At the heart of Havelock North, sits an upscale diner with a casual feel and a unique and delicious menu. The brainchild of chef Casey McDonald, the restaurant is inspired by Mary Peabody of Craggy Range and her travels around the world with husband Terry. The busy open plan kitchen shows off the upmarket cooking equipment commissioned to take on the task of transporting the Craggy Range fine-dining to this popular neighbourhood diner.

Making a statement in the open plan kitchen is the Waldorf Bold Black Fryer, Benchtop Cooker and Gas Cooktop, setting the scene for this stylish but very functional cooking area. To accommodate the wood burner and meet compliance, a custom made Lo-Flo Hood in stylish powder coated black was designed and installed. The snug kitchen at Mary’s has not deterred a varied menu featuring new and old school classics, and a mini Convotherm Combi Oven is perfect for the job, also custom powder coated in black to fit in with the rest of the equipment.

With Craggy Range wines on the menu, the Liebherr Bordeaux Bottle Wine Fridges show off the varietals perfectly with the Skope Bottle Chillers keeping the rest of the drinks chilled. The Skope Reflex range was used for the underbench fridges and upright freezer to make best use of the cosy area.

Not forgetting back of house, a Fisher Pre Rinse Bench Mount and Starline M1C Heat Recovery Passthrough Dishwasher with condenser was installed. The heat recovery of the M1C is not only energy efficient but also makes things more comfortable with minimal steam being created in the compact kitchen, just another reason why the staff love Mary!

Mary’s have adapted and now also serve a laid back “Mary’s at Home” takeaway menu, so next time you are in Hawke’s Bay, be sure to check out this trendsetting eatery and the petite but perfect menu;  from a Slow-Roasted Lamb Shank to a Nashville Chicken Burger, Steamed Chinese Dumplings to Potato Gnocchi, a culinary delight for everyone.