RTA Studio’s design of this mezzanine restaurant has received many positive comments since its official opening in September, but none more valued than that from Casey, who says he can’t believe how accurately the finished result resembles the renders he was shown at the outset.
Modelled on the concept of a bird’s nest, with elemental notions of fire, earth, water and air expressed in the material fit-out, The Loft at Craggy Range offers an intimate, luxurious option to diners at this award-winning winery.
To accommodate more covers, the kitchen was simultaneously renovated and expanded. Project lead Casey Anderson (yes, two Caseys) collaborated with the culinary team to improve the functionality of this high-pressure space. “Workflow is more like a galley in a boat, where everything flows up to the front,” explains Casey (the chef). “The redesign has made a massive difference. With more bench space, we’re no longer working on top of each other and, whereas before we had to hire in chiller trailers during peak season, now everything has a home.”
Themed menus – The Loft Dinner Parties – allow the offering to change every four to five weeks. “We come up with ideas we might like to cook at home, on themes that celebrate the season and what’s happening in the garden,” says Casey.
Want to enjoy the special ambience of this venue for yourself? Sign up for Reel Good: The Best of Summer Seafood, where snapper sausage rolls, trevally crudo and roasted crayfish pappardelle are just some of the fishy finds that might grace your plate. But hurry…Casey warns these soirées book out quickly.
With food from a chef who helms a three-hat restaurant, served in an environment that has been likened to that of a New York supper club, it’s no surprise a seat at the table is in hot demand. “World-class is the term that comes up regularly from our guests,” says Casey. “When I first saw the plans, I thought this was an ambitious project. Turns out it’s just as good as they said it would be.”
Read more about the design of The Loft at Craggy Range at https://rtastudio.co.nz/journal/loving-the-legacy