Martinborough’s Culinary Legend Calls It A Day

The French Bistro Served its Last Meal On 21 July.

“Where am I going to get the most authentic French Bistro food I have ever enjoyed in New Zealand now Wendy and Jim are closed?” Patrick and Mary Desbonnets were regular diners at The French Bistro since it opened ten years ago. Anyone who has met Patrick will know that he is discerning when it comes to things French – especially food and wine. Closure of The French Bistro is leaving a huge gap in their dining enjoyment.

They are not alone. Wendy Campbell has become a culinary legend in Martinborough with locals and visitors enjoying her food and recommending The French Bistro to others. Overseas guests have included the Swedish Prime Minister and fanatical American foodie and restaurant critic Jonny Apple. Jonny wrote of his dining experience at The French Bistro for The New York Times in 2002. This led to a steady stream of American visitors.

Wendy Campbell learned her culinary art from Anne Willan, recognised as one of the world’s preeminent authorities on French cooking. Anne Willan founded the prestigious Ecole de Cuisine La Varenne in Paris. It was here that Wendy learned about French cooking. All her instructions were in French; only French was spoken.

A varied cooking career has seen Wendy working as the chef for Credit Suisse First Boston, the British High Commission and Culinart Restaurant located in the former National Museum in Buckle Street. Wendy won the Best Wellington Fine Dining award in the early 1990s while at Culinart. Other awards followed. The French Bistro won Cuisine Magazine’s Best Casual Restaurant – Regional in 2009.

Wendy and Jim opened The French Bistro in May 2002. It was not a difficult decision to make because they had already owned a property in Western Lake, Featherston for some twenty years. The synergy between food and wine led them to explore the possibilities for combining the two in Martinborough.

Many local restaurants have moved or changed hands after two or three years or less. Wendy and Jim Campbell have been a stable presence in Martinborough delivering quality food and wine for over ten years.

Wendy and Jim have decided it is now time for family and themselves. Time to enjoy their grandchildren. Time to travel. Time to start renovating their Featherston cottage which has barely been touched in over thirty years.

Wendy and Jim we could always rely on a lovely dining experience at The French Bistro. Your fans will miss you. Good Luck!!
Winifred Bull