FOR Chef Vanessa Wyatt, cooking is like breathing, she just could not live without it.
The talented New Zealander arrived on the Gold Coast 23 years ago and hasn’t looked back.
“I started cooking at the age of 14 in Hamilton, New Zealand, and moved to Australia when I was 17.”
“I always had the passion for cooking,” she says.
“I love it, it’s not like going to work for me. I love to make people happy by serving them food.”
Vanessa started her apprenticeship on the Gold Coast, in the heyday of Indy Supercars, and remembers it as an exciting time to work in the area.
“It was so busy during that time, we were always packed.”
After completing her apprenticeship, she remained on the Gold Coast, working in high end restaurants in Main Beach and Broadbeach.
“My flavours are really important – I love to watch people eat and see how happy it makes them.”
Vanessa opened Main Wave Restaurant in Tedder Avenue, Main Beach on March 23, 2019.
Specialising in modern Australian cuisine with a hint of Italian, Vanessa says she worked under an Italian chef who passed on many of his authentic Italian recipes to her.
Opening her own restaurant was a risk which has proven successful.
It is also what led her to Tamborine Mountain.
Cedar Creek Estate’s new owner, John Zhang, is a regular at Main Wave.
“He has always been inspired by my food, service and the way it is run,” she said.
“John approached me a couple of times to come up here and the third time I thought ‘why not’ let’s give this a go!”
While weddings and tour groups are an important part of Cedar Creek Estate Restaurant’s business, Vanessa has the locals at the forefront of her mind.
“Looking after the locals is important because the locals are your business,” she says.
“I want to give Tamborine Mountain people something that is exciting.”
Vanessa has partnered with Rohan Robertson of Cardigras to bring classic cars and markets to Cedar Creek Estate twice a month.
On the first Wednesday and fourth Sunday each month, the vineyard will host classic vehicles and picnics amongst the vines, with a buffet brunch available in the restaurant.
Bookings are essential for picnics and recommended for brunch.
Local stallholders will be welcomed and can make enquiries by contacting Rohan at rohan@cardigras.com.au or 0416 257 586.
