Josh Emett Opens the Doors to a Modern Asian Cuisine Restaurant in Queenstown
Kiwi Michelin star chef Josh Emett and buisness partner Fleur Caulton, the duo who own and operate Queenstown’s stylish
Rata restaurant, have taken their award winning skills and added a new flavour to the town’s dining scene, opening the
doors to a modern Asian cuisine restaurant, Madam Woo.
Located in Queenstown’s Mall, in a historic pre-1930s building, close to the waterfront, Madam Woo focuses on fresh
Asian food with a Chinese-Malaysian flavour.
“It is the sort of food I absolutely love to eat, there is a great use of different ingredients and interesting
flavours,” says Emett of his second restaurant opening.
Malaysian-born Jane Leong, Emett’s protégé, who has worked alongside the Masterchef New Zealand judge at Gordon Ramsay’s
Melbourne restaurant Maze, and at Rata is chef at Madam Woo.
“Jane and I have worked together for the past year on ideas and menus. The dishes really reflect Jane’s heritage and her
passion for the cuisine. It is really exciting to be able to bring our ideas to life at Madam Woo”
Queenstown local and successful restaurateur Fleur Caulton believes the vibrant and lively atmosphere that Madam Woo
will offer is exactly what Queenstown is missing. Serving dishes such as honey and soy tossed squid, cashew nuts with
schezuan pepper and Nonya chicken curry the menu highlights fresh, bold flavours.
“We feel there is a hole in the market for an affordable modern Asian- style restaurant that serves great drinks,
quality food and appeals to a wide audience – locals, tourists and in particular families” says Caulton.
“The Mall site is the perfect position for our new enterprise and with a spacious downstairs, a private dining area
upstairs, as well as outside seating the restaurant will cater for all occasions.”
The excellent formula established at Rata will run through to Madam Woo with general manager Nik Stakes running both
businesses and drawing on the experience of the Rata team.
Caulton says they are upbeat about current tourism predictions, particularly the growing importance of the Chinese
market.
“We consider the potential increase in Asian and particularly Chinese visitors will have an impact on our new venture.
The authentic modern Asian cuisine Madam Woo will offer will undoubtedly be a drawcard for this market.”
Madame Woo opens its doors on Friday 22nd November, operating seven days a week, for lunch and dinner. A takeaway
service will also be offered.
Madam Woo
5 The Mall
Queenstown
03 442 9200
ENDS