ADDRESS:   163 Tennyson St, Napier South
CHECK WEBSITE FOR OPENING HOURS
MAINS:   $39 – $42
WEBSITE:    centralfirestation.co.nz
CONTACT:   06 650 1115
SCORE:   17 / 20

Chef Sam Clark’s credentials blazed his trail to Napier’s former central fire station. The ex-head chef of Auckland’s fine-diner Clooney has brought a relatively simple blend of French mixed with Italian to this base. Clark and co- owner/pastry chef Florencia Menehem have set the bar high in their efforts to tell a sustainable local food story: 90% of the produce is organic. This approach emphasises the quality of the local meat, seafood, fruit and vegetables (consider the Te Mana lamb rack with ’nduja dressing, anjo blanco basil and excruciatingly well-roasted carrots). You’ll quickly recognise this chef’s ability to elevate ingredients in a way that makes them the very best version of themselves. The wine list is 100% Hawke’s Bay. Memories are made of this delightful locavore experience.

IN BRIEF A local love affair at your table