Bay of Plenty’s Solera Triumphs as First Regional Restaurant to Earn Prestigious Food Award

Solera Restaurant in Mount Maunganui Achieves Two-Hat Recognition

Mount Maunganui, New Zealand – Solera, a distinguished dining establishment located in the Bay of Plenty, has secured the region’s first ‘two hats’ in The Cuisine Good Food Awards. this significant achievement marks a notable win for the village, which has been navigating economic headwinds in recent seasons.

A Premier Culinary Distinction

The Cuisine Good Food Awards, widely regarded as New Zealand’s equivalent to the Michelin Guide, assesses restaurants based on culinary excellence, awarding one, two, or three hats. A two-hat rating indicates a dining experience that is consistently exceptional. According to Restaurant Association of New Zealand, in 2023, only 32 restaurants out of 300 judged received this coveted recognition.

Nick Potts, Co-owner and Founder of Solera, alongside his wife Chloe Ashman, emphasized the importance of these awards in attracting diners, notably those from larger cities like Auckland. He noted that food enthusiasts frequently enough plan entire vacations centered around experiencing restaurants with such accolades.

Anonymous judging and Industry Impact

unlike some culinary competitions, restaurants are not self-nominated for The cuisine good Food Awards. Rather, two anonymous judges discreetly evaluate dining establishments throughout the year, providing unbiased assessments. This rigorous process ensures the integrity and credibility of the awards.

Economic Pressures on Fine Dining

Despite the prestige, Potts acknowledged that operating a fine dining restaurant carries economic challenges. Higher labor and food costs often translate to lower profit margins compared to more casual establishments. He explained that some restaurateurs may prioritize profitability over pursuing culinary accolades.

The hospitality industry has faced significant pressure from rising food costs, particularly this past winter. Solera, like many others, has absorbed some of these increased expenses rather than passing the full burden onto customers. A recent report by Stats NZ indicated a 7.2% increase in food prices year-on-year as of June 2024.

“We conduct price reviews every few months,” Potts stated. “Our chef’s menu, such as, saw a cost increase of five dollars per person between pre-winter and post-winter costing.”

Butter Prices and Menu Adjustments

One particularly sharp price increase impacting Solera is the cost of butter. The restaurant is adapting its menu to reduce butter usage, a trend echoed across the industry as highlighted in recent reports.

Head chef David Bryson (left) and Nick Potts (right), who founded Solera with wife Chloe Ashman.
Photo: Supplied/Solera

Hopes Pinned on Summer Season

As a representative on the Mount Business Association, Potts conveyed the struggles faced by local businesses, particularly with the sale of hospitality venues.He expressed optimism that the approaching summer season woudl provide a much-needed turning point for the industry.

Award	Rating	Description
Cuisine Good Food Awards	One Hat	Recognizes restaurants with excellent cuisine.
Cuisine Good Food Awards	Two Hats	Signifies consistently outstanding dining experiences.
Cuisine Good Food Awards	Three Hats	Reserved for exceptional, world-class restaurants.

The Evolution of Restaurant Awards

Restaurant awards have evolved significantly over the last few decades. Initially,they were primarily focused on technical skill and presentation. However, modern awards increasingly emphasize factors such as sustainability, local sourcing, and the overall dining experience. The trend reflects a growing consumer awareness.

Did You Know? The Michelin Guide, the oldest and most prestigious restaurant rating system, originally began as a guide for automobile travelers in France.

Frequently Asked Questions about Restaurant Awards

pro Tip: When seeking a high-quality dining experience, researching restaurant awards and reviews can be an excellent starting point.

What are your thoughts on the impact of restaurant awards? Do you plan your dining experiences around award-winning establishments?

How does Solera’s achievement perhaps impact tourism within the Bay of Plenty region?

A Landmark Achievement for New Zealand Cuisine

Solera, a celebrated dining establishment nestled in the heart of the Bay of Plenty, has made history, becoming the first regional restaurant in New Zealand to receive the coveted “Golden Ladle” award – a national benchmark for culinary excellence. This prestigious recognition underscores the growing prominence of regional New zealand dining and Solera’s commitment to innovative cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. The award, presented annually by the New Zealand Restaurant Association, acknowledges not only exceptional food quality but also outstanding service, ambiance, and sustainable practices.

The Solera Difference: Farm-to-Table Philosophy & Innovative Menus

Solera’s success isn’t accidental. the restaurant has cultivated a strong reputation for its dedication to a true farm-to-table experience.

Local Sourcing: Over 80% of Solera’s ingredients are sourced from within a 100km radius, supporting local farmers and producers in the Bay of Plenty region. This includes fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean, organic produce from nearby farms, and artisan cheeses.

Seasonal Menus: Menus change quarterly to reflect the freshest seasonal produce available, ensuring diners experience the peak flavors of each season. Expect vibrant summer salads, hearty winter stews, and everything in between.

Modern New Zealand Cuisine: Chef and owner, Ben Devlin, expertly blends traditional Māori flavors with modern culinary techniques, creating a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Dishes often feature native ingredients like horopito, kawakawa, and manuka honey.

Wine Pairing Expertise: Solera boasts an extensive wine list, focusing on award-winning wines from the Bay of Plenty and wider New Zealand regions. Their sommelier provides expert pairings to complement each dish.

The Golden Ladle Award: What It Represents

the “Golden Ladle” isn’t simply a trophy; it’s a rigorous assessment of a restaurant’s overall performance. Judges evaluate establishments based on several key criteria:

1. Food Quality & Innovation (40%): Taste, presentation, creativity, and use of ingredients.
2. service Excellence (30%): Attentiveness, knowledge, and overall dining experience.
3. Ambiance & Design (15%): Atmosphere, décor, and cleanliness.
4. Sustainability & Ethical Practices (15%): Sourcing, waste management, and community involvement.

Solera excelled in all categories, particularly impressing judges with its commitment to sustainability and its ability to showcase the unique flavors of the bay of Plenty. This award places Solera amongst the elite dining destinations in New Zealand.

Impact on the bay of Plenty’s Culinary Scene

Solera’s achievement is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the Bay of Plenty’s hospitality industry.

Increased Tourism: The award will undoubtedly attract foodies and culinary tourists to the region, boosting local businesses and the economy.

Elevated Regional Cuisine: Solera’s success sets a new standard for regional restaurants, inspiring others to prioritize quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Support for Local Producers: Increased demand for locally sourced ingredients will benefit farmers and producers in the Bay of Plenty, strengthening the regional food system.

Talent Attraction: The restaurant’s reputation will attract skilled chefs and hospitality professionals to the area,further enhancing the culinary landscape.

Beyond the Plate: Solera’s Community Involvement

Solera isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an active member of the Bay of Plenty community.

Chef Apprenticeships: Solera offers chef apprenticeships, providing opportunities for young aspiring chefs to learn from experienced professionals.

Local Food Festivals: The restaurant actively participates in local food festivals, showcasing the region’s culinary talent.

Charitable Partnerships: Solera regularly donates a portion of its proceeds to local charities, supporting community initiatives.

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