Internationally-renowned Queenstown chef Vaughan Mabee has left Amisfield. Mabee, named the 44th best chef in the world in 2023, could not be reached for comment today. The New Zealand Herald reported his departure was to spend time with family and pursue “several overseas opportunities”. In an emailed statement, the acclaimed Arrowtown restaurant’s chief executive, Simon Toneycliffe, confirmed Mabee resigned in February. ‘‘Amisfield does not comment on the private affairs of its current or former staff in order to protect their privacy.’’ The Herald  reported Amisfield staff were notified by text and email on Thursday about his resignation, after almost 15 years with the restaurant. The email said Sung Peng would ‘‘continue to lead the kitchen’’, while Aaron Jacobson, who previously worked for Michelin-rated restaurants in the United States and Asia, would take charge of the restaurant from next Wednesday, the Herald reported.…