The best is yet to come” is how Pablo Arrasco Paz from Hawke’s Bay’s Black Barn Bistro looks towards the future. Since October 2025, Pablo has been hitting the ground running in the beautiful region as the Bistro’s restaurant manager. Long-time Cuisine readers will already know Pablo well as he was named Restaurant Personality of the Year at the Cuisine Good Food Awards 2021/2022.

A familiar and welcoming presence, he’s now stepping into the next chapter of his career. A longstanding figure in Auckland’s culinary scene, he steered the rise of Madame George, his acclaimed restaurant on Karangahape Road. The move from Auckland to Hawke’s Bay marks a significant change, with Pablo frequently travelling between the two regions to remain closely connected with family. Pablo is enthusiastic to immerse himself in the Hawke’s Bay region’s hospitality landscape. He’s optimistic, too, noting the growing influx of chefs and industry talent from across the country shaping an exciting new chapter for the area.

Executive chef Regnar Christensen, restaurant manager Pablo Arrasco Paz and head chef Kim Seonwang

Pablo’s relocation occurred as he no longer felt the same spark he once saw in Auckland’s hospitality scene. Upon visiting Hawke’s Bay and speaking with Black Barn Estate’s owner Kim Thorp, the vision he saw was one he’s happy to become a part of. “Closing a restaurant feels like you’ve lost something very close to you. Coming to Black Barn, it’s been a good change and a new challenge at a beautiful and memorable establishment.” Pablo feels that Kim Thorp’s endurance and resilience to keep quality during challenging times was a remarkable sign of great leadership and, equally, a sign this was the place for him.

Perseverance is a trait all too familiar to the team at Black Barn after its fair share of tough history with the closure of the Bistro back in 2022 due to the significantly damaging fire. The fire marked a devastating chapter for Black Barn, which Pablo feels has made the team more determined to keep going and to achieve further excellence. “Challenging times in general either make us or break us. It’s the resilience that comes from the top.”

It’s not only the phenomenal team, food and wine that has drawn Pablo to Black Barn. Customers are pulled in from across the country and beyond due to the estate’s beautiful surroundings. Situated in New Zealand’s oldest wine-growing region, it’s a heaven-on-earth location and as summer settles in, the bistro is extending its hours to welcome guests seven days a week and also unveiling its magical summer courtyard, where guests can sip cocktails and sample the estate’s own meticulously crafted wines.

The Bistro collaborates closely with local growers and producers with each element of both the food and drinks menus reflecting the unique character of the region. “Our local suppliers play a huge part in the menu and deciding what produce we can use to showcase the best of Hawke’s Bay,” says Black Barn Bistro’s executive chef Regnar Christensen. The dishes he’s made for Cuisine are shaped by the joy of gathering around the table, guided by his belief that the very best meals are those shared in good company.

Pablo feels summer weather brings an uplifting atmosphere, saying “Warmer days bring more positivity among us all. I’m able to see locals coming out and get to know them better. Making connections fuels that sense of community.” So, this summer Black Barn Estate becomes more than a vineyard, it is a gathering place for community, creativity and celebration. Guests come together for the Amphitheatre Concert Season beginning 28 December with many Kiwi favourites and international talent in the lineup. Black Barn’s summer season extends far beyond its concerts with the beloved Growers’ Market returning every Saturday from 28 November until February, celebrating Hawke’s Bay’s local producers after the Cyclone Gabriel disruption. Alongside fresh produce and artisanal delights the season showcases food, wine and experiences that capture the true, community essence of a summer at Black Barn Estate. The sunny season arrives rich with anticipation, a time that the team at Black Barn Bistro is eager to embrace.