1948 days ago

Christchurch barista of the year surprised by nomination

Jake Kenny Reporter from Community News

If you’re after a good brew, Fumi Takai is the man for you.

The Japanese native and long-term Cantabrian recently won outstanding barista of the year at the Canterbury Hospitality Awards, and said he didn’t know he was nominated until one of his customers told him.

Stationed at Riverside Market in the central city since October 2019, Takai’s Espresso Studio by Fushoken has become a staple caffeine hotspot for many who work in the CBD.

Takai found out about his nomination two weeks prior to the ceremony when a customer began to congratulate him. Confused, he searched Facebook and found his name with a list of nominees and decided he would go to the ceremony, but never expected to win.

“I was so happy. To be nominated in the top four was great, but to win the award was special.”

Takai has developed a strong regular customer base in just under a year – estimating that about 70 per cent of his customers had been there before.

Have you been to Takai's coffee shop?

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

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Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
  • 40.8% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
    40.8% Complete
  • 57.4% No, I enjoy it
    57.4% Complete
  • 1.8% Other - I'll share below
    1.8% Complete
1218 votes
4 hours ago

Christchurch's Unique Degustation Experience.

Chillingworth Road

Looking for a memorable dinner in Christchurch?

Chillingworth Road . The restaurant offers a beautifully considered seasonal tasting menu that showcases outstanding New Zealand produce, presented with real care and creativity. The atmosphere is intimate, relaxed and perfect for a special evening out.

If you’ve been thinking about trying it, check their bookings there are sometimes a few midweek tables available.

A great excuse for a date night or catching up with friends over something a bit special.
Find out more

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8 days ago

Poll: 🪰 Should the city invest money into researching the new Bypass Plan, or should we prioritise fixing the existing infrastructure?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Press, the debate over the Bromley odour continues. Recently, a Bypass Plan has been proposed as a potential solution - this involves pumping sewage into the sea. However, official technical, scientific, and environmental reports on this plan and how it may impact the Canterbury region aren't finished yet.

Before we get the final word from the consultants, we want to know what the community thinks about the allocation of rates and resources.

We want to know: Should the city invest money into researching the new Bypass Plan, or should we prioritise fixing and upgrading the existing infrastructure?

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🪰 Should the city invest money into researching the new Bypass Plan, or should we prioritise fixing the existing infrastructure?
  • 7.8% Research the Bypass
    7.8% Complete
  • 84.4% Fix Existing Infrastructure
    84.4% Complete
  • 7.8% Undecided/Need more info
    7.8% Complete
77 votes