New owner wants Okurukuru Restaurant to be a must-visit

The new owners of Okurukuru Restaurant aim to turn the picturesque coastal establishment into one of Taranaki’s must-visit destinations.

Earlier this month experienced chef Sohnke Danger and his wife, Vanessa, signed a 10-year lease at Okurukuru Restaurant on State Highway 45.

Danger, who is former head chef at The Garlic Press and Stratford Mountain House, said the look and feel of the whole restaurant would be transformed.

The restaurant had been closed for alterations since the Dangers took over on October 1.

Some of the changes included a new menu, refitted kitchen, walk-in wine cellar, new staff, fresh paint and a new layout.

The new restaurant, to be named Danger at Okurukuru, would have its opening night next Friday and would be open each week from Wednesday to Sunday.

‘‘I think this place just has the most amazing potential to become destination Taranaki,’’ Danger said.

Danger, who has been a chef for 23 years, said the restaurant would employ 10 staff and put an emphasis on excellent service.

‘‘If we do it right this could become a real focal point for visitors to come.’’

Danger at Okurukuru would offer a fun and relaxed family-friendly en- vironment, he said. ‘‘It’s going to be relaxed, it’s not going to be posh or poncy. We don’t want to be expensive or fancy.’’

Things such as outdoor barbecues, pig on a spit, beach hampers and live music would slowly be introduced, he said.

The new menu would feature Taranaki produce and free-range food wherever possible, he said.

The lease also included the running of two Okurukuru chalets, he said.

Okurukuru’s transformation would be a long-term project.

‘‘This is going to be my retirement plan so I’ve got 20 years at the end of the day to make something of this. It really has been a dream come true for my wife and me.’’