Waikato foodies Kate and Allan Wilson, who are behind the successful café Prof’s at Woodlands, in Gordonton have embarked on a new business venture in the CBD.
Hamilton foodies and inner-city workers have an exciting new place to wine and dine with the relaunch of Prof’s on Alexandra this week.
The Alexandra St eatery, a short work from Garden Place, has recently been awarded an on-license and is changing its focus to a café/restaurant serving tapas, fine wine and funky cocktails.
“It’s in the heart of the Hamilton’s central business district, and we want to be part of revitalising the CBD,” Kate said.
“We will be serving small plates of food, ideal for sharing, and have many unique and delicious items on both our food and drinks menus.”
Kate said she hoped it would become a place that businesspeople would be proud to take clients for coffee or a light meal.
“[A place] for friends and co-workers to meet-up after-work or inner-city dwellers to grab a bite before the movies”.
Those on the run can still take away coffee, muffins, slices and salads.
The café/restaurant will initially be open weekdays, for daytime and early evening dining and drinks, from 10am until 7pm.
“We have something for everyone,” Kate said.
“Allan and I have spent a lot of time creating a range of delicious taste sensations and flavours we hope people will enjoy.
“We’ve taste-tasted the lot and can’t wait to share the menu with Hamilton foodies and business people.”
There are also a number of gluten-free and vegan dishes on the menu.
“We understand that many people have dietary challenges, so almost every dish can be modified to suit diners.”
The Wilsons have a love of food and a background in science.
“We love experimenting with flavours and making our own ingredients from scratch,” Kate, who has a Master of Science degree, said.
Kate’s food legacy goes back many years. In 2007 she wrote and published a book called Platter Chatter, on the art of creating the plates of food to share, and with a range of delicious recipes she and Allan developed in their home kitchen in Hamilton.
Kate has served as a board member of Waikato Food Inc., a non-profit group which works to develop and promote the Waikato food and beverage industry, and has appeared as a contestant on TVNZ’s MasterChef.
Some Waikato products will feature on the menu, including mini platters containing Bellefield cured butter from Cambridge, and chutney and condiments from Te Kauwhata producers Peplers and CuisineScene.
“We also serve great coffee using Essenza coffee beans from Morrinsville,” Kate said.
An on-site deli will also sell some menu items, so people can take home quality cheeses (including vegan cheeses) and condiments to make platters at home.
A catering arm is part of the business growth plan, Kate said.
“As the café takes off we plan to offer platters for meetings, functions and events in the CBD.”