Stu Todd

In 2011 Dunedin primary school teacher Stu Todd hit the headlines when we become one of three finalists in the New Zealand MasterChef competition.

The TV show thrust Stu and his culinary creations into the media spotlight as he battled it out to be the winning chef.

While the 26-year-old missed out on the title of MasterChef New Zealand, he gained a loyal, local following which has grown through his Dunedin cooking classes and fundraising evenings.

He’s also a guest chef on Dunedin’s Channel Nine.

Stu says Dunedin is bursting with culinary delights and hopes becoming a gastronomic tourist in his home city will encourage others to do the same.

“Food is a huge part of the visitor experience as well as having an important role in our city life. By visiting 52 restaurants in 52 weeks I want to highlight the variety of wonderful dining options there are in Dunedin and its surrounds.”

Stu on Dunedin  

How long have you lived in Dunedin?
I have lived in Dunedin my whole life. Dunedin will always be home to me.

What else are you working on as well as 52 restaurants?
Well first of all I’m a full-time father and family man to my wee girl Grace and my partner Shauni. I’m a teacher and I live for my passion of food! I guess I’m lucky enough to be able to share my passion and skills with so many people through cooking classes, television, cooking shows and anything that involves food.

Where do you go for a coffee?
I’m a bit of a drifter when it comes to going out for a coffee or a cuppa. I guess that’s what I love about Dunedin as there are so many places to go and try. For me it’s more about the experience.  If I’m enjoying the people around me and the coffee is good then I’ll have it anywhere, it’s what you make it.

What’s your fondest Dunedin memory?
I would have to say during my younger years, living the dream of a student down the north end, living week to week, making meals from nothing, working hard, playing just as hard and having great times with my mates.

Where do you like to take your family on a Sunday?
Well I have to say it’s taking the family and mates over to my mum’s for her Sunday roasts.  It may sound a bit boring but it’s such a special time. When everyone is sitting around a big table eating good food and a few cold Speight’s, you can’t bet that. That’s happiness for me. 

Do you have a favourite Dunedin activity?
No not just one, I have a few.  Fishing, Farmer markets on a Saturday morning, Walking along all our fantastic beaches, heading out to Outram Glen on a hot summers day, Playing rugby for the Southern Rugby Football Club, Having a beer in the Octagon, The Dunedin Botanical Gardens, Drinking local beers and lots more.

What do you think is Dunedin’s best kept secret?
It’s the little places just out of the city that I talk to people about like Tunnel Beach , Aramoana, Taieri Mouth, bush walks and our lovely coastal drives. When I talk to people that have lived in Dunedin for a very long time, they say they have never been to some of our wonderful places.  It’s a shame that more people are not visiting what this city has to offer, and you know the best thing? There FREE!