As chef, my focus is naturally enough in the kitchen. Having cooked in some famous European kitchens under some truly great chefs I am able to draw on knowledge of many traditional and modern techniques. I combine these with the products we are blessed with in New Zealand, to create fresh and vibrant dishes for the Vinnies menus.

I am passionate about produce and I am constantly searching for and sourcing exciting ingredients of outstanding quality. A lot of my time is spent seeking and speaking with suppliers who share this passion and commitment to quality. It's a search that's as fruitful, as it is endless. In fact if you know of a grower, farmer, fish supplier or artisan food producer, who you know shares this excitement and passion, please put us in touch with each other.

At Vinnies you always have the choice of two menus:

Our Seasonal Menu centres on the finest locally and seasonally available produce.

My philosophy when creating a new dish is to focus on one main ingredient, then layer different flavours and textures around this ingredient. Sometimes they are matching and sometimes contrasting, but always enhancing the key ingredient.

Our Degustation Tasting Menu interprets either a nation, region or food style that inspires me and hopefully rewards you. Rowen researches the chosen area and selects a starting line up of wines. We taste these together and pick out the winners. Then, with these wines in mind, I go back to the kitchen to create a dish around each one. You may choose the degustation menu of the dishes only, or the dishes served with a glass of the matching wine alongside.

Special menus and specific dining requirements for groups can be arranged; just get in touch and we'll talk it over. Individual dietary needs require no advanced warning; just let us know on arrival at Vinnies and be assured of an evening of service and attention.