| Greater Pt Macquarie Focus Magazine - Aug 2007 |
|
Some
couples are just meant to be. Almost thirty years ago a young apprentice and
his girlfriend had a vision. To travel, to work; to build a reputation based on
expertise, fun and professionalism in the fickle world of hospitality. Their
union has not only seen them creating one of the most decorated restaurants in
New South Wales, but parenting the delightful daughter Shani and son Mick who
are treading similar paths: Shani a
maitre'd, and Mick a 4th year apprentice who assists Dad creatively
each night at No 2. Ray and Toni Urquhart began their careers in Canberra, then to ‘The Peninsula' at the Husky Pub in Jervis Bay for 7 years. Rimuwhare, ‘The House of Red Pine', a country retreat in New Zealand, drew them abroad for 4 years. Here they won several ‘Taste NZ' Awards for their exceptional service and dedication. Dining for 50 and accommodation for 24, they renovated this magnificent 1880 Doctors residence, (a mutual hobby) and set about distinguishing themselves in service and personality for all those travellers setting south from Christchurch. Bellingen found these two arriving in 1995 where they scoured the real estate market with a clear vision of the rural dining precedent they knew they could create and No 2 was born - slowly and thoughtfully, with determination and gusto. For five years they laboured with their craft whilst slowly the rural community of Bellingen grew to understand what a special dining experience their community had in their midst. Both creative, hardworking individuals, they epitomise the very meaning of teamwork, of connection, of couple. Toni is energetic, gregarious, zany & inclusive. Ray is patient, creative and earnest. They are both driven, they are both hard working, they both have the highest ideals around quality food and service. Toni bubbles and laughs her hearty acknowledgement, Ray's broad gentle smile rests on her tenderly. To dine with them is to become their friends, to be invited into a memorable dining experience. Aromas, exquisite flavours, knowledgeable hosts and tasteful welcoming surroundings. Nine national awards and over 54,000 diners can't be wrong. So now it's your turn to change your expectations of fine dining forever. No 2 Oak Street has once again been recognised as one of the best restaurants in NSW. We catch up with Toni to talk about the latest awards. Toni, tell us about the recent win of the Maitre de of the year award and what it means for you? Winning this award is like being the best that you can be in my chosen career, as I am pretty sure that this has never really been outside the metro area in Sydney. I feel extremely proud of this achievement. The accolades for No2 Oak street are stacking up with this award and the succession of Chef's hats, you and Ray must be very pleased? We are finally where we always wanted our Restaurant to be, a consistently good one, one that prides itself in good food, good service and just a nice place to be. Any special events on the horizon for No2 that you are excited about? At this stage, just to stay on top and keeping up the standard we have set, that is what we can see for ourselves in the future, AND TO STAY HAPPY as being a restauranteur is not for the faint hearted. |
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