INDEPENDENT NEWS

Petit Lyon Wins Best Australasian Restaurant Award

Published: Mon 10 Apr 2000 05:18 PM
MEDIACOM-RELEASE-PETIT-LYON
PETIT LYON WINS BEST AUSTRALASIAN RESTAURANT AWARD PETIT LYON RESTAURANT RETURNS TO WILLIS ST
Wellington's premier restaurant, Petit Lyon, has returned to 270 Willis Street where it first opened in 1983.
Petit Lyon's move back to 270 Willis Street, Wellington, obviously met with the approval of The Australasian Good Food and Wine Guide, as the restaurant has just won the prestigious Best Australasian Restaurant award.
When signature chef Kent Baddeley heard his original site in Upper Willis Street was vacant (until then occupied by The White House), he jumped at the opportunity.
"I have always loved the charm and intimacy of this location", Kent says. "Moving back here allows me to get closer to my customers, particularly those who have been with us from the beginning."
After deciding not to renew their lease at Vivian Street, Wellington, the availability of the site seemed the logical move for Petit Lyon.
Kent is particularly anxious to dispel rumours around the capital which assumed that the business had closed, rather than simply relocating.
"We want our loyal customers - and those who are looking for the restaurant, to know that we are very much still in business, and back where we belong, in Willis Street.
"The thing about Petit Lyon, and especially so in this location, is that you could be anywhere in the world, you can slip into a whole fantasy. It is far removed from the outside world, a place where you can lose yourself for the evening."
As well as the change of premises, Kent has gone back to his roots to define his new cooking style, Modern New Zealand cuisine.
"We aim to show a range of cooking methods and styles, from pastry and sauces to meats and fish, as well as a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. In some case it is not only the finished dish but the cooking method which is new."
Petit Lyon is one restaurant that can claim to offer a unique dining experience, because every surprise dish is original. The menu changes according to what is fresh on any particular day.
In 17 years Kent has created more than 60,000 original dishes, and in the process, transformed the art of a la carte dining.
Petit Lyon's cuisine is a juxtaposition of styles, textures and flavours - each dish offering a layer of taste. Each dish is designed and then created. It's a very close relationship with food.
"Anything the guest asks for, they receive. We want to draw the client into the restaurant, wrap them up in service and food and dispatch them at the end of the night feeling wonderful."
Petit Lyon. Telephone: 04 384 9402.
ENDS

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