Head Chef · Savory Feast
The culinary force behind Savory Feast's contemporary New Zealand dining experience — leading the kitchen with a passion for local ingredients, refined technique, and the warm social energy of our offline poker lounge.
Chef's Story
From a young age, Chef Elena Marama was drawn to the kitchen, inspired by family gatherings around the table in her hometown of Napier. Her grandmother's garden supplied the first ingredients she learned to respect — silverbeet, kūmara, and herbs picked minutes before cooking. Those early experiences taught her that good food begins with patience, seasonality, and the people you share it with.
Elena honed her skills in acclaimed kitchens across Aotearoa and abroad, including time in Wellington's fine-dining scene and a formative stage in Melbourne. Working alongside mentors who valued precision without pretence, she developed a style that balances classical technique with a distinctly New Zealand sense of place. Her cooking has earned quiet recognition — not through trophies, but through the loyalty of guests who return for the dishes that feel both familiar and new.
Joining Savory Feast in 2022 was a natural fit. The restaurant's blend of contemporary dining and the social energy of an offline poker lounge gave Elena the chance to build a menu that moves easily between elegant plates and relaxed, shareable bites. From her first week, she worked closely with the team to shape a kitchen that feels like an extension of the lounge — attentive, warm, and never rushed.
"A great meal and a great game both reward patience, attention, and a little courage. That's the spirit I cook with every night."
Culinary Philosophy
Elena believes in letting high-quality New Zealand ingredients speak for themselves, with minimal intervention. She works closely with small growers in Wairarapa and fishers along the Kāpiti Coast, changing the menu as the seasons shift. Techniques are chosen to preserve natural flavour — gentle embers, quick sears, and bright, fresh finishes.
While rooted in tradition, Elena is not afraid to experiment. A classic lamb dish might be lifted with kawakawa and horopito, or a familiar dessert reimagined with feijoa and manuka honey. The menu evolves with the seasons, but every new idea must earn its place by tasting like Savory Feast — comforting, surprising, and unmistakably local.
For Elena, a meal is more than food — it's about atmosphere, company, and the joy of shared moments. That belief aligns naturally with the poker lounge's social spirit. She designs dishes that can be savoured between hands, shared across the table, or lingered over during a long dinner. The kitchen and the card room, she says, are both places where people come to connect.
Signature Dishes Spotlight
Seared lamb loin rested over a bright green purée, finished with kawakawa and a rich jus. It's the dish Elena grew up imagining — local, refined, and deeply savoury.
Sweet scallops seared until golden and set over a silky risotto, finished with a drizzle of herb oil. A guest favourite that balances richness with a clean, coastal finish.
A playful take on the Kiwi classic — crisp meringue, soft cream, and bright berries arranged to encourage sharing. It's the dessert that ends many poker nights on a sweet note.
Chef's Connection to Poker Lounge
Elena has designed a dedicated poker-night menu of small bites and share plates that fit the lounge's refined yet relaxed setting. Think hand-cut chips with smoked salt, lamb ribs with horopito glaze, and a rotating selection of seasonal crostini — all easy to enjoy between hands without interrupting the game.
Just as poker requires skill and patience, cooking demands precision and intuition. Elena sees a natural parallel between the two crafts. Both reward focus, respect for the moment, and the ability to read the room. That shared philosophy shapes everything from the pacing of a tasting menu to the way the kitchen supports a long evening at the card table.
"In the kitchen and at the table, the best moves come from staying calm, paying attention, and trusting your instincts."
— Chef Elena Marama
Private Events with the Chef
Elena works closely with guests to create custom menus for private events, from intimate dinners to larger gatherings in our private dining room. The process begins with a conversation about the occasion, the season, and the flavours you love. From there, she builds a menu that feels personal and unhurried.
For a truly immersive experience, guests can book the Chef's Table, where Elena personally presents each course and shares the stories behind the ingredients. Availability is limited, and enquiries can be made through our Private Events page.
Explore Private EventsPrivate events can be arranged for lunch or dinner, with menus confirmed at least one week in advance. The Chef's Table seats up to six guests and is available on selected evenings.
Chef's Recommendations
Invitation to Dine
Join us at Savory Feast to experience Elena's cooking in person — whether for a long dinner, a casual bite before the game, or a private celebration. The kitchen and the poker lounge share the same warm, considered spirit.
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