Cucina owner Yanina Tacchini with co-owner and husband Pablo Tacchini. PHOTO: ODT FILES An Oamaru restaurateur says while the Michelin Guide’s debut in New Zealand is a ‘‘fantastic first step’’ for the country, it is ‘‘disappointing’’ regional restaurants are not eligible to be reviewed. Sunday’s announcement of Michelin Guide acknowledgement for dozens of New Zealand restaurants did not include any outside of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown/Wānaka. That prompted Yanina Tacchini, the co-owner of award-winning Oamaru restaurants Cucina and Del Mar, to post that while she was ‘‘genuinely happy’’ for everyone who received recognition, she was upset so much of regional New Zealand was left out of the conversation. ‘‘Michelin coming to New Zealand is a fantastic first step towards international recognition. ‘‘However, if only a handful of cities are eligible, it cannot be seen as a true representation of New Zealand’s food scene. ‘‘It represents part of the country, not the country as a whole,’’ Mrs Tacchini said. Tourism New Zealand (Tourism NZ) last year committed $6.3 million to a three-year partnership with Michelin Guide to cover the chosen centres. Tourism NZ chief executive officer Rene de Monchy said the launch of the Michelin Guide in New Zealand was ‘‘just the beginning’’, and any decision to expand to other areas was up to the Michelin Guide. ‘‘While the four regions represent a large proportion of New Zealand’s dining scene, we appreciate there are amazing dining experiences outside of these regions and we look forward to sharing the regions with the world, too. ‘‘We will be showcasing our world-class food and beverage across a range of storytelling, conversion and sector partnerships in our priority markets to convert bookings over the next three years,’’ he said. Mr de Monchy said the decision for the Michelin Guide to enter New Zealand was ‘‘based primarily on the culinary potential and maturity of the destination, assessed through years of inspector visits’’. A Michelin Guide spokeswoman said Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown provided ‘‘a strong starting point’’ for the inaugural selection, allowing inspectors to carry out their work with ‘‘the depth, consistency and independence required’’. ‘‘The Michelin Guide recognises that New Zealand’s culinary story extends well beyond the destinations included in this first edition. ‘‘This selection is not a judgement on the quality, creativity or importance of restaurants in other parts of the country. ‘‘It is a starting point for the guide in New Zealand, and an important first chapter in recognising Aotearoa’s place on the global culinary map.’’ She said any evolution of the selection would be guided by the independent work of Michelin’s inspectors, and the same global methodology applied around the world. ‘‘The Michelin Guide does not speculate on future selections or destinations before they are officially announced.’’ Tourism Waitaki tourism director Hamish Saxton. Photo: Supplied Tourism Waitaki’s newly appointed tourism director Hamish Saxton said Tourism NZ’s acquisition of the Michelin rating for the four centres was a ‘‘great step’’ towards elevating the country’s food and beverage story through an internationally recognised platform, and was likely to spotlight other regions, too. ‘‘We know that Waitaki’s cuisine and local artisans have a big part to play in what visitors love about our region. ‘‘With the international spotlight now on New Zealand’s cuisine as a whole, our gems will be increasingly discovered by foodie travellers — and when Michelin starts to explore the regions, I’m certain Waitaki will be on their radar,’’ he said. Mr Saxton said New Zealand’s own highly respected Cuisine Good Food Awards had, for over 20 years, benchmarked restaurant excellence throughout the country. ‘‘Waitaki’s own Cucina, Riverstone Kitchen, and Whitestone Cheese Diner and Deli have rightly earned recognition, with Cucina attracting a coveted ‘‘hat’’, he said. Tourism NZ is responsible for marketing New Zealand as a visitor destination globally, and has a total budget of about $106m a year.
