"We have really positioned ourselves as non-pretentious, casual, so that anyone can feel comfortable walking in - make a reservation or not - and deliver really good quality consistently at a price that the average Kiwi can afford."
Although the quality of the dining experience seems more in line with a fancy boutique restaurant, Jude says they pride themselves on their warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Although popular with couples and groups, he describes The Bistro as a family restaurant, because the whole family is involved.
"We have six children, and four of those six children have either worked here or are working here.
"They start at 12–years-old washing dishes, and when they are 14, they graduate to the front of house.
"When they are 18, they leave home - and with money in the bank, a genuine job skill and ambitions to pursue whatever they want to pursue, with hospitality always there as a really convenient income source."
He says the 10-course meal on November 18 will be carefully planned so people aren't bursting at the seams after six courses.
"Ultimately what I am doing is taking some of our favourite dishes from over the years, and refining them […] so that each dish is prepared and presented in its perfect form."
The Bistro already does a six-course degustation menu, with wine pairings, which is based on a sampling of the à la carte menu. It started just before Covid-19 and has proved hugely popular.
He will be closing the restaurant for the birthday dinner and seating guests on long tables, ensuring a unique winemakers-dinner style of event.
