"I was home alone....so I cooked!"
Join me as i sit down with Head Chef of The Grounds Restaurant, Mike Shatura. “The Russian” native left home at 19 ending up on the shores of New Zealand. Initially working in the field of IT where he stayed fixing computers for a couple of years. After deciding not to get stuck behind a desk, he strapped on his apron, sharpened his knife and dove head first into the wonderful world of cooking. He fondly recalls cooking himself eggs at the age of 6. Laughing and adding "I was home alone so I cooked!” then more seriously, “I've always loved cooking!"
A few years after donning his chef jacket, he tells me his greatest professional achievement was the acquiring and maintaining 3 Hats at The Grove. Crediting the 3 Hat status to his mentor and friend Ben Bayly - thanking him for teaching what he knows about food philosophy and kitchen discipline. Mike who is described by his kitchen staff as "Big Smile", "Big Heart" and "Big Sarcasm", has been with the Grounds since opening in December 2016. Having joined to allow him more time with his family as his daughter went through some serious health problems, the family styled restaurant is a perfect fit for the father of two. He shared with me his own goals for his family’s wellbeing. "Less sugar is key, alongside increasing the intake of grains, and less processed flours and meats. Mike says that he is lucky because his daughter doesn't like chocolate but "will eat a whole wheel of brie cheese."
After a coffee or two with Mr. Shatura you can tell that he is a loving father that enjoys a laugh, but also doesn’t mind getting serious, telling me that the best way to lead is by example and to listen. With this approach it’s easy understand why he’s set himself some big goals for the Grounds- to create an institution for healthy eating and revolutionize the very concept of family dining.
So if you want an amazing meal made with heart and only the freshest of ingredients, pop in an see Mike and the team at The Grounds.
In case you haven't heard the news; The Grounds has launched a new and revised Brunch to Lunch and Dinner menus. All the dishes feature super fresh, delicious, locally sourced produce. Got your taste buds humming a happy tune? You can book a table at The Grounds below.
Mike, is also the designated Chef for the Custard's world Crew! Check out the Great Eats from the Green Room Recipes on our blog. Here's our first Great Eats from the Green Room recipe - Custard's Peanut Butter Cookies.
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