Food and drink flowed freely...

KOPEO Indian Restaurant celebrated its third year in business by recognising friends and supporters with a customer appreciation dinner on Monday night. The tables were packed, with more than 50 people joining the celebration at the cosy King Street eatery. With arguably the largest menu in town, head chef and owner Vinod Joshi selected a sampling of favourite dishes for the guests to enjoy. Lamb, chicken, vegetarian and beef dishes – along with spring rolls, sauces, perfectlycooked basmati rice and lightly 
crisp naan bread – were eaten with gusto. Scott Jarett, a friend of the family, said Mr Joshi was a “progressive, friendly and hospitable owner” who put in long hours to make the restaurant successful. “He built this business day by day,” he said. He also recognised Mr Joshi’s open and welcoming manner. “He brings a genuine hospitality,” he said. Mr Joshi said he considered Mr Jarett his “big brother” because of their friendship. He said Mr Jarett and Paul Buddle had provided him with a lot of good advice and friendly suggestions over the years. The evening was very much a family affair and Mr Joshi’s 
wife and children were on hand to help out in the kitchen and behind the scenes to make sure diners enjoyed the experience. After completing training in the hospitality industry in 1999, Mr Joshi worked at some of India’s premiere hotels and restaurants. He and his family emigrated to New Zealand in 2006 and lived in some of the country’s larger centres, such as Auckland, Christchurch and Tauranga before settling in Whakatane where they quickly became part of the community. Mr Joshi said he was happy to support various charitable organisations throughout the region.

Mark Rieder Business reporter - Whakatane Beacon.