCallum took up the position last week and immediately settled right in. Mr McCallum has 20 years experierce in the restaurant trade to his credit and is one of the few chefs in New Zealand with a three bar qualification, the average qualification being two bars or 'souschefs' (second chefs). Originally from Helensbrough, 35 kilometres from Glasgow, Mr McCallum has lived in New Zealand for the last 14

years. He studied as a chef at Cambridge Polytechnic in London and gained work experience in the heart of

London, at the Old Cambridge Hotel. Mr McCallum achieved his two bar qualification

while in Britain before moving to Australia with his family. He achieved his third bar while in Melbourne, working in various restaurants in Melbourne and Sydney. He specialised in French classical cuisine, also picking up some of the finer points of Italian and Japanese cuisine during his work experience. Mr McCallum said he intends to put his years of experience to good use while at the Ruapehu Hotel, starting with a number of speciality dishes which he will be introducing to the menu. Hoteliers Ray and Iris Parr, are thrilled with their newest employee. "Peter's helping put Raetihi on the map for summer trading," said Iris.