Step inside one of Hawke’s Bay’s most admired farm-to-fork restaurants for a Learning Lunch that begins not at the table, but in the soil. At St Georges Restaurant, Owner and Head Chef Francky Godinho has created a remarkable vegetable garden that sits at the heart of the restaurant’s food philosophy. Nearly all of the fresh ingredients used in Francky’s cooking are grown, nurtured, and hand-picked from the organic gardens beside the restaurant, with traditional values and sustainability shaping his approach.
This intimate Love Heart Learning Lunch invites guests to tour the vegetable garden with Francky, hearing how his childhood on a family farm in Goa, his international culinary career, and his deep respect for seasonal produce have influenced the food served at St Georges. Afterwards, guests will sit down together for a delicious seasonal lunch created by Francky and the St Georges team, celebrating Hawke’s Bay produce, thoughtful hospitality, and the joy of sharing a table.
“I get to spend hours in the garden with my hand in the soil, growing and harvesting something I grew from a seed.” - Francky Godinho, St Georges Restaurant
What to Expect
- A guided garden tour: Explore the St Georges vegetable garden and learn how seasonal produce moves from soil to plate.
- A chef-led conversation: Hear Francky’s story, from Goa to Hawke’s Bay, and the values behind his cooking.
- A beautiful shared lunch: Enjoy a seasonal meal prepared by Francky and the St Georges team.
- Meaningful connection: With limited seats, this intimate setting is perfect for conversation, curiosity, and meeting fellow guests.
Secure your ticket today for a thoughtful, flavour-filled Learning Lunch that celebrates food, place, family, and the quiet magic of growing something from seed.
Please note: We cater to most dietary requirements with prior notice. Please advise us of any allergies when booking to hello@heart.co.nz
Date: Tuesday 3rd November
Location: St Georges Restaurant, 452 Saint Georges Road, Havelock North 4130
Parking: There is plenty of free parking outside the restaurant
About the expert
Francky Godinho
Growing up on his family farm in Goa, India, Francky says his passion for food first stemmed from cooking with his mother. He stumbled into the world of cheffing as an apprentice at age 15 — and has since enjoyed an illustrative career cooking up magic across the globe, including a stint at the world’s only ‘seven star’ hotel, the luxurious Burj al-Arab in Dubai.
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