Stuff.co.nz: Move refines Palate to taste success in awards
Hamilton restaurant Palate has taken out the top honours at the prestigious Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Award.
Under chef and owner Mat McLean, the eaterie took the coveted best regional restaurant category announced in Auckland on Monday night.
The gong vindicates the restaurant’s recent move from busy Victoria St to the more genteel surrounds of a riverfront spot in Alma St, Mr McLean said.
“I would say us moving had a lot to do with the win.
“It’s been well documented that we said being on Victoria St and all the heavy drinking that goes on there didn’t really suit us and was quite stressful.
“Since we have moved, we have been busier than we have ever been.”
Palate was also the winner of the best casual dining regional category last year and has been a Top 50 finalist for the past six consecutive years.
Head judge Kerry Tyack said winning best regional restaurant was a huge achievement given New Zealand’s high standard.
“Palate’s recent move to a new location overlooking the Waikato River has given it the premises to match Mat McLean’s wonderful food.”
Cuisine editor Sarah Nicholson said the judges found that Palate offered the full package.
“We love the fact Mat is a champion of local produce, his food is skilful, generous and full flavoured, and his staff are warm and knowledgeable.”
Palate first made the final in 2007, and since then, Mr McLean said his restaurant and the the local food scene had gone from strength to strength.
“Back then, we were the only Waikato restaurant in the final and this year there were three,” he said.
Chim-Choo-Ree and Victoria Street Bistro were both Top 50 finalists.
“This definitely sorts out the pecking order in the Waikato restaurant scene,” he said.
“It is nice to be judged by professionals who know what they are talking about.”
We proud to say that Palate Restaurant uses Waratah Duroc for all their pork dishes.