WINE AND DINE: Mission Estate restaurant manager Daniel Jaritz is proud of his restaurant making Trip Advisor's top 10 Best Fine Dining experiences in New Zealand.
WINE AND DINE: Mission Estate restaurant manager Daniel Jaritz is proud of his restaurant making Trip Advisor's top 10 Best Fine Dining experiences in New Zealand.
Hawke's Bay's Mission Restaurant has a reputation for being one of the country's top places to dine. Recently it made it on to an elite national list. The restaurant was acknowledged as one of New Zealand's finest by being ranked in the top 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in NewZealand according to US-based travel website company Trip Advisor. The award is based on customers rating a restaurant, the food, the service, the atmosphere, the value and their overall experience. Linda Hall asked restaurant manager Daniel Jaritz five questions.
1 What does the award mean to you?
It means a lot. I'm very proud of the team, as it was the public - our customers - who chose to put us on this particular list. Whilst there are varying opinions of Trip Advisor in the hospitality industry, it is undoubtedly the new "word of mouth", particularly with visitors from out of the area.
2 What makes the Mission Restaurant stand out from the rest?
I think it's a combination of many attributes. Namely the ambience created by the building, grounds and extensive history. The food: our chef creates an exciting menu balanced between new trends and the traditional classics while his team work hard to ensure it is cooked and presented perfectly. The service: this is something we take very seriously as we endeavour to guarantee every guest leaves happy and satisfied.
Beef eye-fillet. We've had the same great supplier for many years and always ensure we cure the meat well. This has led it to being a signature dish at the Mission and while the accompaniments may change seasonally, you'll always find eye-fillet on our menu.
4 What do you think entices diners back time and time again?
I would like to think it's our consistency. Customers who have dined with us before know what they are going to get and can be confident if they're bringing in guests. We also take great pride in getting to know our regular customers, learning their preferences and taking special care of them.
5 What plans do you have for the summer season?
We are very busy at this time of the year organising many Christmas functions and weddings as well as preparing for the influx of people from out of town. Our plan for summer is to be a destination where Hawke's Bay locals and visitors come to dine and relax.
