Organisers are excited New Zealand's only Michelin Star chef will be joining local judges Martin James of Wai Restaurant, Peter Thornley of Wakatipu Grill, Nick Westerman of Mercure, Jenny Stewart and Sam Gruar from La Rumbla in Arrowtown.
Remarkables Park communications and projects manager Olivia Porter said they were thrilled to have one of Queenstown's best chefs present as it would tie in with the first anniversary of the MasterChef judge's Rata Restaurant, which opened in Queenstown last year.
''We've got lots of excited competitors this week.''
The annual competition is in its second year and showcases local and regional delights cooked by locals. This weekend, two Queenstowners, Anna Pettigrew and Naomi Lindsay, will compete at 9.30am and at 11am spectators can watch while Wanaka's Nicole Viggers tries to take the glory from local woman Paula Parker.
Heat three of the event will be held tomorrow and eight aspiring home chefs who have already competed are eagerly waiting to hear if they have got through to the final.
Remarkables Market manager Sherryn Smith said having the calibre of Mr Emett and others judging tomorrow was an honour.
In the Market Chef Competition each contestant receives a ''mystery'' box of ingredients which may include gourmet free-range bacon, ham, venison salami and imported European goods. They are to make their dishes in just one hour.
The event is open to all ages.
Places are still available and interested contestants should email market@remarkablespark.com or register at the information stall at Remarkables Market every Saturday between 8.30am and 1pm. Remaining heat dates are January 26 and February 23, building up to the final on March 23. Meanwhile, the Remarkables Red Barn will also host late-night movies running from 9.30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as the Teddy Bears' Picnic this Sunday from 11am-1pm.
