With more than 18 years of experience working in five star hotels across Beijing and New Zealand, Bowin Zhang joined Bracu as the Head Chef in August 2021.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Bombay is the Bracu estate and Bracu, a Mediterranean restaurant inspired by the Croatian island of Brač. Bracu chefs like Zhang are committed to the “estate to plate” philosophy, taking pride in only using seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers and the Bracu Estate’s gardens.
“As a nod to our Mediterranean roots, we believe that a meal should be an experience from the moment you arrive at our Estate… who doesn’t love to enjoy delicious food in an idyllic restaurant?”
Its seasonal menu offers items like chargrilled octopus, wagyu sirloin and poached salmon, accompanied with Mediterranean touches like lavosh and olives.
Bracu is surrounded by 70 hectares of sun-kissed olive trees, serving as a stunning backdrop for dining and big events. The estate is an in-demand wedding venue and filming location for New Zealand television shows.
The Bracu Estate also produces and packages its own award-winning olive oil, which guests can purchase by the bottle or enjoy with their meal. In time for Christmas, the Estate has released a new 100mL olive oil range that is perfect for gift giving.
Zhang also stated that the restaurant has recently pivoted its approach to a more relaxed fine dining atmosphere.
“We’re still offering our consistent high quality and attention to detail service, but we want to ensure that all our guests feel welcome and can enjoy the restaurant and the wider estate”.
In the upcoming year, Bracu hopes to raise awareness about their location.
“If you’re heading out of Auckland, why not stop in on your way out of town? We’re just minutes off the motorway off-ramp”.
When Zhang is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing sports with friends.
