Jock Zonfrillo: 1976 – 2023 –
Love them or loathe them reality television programs and their social media lives have become part of this generation’s culinary experiences. Whether you believe they belittle or encourage the art of great cuisine, it is very hard to underestimate the impact of reality shows such as MasterChef, My Kitchen Rules and the plethora of other food related programs currently available to view. The sudden loss therefore of the brilliant Chef Jock Zonfrillo at just 46, to the world and the MasterChef Australia international community, brought a whole new meaning to the word reality. Reality means losing a talented individual whose…
GPO Wellington opens with a nod to Temuka and the Post Office –
InterContinental Wellington has announced the launch of GPO, its new restaurant that pays homage to the iconic General Post Office which once occupied the same site. The luxury hotel’s latest dining addition tells an exciting, culinary story of travel, discovery and culture. The restaurant is set to open on April 21, with bookings open now. Under the culinary leadership of acclaimed Executive Chef Carl Maunder, GPO offers a contemporary spin on classic cooking techniques, with a menu highlighting seasonal produce from New Zealand drawing influence from the rich cultures of Southern Europe, the Levant and the Mediterranean, served in a…
Finalists named in Southern Lakes Hospitality Awards –
The finalists have been announced at the Southern Lakes Hospitality awards and locals are being invited to vote for their favorite place to dine out. The finalists represent excellent dining establishments in the region as voted by the hospitality industry, including Queenstown restaurant Jervois Steakhousenominated in four award categories, including outstanding restaurant. Also up for outstanding restaurant is Ben Bayly’s Arrowtown restaurant Aosta, a small 50 seat restaurant that brings a taste of Northern Italy to the gold-rush village of Arrowtown. The restaurant is nominated in the category of outstanding restaurants, and best regional establishments. Aosta and Jervois Steak House…
Luxurious Hulbert House returns to Brooke Serene portfolio –
Brook Serene Boutique Hotels has announced the return of Hulbert House to its luxury hotel portfolio. Brook Serene Boutique Hotels opened and managed the Qualmark-rated 5-star Enviro Gold luxury hotel from 2016 to 2020 and has resumed management of the property from 1 April this year. Hulbert House is nestled in the heart of Queenstown and is a beautifully restored Victorian villa that offers six luxurious rooms, each uniquely designed with modern amenities and breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its Enviro Gold rating, which recognizes its efforts to…
Nourish Group restaurants team up to raise funds for KidsCan & SPCA –
Iconic restaurants from Auckland, Andiamo & Jervois Steak House alongside Wellington’s Shed 5, are teaming up with drops from wineries Grove Mill, Mt Difficulty, Martinborough Vineyard and Te Kairanga for an evening of charity donation. One hundred percent of selected Foley Wines and fifty percent of a la carte purchases on Tuesday 28 March will go to KidsCan and SPCA in areas of New Zealand affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. KidsCan is on a mission to get clothing and food supplies to children and their families via schools and early childhood centers in Auckland, Northland, Hawke’s Bay, and Tairāwhiti and are…
First Table serves new reservation system –
Foodie tech company First Table is changing the way people book dining experiences with the launch of its latest product, Regular Table. The new product simplifies the reservation process by offering real-time availability for all participating restaurants, making it easier for diners to find and book a table, all in one place, without the First Table offer. With Regular Tables, there’s no longer a need to search multiple websites for restaurants open in a city or call around to find a restaurant that can accommodate large parties. The platform seamlessly checks live availability and inserts bookings directly into the restaurant’s…
Montana Group appoints Mark Wylie as new CEO –
Montana Group has announced the appointment of Mark Wylie as its Chief Executive Officer, effective from 23 February 2023. The new position was established to lead the company into its next phase of growth and development as the Montana Group looks to meet the growing needs of its customers and stakeholders. Announcing the move, directors and shareholders, Dallas Fisher and Troy Reid said they are thrilled with the appointment and are confident that Mark’s leadership and vision will help Montana Group to achieve its strategic goals and lead them into the next chapter of its growth and success. “We believe…