It came down to three finalists and a cook off, with a mystery box for an added challenge, and Peppers on the Point, Lake Rotorua Executive Chef Craig Martin timed and tasted to perfection.

His skill, expertise and flair earning him the Outstanding Chef accolade at the recent prestigious Rotorua Hospitality awards – for the second year in a row.  An award that Craig says has been achieved by consistently delivering a high standard of excellent quality food, teamed with innovative and modern techniques.  “If you keep on top of your game, passion pays off in the end.”

Craig isn't ruling out a third consecutive win in 2015 saying he's proud to be serving his cuisine at Peppers on the Point. “My aim is to maintain, and exceed, my high standards and keep doing what I love.”

Peppers on the Point, Lake Rotorua is an intimate luxury retreat with spectacular lake views across to the historic Mokoia Island. Built more than 80 years ago, the two-storied lodge was carefully refurbished under the direction of a leading New Zealand interior designer to retain the original charm and design of the 1930's.  Formerly a family home, the lodge features large entertaining rooms with open fireplaces, a timber-panelled dining room and a magnificent timber staircase.

Craig first worked at Peppers on the Point fine dining restaurant in 2007 for 3 years, before heading to Melbourne where one of his career highlights included working at Melbourne's hippest ultra-lounge Club 23 at Crown Casino.  There he catered at after parties to the stars and also spent time at Attica, rated 31st best restaurant in the world. 

Craig returned to Rotorua 18 months ago and says his food philosophy is simple; Passion to Plate, putting the best ingredients in their best form in front of diners, and using local produce whenever he can.

Visit www.peppers.co.nz/on-the-point for further information and the latest deals.

ABOUT PEPPERS RETREATS, RESORTS & HOTELS

Peppers is Mantra Group's luxury level brand of stylish accommodation. There are 28 Peppers properties in Australia and New Zealand in regional areas, leisure destinations and metropolitan locations ranging from boutique retreats, deluxe resorts and chic CBD apartments.  There are eight Peppers properties in New Zealand in locations such as Christchurch, Queenstown, Northland, Lake Tekapo, Craigborough, Marlborough Sounds, with the first Peppers Resort in Fiji due to open late 2014. All offer a level of style and quality to meet the expectations of the most discerning traveller: www.peppers.co.nz

ABOUT MANTRA GROUP

Mantra Group is a leading manager and marketer of hotels and resorts in Australia and New Zealand. The Group owns and operates three well-known and trusted brands – Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree.  With over 112 properties and 15,000 rooms under management, Mantra Group is the second largest accommodation operator within Australia. The Group is positioned to offer both leisure and business style accommodation ranging from self-contained apartments to luxury resorts and retreats. www.mantragroup.com.au