Images: Wirra Wirra Vineyards
Wirra Wirra’s ‘Harry’s Deli’ has welcomed a familiar face back to McLaren Vale, with Willunga local and the internationally experienced Taiaha Ngawiki being appointed as the venue’s new head chef.
Taiaha has an impressive background in the industry, working in fine dining, high-volume kitchens, and hospitality management. Now, the 31-year-old chef and father is ready to dive into his new role, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep passion for local, seasonal produce with him.
“I feel very excited and very confident to return to McLaren Vale,” shared Taiaha.
“It’s good timing; my passion for food is probably the strongest it’s ever been.”
Since opening in 2016, Harry’s Deli has built a reputation for its approachable, seasonal fare that pairs effortlessly with Wirra Wirra’s award-winning wines. Now, under Taiaha’s leadership, the kitchen will continue to evolve with bold new flavours and seasonal ingredients inspired by his Māori heritage and international experience.
Taiaha grew up in Willunga. After training in commercial cookery, Taiaha honed his skills in Europe, where he developed a love for Mediterranean flavours.
“I love seafood,” he shared.
“Before working for Harry’s Deli in 2021, I’ve been around the world exploring food. I’ve studied and lived in Florence, Italy; then I’ve cooked in Paris, I went to La Rochelle by the seaside, and I kept training, cooking, and learning about seafood.
“I went to New Zealand, which was important for me because I was going home. I connected with my heritage and learned so much from my people.”
After years of training and working alongside the former head-chef Tom Boden at Harry’s Deli, Taiaha brought his world experience to the menu and developed a few of his signature dishes, including a ras el hanout lamb dish and an Asian-inspired fried chicken, alongside timeless desserts such as crème brûlée and frangipane tart.
At Harry’s Deli, Taiaha will continue to build a menu that reflects the seasons. The current autumn menu sees brisket with goat’s cheese, corn, onion jam, and sticky pork. Looking ahead, the winter menu, launching in June, will bring fresh flavours and winter produce to the table.
A great way to experience the best on offer is the ‘What Harry Would Have’ set menu. This menu features two of Taiaha’s signature dishes, plus a wide range of other great creations. Prices for this start at $70 per person and go up to $110 when paired with wine.
Whether guests choose the set menu or pick from the platters, small plates, and larger plates, Wirra Wirra’s acclaimed range of wines, including classic McLaren Vale reds and aromatic whites, are always available to perfect the meal. For a more curated experience, the deli also offers food-matched tasting flights or the chance to indulge in a perfectly aged museum release.
As this Willunga local returns home and steps into the top role, he is sure to bring with him a fresh perspective, a deepened passion for food, and a renewed energy to lead the kitchen into its next chapter.
Harry’s Deli
Where: 255 Strout Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171
When: Daily, 10am to 4pm
For more information, click here.
Words by Ethan Long and Danika Zalac
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