Head Chef, Tom Williamson of MR TOMS Bar & Kitchen on Ponsonby Road tells us what inspired him and what he brings to the table.
Tom went to culinary school in Sydney. However, he believes you only take so much out of culinary school. Most of his skills and passion have come from many hours in the kitchen, travelling and working with great chefs.
When asked what he loves about working at MR TOMS, he responds, “I love the intimate space of the restaurant and how it has privacy from the bar. The bespoke entrance snuck just off Ponsonby Road on Anglesea Street requires our guests to walk through our open kitchen and that adds to a very unique dining experience.”
And of his favourite dish on the menu, he says it would have to be the short rib gnocchi, which they make in house. It goes with Jerusalem artichoke, kale, a 75° egg and pickled red cabbage. It’s a great winter warmer.
One of the important things for Tom is that all their meat is free range, and his suppliers are local. “We always make a conscious effort to use sustainable and seasonal products.” He adds. “There are multiple vegetarian and GF options, we are also flexible with vegans and are able adapt to dietary requirements as requested. My current favourite for the vegetarians out there is the wild mushroom pappardelle, spinach, hazelnut, truffle and parmesan.”
Not one to be afraid of change, Tom likes to vary the dishes every few of weeks and believes it’s really important to keep dishes and ideas fresh. “With not having a big menu and seasons changing relatively quickly,” he says, I like to use all that each season has to offer and keep the menu exciting. It provides an opportunity for our guests to experience the very best available at its very best time to cook and eat with.”
When it comes to pairing wine with food, Tom says this is something he leaves with his Bar and Restaurant Manager. “I work hard on keeping the food menu fresh and exciting,” says Tom, “and so I leave my team with the challenge of matching wines to my dishes using their knowledge and experience.”
What is it that really motivates Tom Williamson and why did he choose to set up MR TOMS in Ponsonby, he smiles and says, “I love the diversity of the offerings in Ponsonby. With the number of restaurants, cafes and bars around makes in very competitive. If you are not on your game all the time it can be very costly to your business, and your reputation, and so I find that very motivating to serve dishes at the high standard our customers deserve.”
MR TOMS, 151 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 9139, E: hello@mrtoms.co.nz