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Pacifica Restaurant Closes, Owners Launch New ‘Ni’ Venture in hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay‘s acclaimed Pacifica restaurant has closed its doors after nearly two decades, marking the end of an era for the region’s dining scene. Owners natalie Bulman,a respected sommelier,and Jeremy Rameka are embarking on a new culinary chapter with a restaurant named Ni,slated to open by the end of October.
A Long-Held Dream Realized
The couple has envisioned this transition for approximately ten years. “It is something we have wanted to do since about 10 years ago,” bulman stated. Ni,meaning “us” or “we” in Welsh – a nod to Bulman’s heritage - represents a deeply personal and honest approach to dining.
Did You Know? The Welsh language, spoken by approximately 880,000 people globally ([https://www.ethnologue.com/language/wel](https://www.ethnologue.com/language/wel)), heavily influences the new restaurant’s identity.
Pacifica’s Legacy and a Fond Farewell
The period leading up to Pacifica’s closure was unexpectedly busy, filled with visits from loyal patrons. bulman expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from guests, staff, suppliers, family, and friends. Pacifica opened around 2003 and was purchased by rameka in 2006.
Bulman reflected on her time in Hawke’s Bay, emphasizing her appreciation for the region’s wines and her beliefs of wine pairing.”I always say the wines are like the backup singers,” she explained.”It is indeed magical when it worked, when a wine helped the dish sing.But its not the main event. My aim was not to make the wine the focus.”
Ni: A Focus on Authenticity
The couple intends to carry select Hawke’s Bay wines to their new establishment. Winning awards is not a primary goal for Ni. “We want it to be as honest as possible, and if that means it is indeed not what people expect, and not what wins awards, it doesn’t matter,” Bulman said. “We want it to be as real and honest and us as possible.”
Pro Tip: Prioritizing authenticity over accolades can foster a stronger connection with diners seeking genuine culinary experiences, as highlighted in research on consumer behavior in the hospitality industry ([https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJCHM-08-2019-0618/full/html](https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJCHM-08-2019-0618/full/html)).
Industry Recognition of Pacifica
Pacifica’s impact on New Zealand’s restaurant industry was significant. Kerry Tyack, lead assessor for the Cuisine Good Food Awards, lauded Jeremy Rameka’s talent for elevating simple ingredients. “I vividly remember a dish he crafted using a humble brown onion. I’ve tasted hundreds of onion dishes over the years, but that one stood out. It remains the finest onion dish I’ve ever eaten.”
Tyack also noted the restaurant’s evolution into a uniquely Kiwi and personal dining experience, akin to stepping into a home kitchen. “It was simple, unmistakably Kiwi, and unmistakably Jeremy. I’m eager to see what he does next.”
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Pacifica Restaurant Opens | circa 2003 |
| Jeremy Rameka Purchases Pacifica | 2006 |
| Declaration of Ni Restaurant | October 2023 |
| Planned Opening of Ni | End of October 2023 |
What aspects of Pacifica’s success do you think Rameka and Bulman will carry forward to Ni?
How vital is a restaurant’s connection to its local community and regional ingredients?
Looking Ahead: Trends in New Zealand’s Restaurant Industry
The closure of established restaurants like Pacifica and the emergence of new ventures like Ni reflect broader trends in New Zealand’s dining landscape. A growing emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, enduring practices, and personalized dining experiences are shaping consumer preferences. The demand for authenticity and connection to regional identity is also increasing, as evidenced by Ni’s Welsh-inspired name and focus on honesty. Furthermore, the impact of events like the recent cyclone recovery efforts in Hawke’s Bay are likely to influence community support for local businesses and a desire for comforting, familiar dining experiences.
Frequently asked Questions About Pacifica and Ni
What will happen to the Pacifica location? The future of the Pacifica location has not been publicly announced.
Where will Ni restaurant be located? The location of Ni restaurant has not been publicly announced.
What type of cuisine will Ni offer? Details about the cuisine offered at Ni have not been released, but it is expected to reflect the owners’ personal style and values.
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