Matterhorn Dubbed New Zealand's Best Restaurant
21 August 2008
A Matterhorn dish.
A Wellington institution that left judges "begging for more" has taken the title of New Zealand's best restaurant in the Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year Awards 2008.
Wellington's Matterhorn is more popularly known as the favoured local bar for Wellington's chic crowd, and has won Bar of the Year for the past three years. Yet it is the cuisine that wowed the judges, who awarded Matterhorn the Supreme Winner as well as Best Casual Dining - Metropolitan in this year's competition.
This is the second year in a row that a Wellington restaurant has taken the supreme title in the annual Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year competition. Last year's winner was Wellington's Martin Bosley's at the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club.
Judges described Matterhorn as a restaurant that appeals to all ages.
"The arrival last year of chef Sean Marshall to Matterhorn lifted this restaurant from good to excellent. It is now not only a premium destination in Wellington for a great time but also for seriously good food."
Guest international judge John Lethlean, restaurant critic for the Melbourne Age and Australian Gourmet Traveller, was clearly impressed by one of Marshall's signature starters.
"A tuna sashimi-style starter left us moaning for more, such was the intelligence of the combined ingredients and quality of the fish," he says. "Ultimately, it was a dining tour de force from go to whoa with energy, wit and a superb sense of its own identity.
"Stunning produce, unpredictable combinations, fresh thinking and thorough craftsmanship were the hallmarks of every dish."
Across the board, Matterhorn impressed judges with every aspect of the dining experience, from decor to the extensive 321-strong wine list to the casual yet knowledgeable trainer wearing staff and serving style.
Joint-owner Christian McCabe says it has been an immensely challenging task to build the Matterhorn's restaurant from nothing to one of country's best - while maintaining the high standards of the venue's award-winning bar.
"We are fortunate enough to have a loyal and loving clientele who have evolved with us over the years and allowed us to do what we love. This award is accepted by us on behalf of the many staff members who have loved the Matterhorn as much as we do and have left their mark on the rich and complex culture that it represents today."
Matterhorn rose above 40 finalists and many of New Zealand's best restaurants to take the title of the country's finest eatery. Visit the Matterhorn website: www.matterhorn.co.nz
