Possibly NZ's only restaurant and dance studio to open in Kaikoura tomorrow

Possibly New Zealand’s only restaurant and dance studio will open in Kaikoura tomorrow.

Passione, an Italian pizza restaurant, and Soul Studio will have its gala opening in the centre of the seaside town from 5pm tomorrow (January 4). Full trading hours begin on January 5.

The restaurant-studio is the brainchild of a young couple and owners Piera Fromm and Sebastian Burgin.

Burgin will run the restaurant and Fromm will manage the upstairs studio for dance lessons including hip hop, modern, stretching, zumba, kids’ dancing and capoeira, a Brazilian martial art dance.

The couple are from Switzerland but have been living in Kaikoura for a number of years.
Artworks by Fromm’s mother, internationally-acclaimed artist Ruth Stirnimann, will cover the walls of the restaurant.

``We both love movement and we completed our dance studies together in Switzerland. Sebastian also has a real taste and knowledge for food,’’ Fromm said today.

``So we decided to follow our dreams and turn them into reality. I will help out in the restaurant and at times Sebastian will also be helping with dance lessons upstairs.

``We feel the dance studio offers Kaikoura a place of movement where people can let out there creative energy and stay fit and healthy. Passione and the Soul Studio will work towards a vibrant lifestyle with fresh yummy food downstairs.’’

The Passione restaurant chef is Englishman Dave Burt who trained in French food and is experienced in Italian kitchens.

Fromm’s brother Livio will teach capoeira in the studio is also the master Italian pizza maker. Their mother Ruth Stirnimann will provide holistic healing lessons to make it a family affair.