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