Newstead restaurant opens despite challenges
New rural restaurant named after a fruit hopes to become one of Hamilton’s hottest spots
Hamilton’s newest restaurant, Camarosa, situated in Newstead, is named after a strawberry variety.
Not surprising, really, when it comes apparent the restaurant fronts a camarosa field – reputedly a variety offering excellent flavour and yield.
The restaurant, owned and operated by 25-year-old Kamal Dhillon, has an airy open-plan design and diners can expect a mix of natural textures in wood and stone, large windows, and Scandinavian-inspired furniture.
The menu has been formulated by award-winning chef Andrew Clarke, Dhillon, and Danielle Randle, a certified nutritionist.
Specific dietary options, other than the classic vegetarian and gluten free, include keto, dairy sensitive, and vegan.
On offer are keto chicken, a ‘master stock pork belly’ main, and a pulled jackfruit burger made with vegan mayonnaise and vegan cheese.
“We want to get to the point when people think of great food, they think of Camarosa,” Dhillon said.
However, Dhillon said opening was not all smooth going, and the restaurant faced some opposition from locals worried about the premise’s alcohol licence in a rural neighbourhood.
“The only objections were towards the hours, which is fair enough from the neighbours because you wouldn’t want to live next to a bar.
“We’re not a nightclub and I think that’s what they were scared about.”
Dhillon went to a licensing hearing and cleared it up, saying alcohol was to be offered alongside a meal at their “upscale café and restaurant”.
Situated at 11 Davidson Road, Newstead, open 8am -10 pm, visit www.camarosa.co.nz to view menus.
