Best in the Bay
Chef Gary Grootelaar gives his top foodie picks in his beloved local region
In my early years as a young golfer from Lower Hutt, I used to come to Hawke’s Bay to play tournaments. I remember passing the Hawke’s Bay sign and the sun coming out. I also remember the brown hills in summer and the sight of endless vineyards. Entering through State Highway 50, little did I know that this was going to be my future home.
There’s a saying that in Hawke’s Bay, you can put a stick in the ground and it will grow. There’s an abundance of food and wine all year round, which is only enhanced by the amazing creativity of our producers. The variety is endless and every season I’m excited about what is on offer.
From the sea to the rivers, from the market gardens, orchards, vineyards and organic growers, Hawke’s Bay has it all and, as a chef, it’s fantastically inspirational to live here.
I’m struggling to select my top five foodie finds. There are so many places that belong there. However, these five places send shivers down my spine, make me emotional, fill me with joy and leave me in awe.
1Dig for truffles When I was living in Europe, truffles became a regular part of my repertoire so to know this black gold is on our doorstep at Sacre Monte Truffles, just down the road, is magic. Going to Sacre Monte and finding truffles myself is always an overwhelming experience. The surprise and delight on our guests’ faces when they find a truffle and then get to taste truffle for the first time is a thrill. We love it, which is why we have been running our Winter F.A.W.C! Truffle Heaven event for four years with great success.
facebook.com/hawkesbaytruffle
2
Dine at Pacifica
When I came across Pacifica 10 years ago and met owner and head chef Jeremy and his partner, Nathalie, I felt I finally was tasting NZ cuisine. Pioneered by Jeremy, Pacifica is an absolutely inspirational and unique restaurant. Dishes like smoked hoki porridge, venison carpaccio and bone-marrow croquettes, to name a few, are to die for and an absolute showcase of Hawke’s Bay produce. These dishes are created with his heritage and techniques and they tell his story. This is a must for every foodie visiting Hawke’s Bay.
pacificarestaurant.co.nz
3
Wine at Smith and Sheth
I can’t get enough of visiting Master of Wine Steve Smith’s latest venture, Smith and Sheth Oenotheque. Not only does Steve make outstanding wine, but the Heretaunga Wine Studio is an amazing adventure that engages all the senses. The experience is mindblowing and leaves me in awe of the skilful and creative people we have in Hawke’s Bay. To taste the wine, learn about the terroir and discover the stories and people behind it is very moving. smithandsheth.com
5
Bubbles at Alpha Domus Try something new at Poivre et Sel
Having tasted some of the best One of my other favourites in Hawke’s champagnes on the planet, I was pleasantly Bay is a restaurant called Poivre et Sel. surprised by a sparkling wine from our The French couple who own it really know their neighbour, Ton Ham, the owner of Alpha stuff. The food is innovative and exciting. The Domus. He welcomed us to the Bay with a last time I was there I was treated to a new and 12-year-old bottle of bubbles: Cumulus. My daring dish that included mushroom icecream first thought was “really? A New Zealand as well as capsicum icecream. It was amazingly sparkling wine that is 12 years old” . . . boy, tasty and imaginative, it was challenging and was I wrong. Upon opening the bottle, the bold, and deserves a place in my top five. small bubbles, the yeasty smell, the colour and poivresel.co.nz
of course the dryness and taste, made me think
“this is one of the nicest bubbles I have ever tasted”.
alphadomus.co.nz