Mat Ali said goodbye to Mat’s Café on Saturday, 11 April. A stream of customers came out in impending inclement weather to say, “Thank you for excellent food and service. We are sad to see you go.”
There were lots of hugs all round. Many of the tables were full of people despite the coming cyclone warnings.
Mat arrived in Whitianga March 2020 – the new owner of what became a dining landmark, called Mat’s Café on the corner of Albert and Lee Streets, Whitianga.
Covid launched itself at about the same time on the New Zealand population and just as the restrictions were lifting Highway 25A closed with the damage cyclones Hale and Gabrielle for several months.
However, Mat’s Cafe became a bright refreshing refuge with excellent breakfasts and lunches topped up by baking that made coffee, and a sweet, a sought after repast.
Mat knew our names when we came for sustenance, either take away, or a sit down meal, or refreshment. Many social or sporting groups came to Mat’s for their after session cup of coffee or tea with a savoury or sweet muffin.
Sadly, Mat is heading for the shores of Australia. We lose a talented and generous man at least for now.
Actually, Mat is no stranger to the far flung towns of outback Australia where he has many friends and business connections who have kept in touch and with whom Mat has worked with in the past.
“I would like a different and new venture”, says Mat.
“I will use my experience to try something different in a contrasting geographic environment. I have energy and focus for this. It is something I need to do.”
Mat is sad to leave this community and his wide circle of friends and supporters, “Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me and frequented Mat’s Café. I will not forget your kindness.”
Mat has given Mercury Bay and visitors from afar excellent service and food. He gave everyone a lot of himself and his shoes will be hard to fill.
The good news in this is that Mat Ali has sold Mat’s Café to Nicole Wu and Connie Su. Everyone knows Nicole, the owner and manager of Snapper Jacks. Connie is relatively new to our community but has been a close friend of Nicole for many years. Snapper Jacks is another excellent and reliable business open every day.
We will have more news for you in our next issue from Nicole who is a dynamic personality and chef who knows the hospitality business and what it takes to nourish a community with good food and service.
