For the ten-year anniversary of their popular Thames restaurant, Kishan and Radha Raikwar gave away ten $100 meal vouchers to their loyal customers. It is this appreciation of and connection to their community that really shines through with this team. That is, in addition to the food, of course. The Raikwars also gave away two $100 meal vouchers for the winners of a snapper fishing photo Facebook competition, but that’s another story. And the seafood at Gastronomics is certainly a highlight
Nominated in the Hospitality category of the 2021 Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards, Gastronomics was the popular winner announced at the gala evening held recently at Puka Park, Pauanui. With characteristic gratitude and appreciation, Kishan credits his entire team for the win. You definitely get the message that this is a family affair.
Kishan was 13 when he started his first job as a kitchen hand, working his way up to cooking for The Claridges (a five-star hotel in New Delhi India), where he polished his culinary talents. He and his wife, Radha arrived in New Zealand in 2001, Kishan plying his skills as head chef and restaurant manager at a number of establishments in Wellington and The Coromandel, before making his way to Thames to open Gastronomics in 2011.
This wealth of hospitality experience between them, combined with their cosmopolitan background allows the pair to offer multi-ethnic cuisine, from classic Kiwi favourites, European, Asian and Italian to wild food. Garnished with fresh herbs grown out the back.
You might be surprised to see the Friday specials featuring crayfish, sole, veal rack, seafood chowder, and local whitebait, but this is par for the course at Gastronomics. You'd best book to get some of the crays. Excellent dining in the heart of Thames main street.
In addition to his professional expertise (Kishan is a member of the New Zealand Chef Association and has been a culinary judge for the last 12 years at the NZ Culinary Fair), we gather that chef likes to fish. And he is an expert vegetable, fruit, polystyrene, and ice carver. So you may want to save the garnish, it's a work of art!
And yes, Gastronomics does offer gluten-free meals. They can cook anything, with love and flair.
