19/09/2025
Lunch at La Vista Restaurant and Kitchen at PIHMS
I had a delightful lunch at La Vista Restaurant and Kitchen, a fully functioning eatery serving over 7,000 plates weekly to students and guests. This restaurant is part of the Pacific International Hotel Management School (PIHMS) campus, providing students with invaluable hands-on training in hospitality and restaurant management.
I shared a table with a truly international crew. Siddharth Baijal, a senior lecturer, emphasized the importance of practical education in hospitality for students. Giovanna Green, the industry placement manager, passionately outlined her plans for the upcoming seminar for alumni and the exciting future project focused on developing student leadership, confidence, and public speaking skills. Bill McCallum, the founder, inspired us with stories about PIHMS's expansion.
As for the cuisine, I thoroughly enjoyed the food. Among the complex dishes, my favorite was the tomato soup; it tasted like it was made at home, reminiscent of flavors from Europe. Jason Tai-Rawhiti, the Food and Beverage Manager and tutor, highlighted the necessity of catering to diverse international tastes while honoring New Zealand's rich culinary traditions.
It was wonderful to see the new generation of hospitality workers—future restaurateurs and hotel managers—in action. I'm excited to host some of them on our Taranaki Foodies radio show on The Most FM.
