Meet Gwithyen Thomas of Aroha Restaurant in Westlake Village

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gwithyen Thomas.

Born and raised in New Zealand, Chef Gwithyen discovered his passion for cooking at the young age of sixteen when he left school at the Birkenhead College to pursue a career as a chef, scoring his first apprenticeship in the kitchen of local New Zealand restaurant, Iguacu in 2006. After only three years of cooking experience, he then went on to run three kitchens in Auckland’s five-star hotel, Stamford Plaza.

While cooking at the Stamford in 2009, he met his future wife, Justine Thomas, when she was visiting New Zealand with her family. That moment changed the course of his life forever, as he decided to move to Los Angeles to marry Justine in 2011. After a brief stint as a stage manager at a Los Angeles based production company, he was anxious to return to the kitchen and was soon hired to launch The Local Peasant in 2013 as Executive Sous Chef.

In 2014, Chef Gwithyen and Justine experienced a series of unfortunate losses in the family that required him to fly back to New Zealand.

Upon arriving back Los Angeles, he procured a new perspective and goal – to open his own concept in Westlake Village with his wife, Aroha Restaurant. Inspired by New Zealand’s laid-back environment, Aroha Restaurant, meaning love and compassion in Maori, features a casual fine-dining experience and menu filled with authentic New Zealand dishes, such as the Award Winning Horopito Crusted New Zealand Venison. With an adept focus on fresh, organic ingredients, ethically raised meats and sustainable fish from New Zealand, as well as fruits, vegetables and garnishes from Aroha’s garden grown on-site at the restaurant, the menu showcases his unique cooking techniques, creativity and the authentic flavors of New Zealand. In addition to his work in the kitchen, he also acts as the Brand Ambassador for Cloudy Bay Clams, Aroha Drinks and Cervena Venison.

Has it been a smooth road?
People management has definitely been one of our biggest challenges so far. Finding solid employees that are dedicated to the restaurant industry and are passionate about the vision behind the restaurant is not an easy thing to find. Since we fly in all of our seafood and protein from New Zealand, it’s difficult to be at the mercy of another country’s weather.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Aroha Restaurant – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Aroha is a family-owned restaurant located in the heart of Westlake Village, opened in 2014. Conceptualized by Chef and Owner Gwithyen Thomas and his wife, Justine Thomas, Aroha features a casual fine-dining experience and menu filled with nods to authentic New Zealand cuisine. Aroha has received considerable recognition for the cuisine and Chef Gwithyen’s creative cooking style, winning the 2016 Ventura County Star Reader’s Choice Award for Favorite Romantic Dining Restaurant in East Ventura County and Favorite Business Lunch Restaurant in East Ventura.

With serious ties to New Zealand, he fly’s in all of his seafood and meat, as well as butter, garnishes – you name it, from New Zealand. His goal in the kitchen is to bring New Zealand to Los Angeles, all while taking himself on a personal journey by recreating childhood memories made in his homeland and melding them with Los Angeles flavor to tell a story to his guest about his journey as a chef.

By creating dishes in house, Chef Thomas is able to create an allergy-friendly environment and proudly accommodates any allergies or dietary restrictions including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and low sodium diets. The entire dinner menu is gluten-free or can be made gluten-free with simple alterations. Chef Thomas does not believe in adding flour to sauces or dressings. The kitchen team cuts all french fries to order and uses a separate deep fryer for all gluten-free orders. Chef Thomas is always working towards new creative alternatives to expand the selection of dairy-free options.

Some of the allergy-friendly menu items include: Cumin Roasted Fennel with smoked beets, raisin quinoa, and berry emulsion; Cucumber and Tomato Soup with lump crab and avocado; and the Award Winning Horopito Crusted New Zealand Venison pan roasted with sweet potato, cherry compote, pistachio, and vanilla-parsnip purée.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Westlake Village is such a family-oriented city and we love being a part of the supportive community here. Not to mention, the views are incredible and make for some spectacular sunsets.

We know that there are a lot of chain restaurants in our city, which when you’re a small mom & pop shop like we are, it makes our business harder. We would love to see more people venturing out of their comfort zone with food more!

Pricing:

• Award Winning Horopito Crusted New Zealand Venison pan roasted with sweet potato, cherry compote, pistachio, and vanilla-parsnip purée $45
• New Zealand Elk Rack with blackberry, celery root, roasted beets, and licorice greens $50
• Fresh New Zealand Green Lipped Mussels with red chili, cilantro, coconut curry sauce, and toasted ciabatta $17

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.aroharestaurant.com/
• Phone: (805) 405-5054
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/aroharestaurant
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArohaRestaurant/?ref=br_rs
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArohaRestaurant
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/aroha-new-zealand-cuisine-and-bar-westlake-village

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.