30/07/2026
Happy Birthday to us ❤️🫶🏼✨️
Today, for us, is the day of the Kōtuku. Eleven years ago, feeling equal parts excitement and terrified responsibility, we were greeted at the key handover by a lone Kōtuku who stood with us for several minutes before flying off into one of those classic blue-sky Marlborough winter days.
Normally I'd post this at midday to remember that moment. Instead, I'm choosing 11:11am.
This year's birthday post is dedicated to a mighty tōtara we all lost a few months ago, the very special Mr. James Healy.
Matt Sutherland bought the inaugural Dog Point vintage my way at the InterContinental in Wellington. When Arbour opened, our neighbours, the Healy, Sutherland, Judd and Fromm families, carried us through that first year, doing everything they could to fill our seats and bring people through our door.
James was someone who made instant friends. It was simply who he was. Strangers at events were always met with an outstretched hand and his trademark grin. We're better humans for having had the privilege of sharing so many food musings around our kitchen bench. To us, he was a master of good, clean, chaotic fun, and so many of our James stories end with us somehow becoming his 'getaway' driver.
🥂Here's to a great man, his beautiful wife Wendy, his wonderful family, and the loyal wine community that loved him so dearly.
Thank you to everyone who has shaped this little dining experience of ours. We love you to the moon and back.
Happy Birthday, Arbour ❤️
