New Zealand’s first winery restaurant has a new chef

Vidal Restaurant in Hastings has appointed Jillene Slui as the new Head Chef.

Jillene started at Vidal as an apprentice chef 24 years ago and has returned home after 14 years abroad where she crafted her culinary skills in the kitchens of the Como Properties in places such as Umaparo Resort in Bhutan, Nahm Restaurant at the Halkin Hotel London and the renowned 5 Star Parrot Cay Resort in the Caribbean.

Jillene’s food philosophy is for fresh and simple dishes using really good produce. Her style is uncomplicated and inspired by Mediterranean, Moroccan and Spanish flavours.

She is thrilled to be back in Hawkes Bay and excited at the variety of excellent local producers available in the region as well as the opportunity to prepare the menu using produce from the Vidal organic garden onsite.

Jillene’s new menu was launched in the restaurant on Wednesday 27 April.

In addition to a new Head Chef, Vidal Restaurant’s Hospitality Manager Shane Pugh has also been announced as a finalist in the 2011 Hawkes Bay Hospitality Awards.

Shane is a finalist in both the Outstanding Hospitality Personality Award and the Front of House Personality Award.

Winners will be announced on Monday 23 May 2011.

About Vidal Restaurant

Three decades since opening New Zealand’s first winery restaurant, Vidal remains an icon in Hawkes Bay and is still busy attracting wine and food fans from around the world.

The focus is on creating clean and simple flavours using New Zealand fresh, seasonal, organic products and taking inspiration from classical methods and dishes.

Vidal Restaurant’s comprehensive wine list showcases the award winning range of Vidal wines along with other top New Zealand wines, all of which perfectly complement the dishes on the menu.