Early Life and Culinary Roots

Long before Chef Zennon Christain Wijlens became a celebrated name in New Zealand’s fine dining scene, he was just a young boy with a keen sense of taste, a fascination for flavors, and an unshakable connection to food. Growing up in New Zealand, Zennon was immersed in a vibrant food culture that placed emphasis on fresh produce, indigenous ingredients, and seasonal cooking. The natural bounty of his homeland laid the foundation for his palate and culinary curiosity. Whether it was the smell of freshly baked bread or the sizzle of vegetables hitting a hot pan, Zennon found joy and purpose in the kitchen.

Even as a teenager, it was evident that he would pursue something extraordinary. His journey was not merely about cooking—it was about storytelling, experience, and the emotional connection that binds people through food. These formative years not only instilled discipline and respect for ingredients but also sparked a lifelong pursuit of culinary excellence.

Climbing the Culinary Ladder

Zennon’s culinary journey officially began when he entered professional kitchens, taking on roles that demanded precision, patience, and passion. His early years were shaped by intense apprenticeships, long hours, and relentless commitment to learning. He soaked in knowledge like a sponge—from understanding classic French techniques to mastering modern plating and molecular gastronomy.

Working in some of New Zealand’s most prestigious kitchens gave him exposure to high standards, where quality was non-negotiable, and every plate was a canvas. These formative years equipped Zennon with the skills and resilience needed to carve his own path in the competitive culinary world.

Co-Founding Paris Butter: A Turning Point

The turning point in Chef Zennon Wijlens’ career came with the co-founding of Paris Butter, a fine dining restaurant that has become synonymous with innovation, elegance, and elevated New Zealand cuisine. Paris Butter was envisioned as a place where classic French gastronomy meets modern techniques and local produce.

As Co-Owner and Executive Chef, Zennon has played an instrumental role in shaping the restaurant’s culinary identity. His menus are thoughtful narratives, often featuring ingredients sourced directly from New Zealand’s terroir, reimagined through the lens of refined global cuisine. Under his leadership, Paris Butter has become more than just a restaurant—it’s a gastronomic experience that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural depth.

Zennon’s ability to balance technical brilliance with artistic intuition has earned Paris Butter critical acclaim and a loyal following. The restaurant has also emerged as a hub for culinary experimentation and mentorship, where young chefs learn, evolve, and thrive.

Award-Winning Recognition

In 2023/24, Chef Zennon was crowned New Zealand Chef of the Year, a prestigious honor that reflects his immense contribution to the country’s culinary landscape. This accolade is a testament to his consistency, innovation, and leadership within the industry.

Winning this award placed him in the national spotlight, allowing food critics, diners, and fellow chefs to appreciate the depth of his vision. It also solidified his role as a tastemaker in New Zealand, someone who is not only redefining local cuisine but also setting new benchmarks for fine dining across the Southern Hemisphere.

The Art of Modern Gastronomy

Chef Zennon’s culinary style is best described as modern gastronomy rooted in terroir. His approach is deeply seasonal, ingredient-forward, and emotionally evocative. Each dish reflects a thoughtful interplay of texture, temperature, color, and technique. From the meticulous plating of a beetroot tartlet to the delicate foaming of a lemongrass emulsion, there is an artistic dimension to his cooking that transcends the conventional.

He is particularly renowned for his ability to transform humble ingredients into extraordinary experiences. Whether it’s a dish inspired by New Zealand’s native herbs or a deconstructed reinterpretation of a childhood comfort food, Zennon’s work always carries a narrative—one that draws from memory, place, and purpose.

His behind-the-scenes kitchen reels and video content shared on Instagram offer fans a glimpse into this creative process. Through professional-quality videos, followers witness not only the food but also the emotion, rhythm, and discipline that go into each plate.

Paris Butter: A Culinary Institution

Today, Paris Butter stands as one of New Zealand’s most respected dining establishments. Located in Auckland, the restaurant is lauded for its elegant interiors, impeccable service, and of course, Chef Zennon’s genre-defining cuisine. The name has become synonymous with both consistency and creativity.

What sets Paris Butter apart is its ability to evolve. Seasonal menus, guest chef collaborations, and immersive tasting experiences have become hallmarks of its operation. Zennon’s leadership style—both visionary and collaborative—has fostered a kitchen culture where excellence is the baseline.

Moreover, Paris Butter is a space that champions sustainability. From waste reduction to ethical sourcing and local partnerships, Zennon ensures that the restaurant is part of a larger ecosystem of responsible culinary practices.

Personal Life and Love Story

Away from the kitchen heat, Zennon leads a life marked by love and purpose. He is proudly engaged to @catmarygeorge, whose presence and support often grace his Instagram feed. Their relationship is more than romantic—it is a partnership built on mutual respect, shared dreams, and a deep appreciation for art and beauty.

Zennon often credits Mary for being a grounding force in his life, someone who balances his ambitious nature with empathy and encouragement. Whether it’s traveling together to explore food cultures or relaxing after service, their bond offers a beautiful counterpoint to the intensity of the culinary world.

Instagram & Digital Influence

With over 19.9K followers on Instagram, Chef Zennon is not just a culinary artist but a digital influencer in the food space. His account, @chefzennonwijlens, is a visual diary of his creative universe—featuring plated masterpieces, restaurant updates, and glimpses into his travels.

Highlights from Bangkok, San Francisco, and Los Angeles reveal his commitment to global culinary dialogue. These international travels have allowed him to bring new perspectives into his work at Paris Butter, infusing his dishes with a cosmopolitan edge.

His reels often go viral for their hypnotic rhythm and aesthetic precision. From sous-vide tutorials to dessert artistry, these clips educate, inspire, and entertain a broad audience—from home cooks to professional chefs.

Mentorship and Community Impact

Zennon is deeply invested in nurturing the next generation of chefs. He regularly participates in workshops, hosts guest chefs, and collaborates with culinary schools to provide mentorship opportunities. His kitchen operates not just as a business but as a training ground for excellence.

Many young chefs who have worked under him describe Zennon as a tough but generous mentor—someone who demands the best but gives you the tools to achieve it. He believes in empowering talent, encouraging innovation, and instilling discipline that outlasts trends.

He also uses his platform to spotlight issues like mental health in hospitality, sustainability in kitchens, and the need for diversity and inclusion in culinary spaces.

Looking Ahead: Future Endeavors

As one of the most dynamic chefs in the Southern Hemisphere, Chef Zennon’s journey is only beginning. There is growing speculation about a second restaurant concept, perhaps more experimental in nature, and whispers of international pop-ups and collaborations.

With an ever-expanding audience, a loyal team, and an insatiable appetite for pushing boundaries, Zennon is poised to take New Zealand’s culinary prestige to global platforms. He represents a generation of chefs who are as comfortable on social media as they are with a chef’s knife—blending tradition and technology to reshape the food world.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy in the Making

Chef Zennon Christain Wijlens is more than a chef—he is a storyteller, mentor, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador. With accolades like New Zealand Chef of the Year 2023/24 and a thriving culinary institution in Paris Butter, he has already cemented his place in the annals of modern gastronomy.

But his true legacy will be defined by his ability to inspire. Whether it’s a young apprentice in his kitchen or a food lover watching his reels halfway across the world, Zennon’s story reminds us that great food begins with great passion.

And for Zennon Wijlens, this is just the beginning.

Zennon Wijlens: From Local Talent to New Zealand’s Culinary Vanguard

Chef Zennon Christain Wijlens’ culinary journey is one of ambition, craft, and relentless innovation. Hailing from New Zealand, Zennon discovered his passion for food at a young age, drawn to the sensory magic of ingredients and the stories they could tell on a plate. What began as curiosity soon evolved into a deep, disciplined pursuit of culinary mastery.

He honed his skills through years of intense kitchen experience, embracing both classical French techniques and modern gastronomic artistry. Zennon’s rise in the industry wasn’t just about cooking; it was about creating emotion through flavor, structure, and presentation. His dedication to excellence and his refined sense of aesthetics set him apart early in his career.

The defining moment came when he co-founded Paris Butter, a restaurant that quickly became one of Auckland’s finest culinary destinations. Under his leadership, it evolved into a temple of fine dining where local produce met international technique. Every dish that left his kitchen was a testament to innovation, precision, and heart.

In 2023/24, Zennon’s hard work culminated in him being named New Zealand Chef of the Year—a title that recognized not just his skill, but his influence on the national culinary landscape. Today, with a growing digital presence, a loyal following, and a future full of promise, Chef Zennon Wijlens stands as a powerful force shaping the future of New Zealand cuisine—one plate at a time.