“When I was here on assignment three years ago”,
shares Nick Simmons, new general manager at Puka
Park Resort, “I said to the owner, ‘I love this property
and I will be back to run it for you one day’.” And the
resort wasn’t the only thing Nick fell in love with on that
visit, he also met his bride, local gal Emma McCarthy
.
Nick worked in Australia at the time, but returned to
Auckland two years ago. And now, as predicted, just
two days after the attractive couple tied the knot at
Puka Park Resort in April, the groom took the reins of
the resort – two dreams come true at once.
The wedding ceremony took place on the resort’s large
deck area, then moved inside for a cocktail reception
by the fireplace, “which was covered in candles”. Nick
praised the staff, “The team did a fantastic job, the
food was great and the place looked amazing!”
Although born in New Zealand, he spent over twenty
years in Australia working in many 5 Star properties like
Shangri-la, Sofitel & Pullman. Having worked in such
large hotels, casinos and golf resorts, he tells us “it is
great be working in a boutique property nestled in
a stunning natural environment”.
Nick is pleased to be working
with new executive chef, Oliver Rimpler, who joined
the resort in March. “Oli is a real local at heart, and he
cooks with local products whenever possible.”
The resort’s restaurant, Miha, recently won the Gold
Plate in the 2014 Beef and Lamb Excellence awards for
two dishes:
Eye Fillet and Braised Beef Cheek
(with
port wine shallots and white onion compote, pomme
macaire and broad beans) and
Lamb Loin
(wrapped
in baguette with seared lamb sweet breads on potato/
spinach mousseline, confit tomato, and ratatouille).
Nick will help steer the resort through upcoming
changes including refurbishments. “It started 8 months
ago with rooms receiving an entirely new fit out”, he
explains, “including heated bathroom floors, Monsoon
showerheads, and luxurious deep freestanding baths”.
Starting July, the main lodge will receive a makeover.
“We have display boards on show for everyone to see
furniture and fabrics that will replace the current decor.”
Opening day? “We are planning for October 11th.”
The resort will remain open during the improvements
so you can continue to enjoy that award-winning
cuisine or overnight accommodations. Miha is open for
dinner, breakfast, or drinks at the bar, and of course if
you need a stellar venue to tie the knot, follow Nick’s
example. The resort provides that special touch for
your event and can manage guest numbers to 120, for
weddings and other important celebrations.
PUKA PARK RESORT WELCOMES
NEW MANAGER, NEWLY MARRIED
WHITIANGA SCALLOP FESTIVAL
NOTCHES UP 10 YEARS
Lock in this Spring date!
The 6th of September – a weekend
long celebration of Coromandel seafood and cuisine. This year
organisers are going all out to make this 10th anniversary festival
one to remember. As one of New Zealand’s most popular seafood
events, the Festival will include over 60 cuisine stands turning out
mouth watering dishes – and save room for scallops!
The festival’s cooking stage takes spotlight, but festival goers will
enjoy live music at three music stages. Expect costume contests
and plenty of food and beverage booths.
Chefs for this year’s cooking competition have been confirmed
(see below)
: Ray McVinnie –
Masterchef
Judge, Julie Biuso –
Taste
Magazine, and Josh Emett –
Masterchef
Judge.
Check the festival website for programme details, recipes, venue
information and up-to-the minute announcements. Sign up for their
newsletter for news and special offers:
AWARD
WINNING CAFE
CHANGES
HANDS
Judy Inglis and Ruth
Pettitt toast to a happy
result for all!
After 25 years as owners, Ruth and Andy Pettitt of Whenuakite’s Colenso Café
have decided to ‘hang up the aprons’. New owners Judy and Gary Inglis (previous
owners of Smitty’s Sports Bar and Grill in Whitianga) are pleased to have retained
the café’s ever-loyal staff and two of the popular Colenso donkeys. It is to be a
‘family affair’ as daughter (and talented chef) Emily will soon join the team.
The Pettitts are still living on property for now, so you might see Ruth extending a
helping hand in the café now and then. “We’ve created a win-win I believe”, says
Ruth. “I’ve continued gardening, which I love, and helping with the shop ordering.”
“It’s nice to have Ruth around”, adds Judy. “It’s made for a smoother transition
and she’s a huge help.” Judy tells us she plans to stay open through August this
year, the month the café has traditionally been closed – good news for those of us
needing that regular Colenso ‘fix’!
See article about Colenso in our Spring 2013 flipview magazine,
or visit
You may see even more of the Pettitts as they venture forth to re-discover the
Coromandel, now free to be tourists themselves!
Hospitality Scene
39
6th OF SEPTEMBER, 2014
