Crafting Excellence: A Collaboration of Glass, Heat, and Culinary Art

In preparation for the Bocuse d’Or 2022, Team New Zealand embarked on a journey to create a show-stopping platter that would embody both functionality and artistry. The final design featured a stunning centrepiece—a delicate, sea-inspired glass container designed to hold the serving sauce. This remarkable creation was born from an inspired collaboration between Alan Hughes, William Mordido, and master glass artist Isaac Katzoff of Monmouth Glass.

The process of bringing this vision to life was as challenging as it was rewarding. Working alongside Isaac in his workshop was an immersive experience. The intense heat of the furnace, climbing to over 1,200°C, became our constant companion as molten glass was shaped and transformed. Each movement had to be precise; the medium demanded respect and focus, offering little margin for error.

It was clear that Isaac had a vast amount of expertise in this craft as he walked us through every step of the process while busily managing heat, time, and just enough pressure from blowing. Drawing on his deep knowledge of glassblowing and artistic craftsmanship, we melded our vision of oceanic inspiration with his mastery. The final piece, a translucent glass vessel with undulating forms reminiscent of waves and seafoam, was nothing short of extraordinary. Its functional purpose as a sauce container was perfectly married with its aesthetic role as a centrepiece of the platter.

This collaboration was emblematic of the broader spirit of the Bocuse d’Or—a celebration of creativity, precision, and teamwork. Alongside William Mordido, Szren Hamburger, Stephen Sami, Ken O’Connell, and John Kelleher, this platter became the foundation for Team New Zealand’s food presentation in Lyon, seamlessly marrying culinary art with craftsmanship.

The glass container’s delicate beauty and utilitarian function stood as a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the entire team. It was an honour to contribute to this unique blend of artistry and gastronomy, showcasing New Zealand’s talent on the world stage.

Thank you Isaac and Monmouth Glass Studio.