IN BRIEF

A global master of wine uncorks a fresh experience in Hastings.

WHY CHOOSE THIS RESTAURANT?

New to the impressively developing Hawke’s Bay food-and-drink offering, Cellar 495 offers a tasting room, bistro and wine shop in a slick, casual and comfortable space, where you will quickly realise that the valuable opportunity to broaden your wine-knowledge horizons should not be missed.

ABOUT THE MENU

Although wine is the star of the show, it’s not the only player in this trendy cellar where the plates are clever and perfect for mixing, matching and grazing with your wines of choice. A small but robust menu has seasonal ingredients sharply in focus: the beef tartare with its parmesan custard and puffed tendons on sourdough is beautiful to look at and simply gorgeous to eat; the braised octopus and chorizo bathing in a rich bath of spiced tomato and chickpeas is topped tapas-style with coriander and a slice of garlic toast; the cos salad is a crunchy, crispy triumph with its buttermilk dressing, generous buttery slices of Serrano ham, croutons and finely grated cured egg yolk.

ABOUT THE CHEF

Christchurch born and bred, Carlita Campbell had her start as a private chef and moved on to a manager’s position across two popular Hawke’s Bay eateries by hospitality group Eat Drink Share. In doing so, she has developed a valuable understanding of the many complicated layers of hospitality beyond the restaurant kitchen. Landing at Cellar 495 she has gained a quality platform for her deliciously come-at-able food that delivers a fresh, casual taste of New Zealand.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The world’s 495th Master of Wine, Michael Henley, leads a small team with a mighty approach. Victoria Birsen shares terrific food-and-wine suggestions and shows great respect and love for her craft.

OF NOTE

As is to be expected from a renowned Master of Wine, here you’ll find some of the best drops from around the globe alongside an outstanding taste of the wines of Aotearoa. You’d be mad not to take advantage of Michael’s superb knowledge – he has curated so much to discover in this spectacular little spot.

319 Heretaunga Street East
Check website for opening hours
PLATES: $12 – $30
CONTACT: 06 870 6308
WEBSITE: 495wineselect.co.nz