Masterton cafe in running

PRIZE PIE: Ten O'clock Cookie Bakery Cafe shop manager Monique Kloeg with the chicken, leek and plum potato-top pie, which is in the finals of this year's NZ Cafe of the Year competition. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

One of Masterton's most popular eateries, the Ten O'clock Cookie Bakery Cafe, is hoping its honest but hearty fare will prove a recipe for success in this year's NZ Cafe of the Year Awards.

Ten O'clock Cookie Bakery Cafe is the only finalist in Wairarapa, after receiving more than 600 votes from its happy patrons.

Manager Monique Kloeg said the shop was lucky to receive so much backing from the community. "We couldn't have done it without the support of everyone in Masterton. They've really gone out and done it for us and really supported us. It's really awesome."

The cafe is entering its chicken, leek and plum sauce potato-top pie, but will also be judged on its coffee, service and ambience.

The chicken pie is a top seller - about 50 sold every day.

It was important for the cafe to stick to what it was good at, Miss Kloeg said. "We decided to go for a pie which is not super-fancy but is hearty and a good meal."

After winning the prize for the Lower North Island in last year's competition, and coming runner-up in the Bakery of the Year Awards, Miss Kloeg believes the cafe has a pretty good chance against the 18 other finalists.

"We've got a really good team on. They are cranking out good coffees and big smiles."

A mystery shopper judge will visit the cafe this month and the winners will be announced on December 3.