Hospitality Awards: Fine blend of old and new nominees

First time nominee Hayden Esau, head chef at Milk and Honey in Ahuriri, Napier. Photo / Paul Taylor

The Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards focus on the best of the best, across 13 categories that cover all facets of the industry which makes the Bay and its destinations a special place. Hawke's Bay Today will profile the finalists in the build-up to the awards on May 25.

Hawke's Bay's top chefs have been nominated by their peers in this year's hospitality awards.

There is a mixture of old and new names in the running for The Sacred Hill Outstanding Chef award, which will be announced this month.

Milk and Honey head chef Hayden Esau, who has been at the restaurant since January, said he was pleased to be picked as a finalist for the first time.

Emporium Eatery and Bar executive chef Damon McGinniss. Photo / Warren Buckland

"It's pretty cool, especially because it's industry and peers that vote and nominate," he said.

He liked to take an eclectic approach to his food.

"I like to cook fusion cuisine, it's traditional flavour combinations with a global pantry."

Emporium Eatery and Bar executive chef Damon McGinniss is also a finalist for the first time. He has held his post at Emporium for almost one year, after moving to the region from Wanaka with his family.

"It's recognition from the industry - our customers overall enjoy what we do, but of course, to have recognition from our peers, obviously it means a lot."

He described his food as modern and comforting.

"It's good old humble flavours, but we do it in a modern way, to make our customers feel relaxed and feel comfortable."

The Old Church head chef Andy Glover. Photo / Warren Buckland

Meanwhile, the Old Church head chef Andy Glover had been a finalist in the category a number of times, but has yet to win it.

"This is all about being recognised by your peers and it's a privilege," he said.

His menu was all about mixing the old with the new.

"It's classic food with modern twists and flavours."

Pacifica Restaurant's Jeremy Rameka. Photo / Warren Buckland

Then there is Pacifica Restaurant's Jeremy Rameka, who has won the award three times in the past.

He said it was an honour to be a finalist yet again this year.

"Every year [there] seems to be a lot more competition and I'm surprised to be here."

He said his Napier seafood restaurant had a very modern approach, with humble beginnings.

"We've evolved a lot over the years."