Shifting from Hawke’s Bay to Pegasus Bay and the Waipara Valley has brought a whole bunch of new local flavours to the dishes of chef Jackson Smith.
Welcome to Canterbury. What convinced you to make the move? The job at Pegasus Bay was an opportunity to work in a place that I had a lot of respect for, with seriously amazing wine, great people, great fun, great vibe. It’s all great.
What has pleasantly surprised you about your new home? The friendliness and hospitality of everyone we have met in the area, the local food scene, the awesome country schools, affordable real estate and the Christchurch City rebuild, with the cool niche places opening everywhere.
What are you missing (if anything) about Hawke’s Bay? The many beautiful beaches, friends and family.
Has the move to North Canterbury and Pegasus Bay influenced your cuisine at all? 100 percent – how could moving to an area with such a unique climate and seasonality of produce not affect it? I believe I’m yet to find my true cuisine style but I really like the direction it is going at Pegasus Bay.
Is there a particular dish you are working up at the moment? A couple of autumnal ones. I’m thinking of a beef dish with local mushrooms, hemp and black garlic.
How did you get into hospitality and cheffing? I have always enjoyed cooking. There came a time I needed to leave school and I found an opening in the kitchen at a good restaurant. It started from there.
Have you found a go-to spot in Canterbury yet? So many brilliant spots but there are so many options out there it’s hard to keep up! Love a night at Inati when we can, Eightgrains for delicious dumplings, or locally we pop down to Brew Moon for a beer and a pizza.
How do you relax? Take a few cold beers out to Nape Nape and go surfcasting to catch a feed for the family.
What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t go to that party in Maraenui.
What is your go-to meal to whip up? My risotto always gets my wife going.
What is the best advice your mum ever gave you? Do what makes you happy.
Who is your personal hero? Jacinda Ardern.
What is your favourite guilty pleasure? Anything fast, dirty and greasy.
I can’t leave the house without? Forgetting something! Whining kids, dog, wife, snacks, kitchen sink.
If you weren’t doing what you are now, what would you want to be? Professional marlin fisherman.
Is there a particular book or author that has inspired you in your life or career? I mostly read cookbooks. I don’t have a favourite but I’ve found Chad Robertson and Daniel Humm really useful.
What is on the cards for this year? Painting our house, great vibes at work, playing with my kids, holidays, parties.