Surprise taste of celebrity for chef

By Amie Hickland amie.hickland@age.co.nz | Tuesday, October 25, 2011 16:00

SHOT AT FAME: Chef Shannon Katipa (left), White Swan owner Rob Slater and barman/waiter Kasey Griffiths reading the poem that goes with the wild hare and belly pork ragout dish.

LYNDA FERINGA

Shannon Katipa is world famous in Greytown, after making it into the next round of Monteith's Wild Food Challenge.

The White Swan chef appeared on the TV One show last Thursday night cooking wild hare and belly pork ragout.

After his television appearance, Mr Katipa was recognised while watching the Rugby World Cup final at his place of work.

"People were just coming up and asking for photos and autographs," he said. "I was more than happy to oblige."

He said the television experience had been fun and informative, and he would be cooking the same dish in the finals.

"It's different when you watch yourself on TV ... I'm happy with how it came out," he said. "At the end of the day it was a fun learning experience for everyone."

Mr Katipa said the final would be held in about four weeks once the other finalists were announced.

It would be held at The Foodstore, a restaurant at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour, that is owned by show hosts Mark Southon and Wylie Dean.

Monteith's Wild Food Challenge airs on TV One from 9.30pm on Thursday nights.