From The Culinary Collective to the Edge of the World: Chef JC’s Antarctic Adventure

Chef Jean Christophe, or JC as he is known around campus, has taken his culinary career to places most of us only dream about—from The Culinary Collective’s vibrant kitchens in Auckland to the remote wilderness of Antarctica. His journey is one of passion, adventure, and adaptability, showing just how far a love for food can take you.

After more than thirty years in the food industry, JC joined The Culinary Collective (TCC) to share his expertise with students and to embrace a “more balanced lifestyle.” But the skills he developed at TCC—teamwork, creativity, and resilience—turned out to be essential when he took on an extraordinary sabbatical as a chef at Scott Base in Antarctica. “The teamwork and support I’ve experienced at TCC has been invaluable,” JC explains. “It’s taught me to rely on others and keep a positive attitude, which is essential in Antarctica, where we’re living and working together in close quarters.”

Cooking at the bottom of the world isn’t your usual kitchen experience. At Scott Base, JC has to bundle up just to go outside and restock ingredients from storage containers where the temperature can drop to -30°C. “Venturing outside demands careful preparation,” he says. The constant battle with the cold, the need to plan ahead, and the unfamiliar surroundings require him to stay adaptable—a trait TCC instilled in him from day one.

JC’s favourite meals to prepare in Antarctica often involve the baking skills he teaches at TCC. “I rely on the artisanal breads, pastries, and cakes that I teach back home,” he says. For the main course, he leans on French classics like coq au vin, French onion soup, and boeuf bourguignon, bringing a taste of home to the frozen continent.

There have been challenges along the way—adjusting to the extreme temperatures, learning to navigate a new kitchen, and getting used to Scott Base’s unique storage system. But the rewards are remarkable. “I’ve met scientists from all over the world, experienced breathtaking landscapes, and even visited historical sites from early Antarctic explorers,” JC shares. And, of course, there’s the unforgettable sight of emperor penguins. “Seeing them from just a metre away was incredible,” he recalls, adding that he’s still hoping for a helicopter ride to take in the views from above.