Auckland Food Trail 2022
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These were the places we visited and ate at, as regular paying customers, on the Auckland Food Trail 2022 in Auckland, New Zealand.
- Day 1
- Cooke's Restaurant & Bar
- Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill
- Market Galley
- Tony's Original Steak & Seafood Restaurant
- Day 2
- Countdown Supermarket
- Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar
- FISH Restaurant
- Tony's Lord Nelson Restaurant
- Day 3
- The Occidental
- Depot Eatery
- BBQ King Restaurant
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Day 1
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Cooke's Restaurant & Bar
@ Ground Level Fable Auckland MGallery Hotel, 60 Queen Street, Auckland Cental Business District (CBD), Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Daily 6:30am – 10:30pm
https://cookesrestaurant.co.nz/
The in-house all-day dining restaurant of the Fable Auckland MGallery hotel, Cooke's Restaurant & Bar is a tribute to the famed eatery of the same name, which was originally established in 1928. Today, Cooke's Restaurant & Bar is a premier fine-dining restaurant, serving refined modern contemporary Kiwi cuisine made with fresh local produce. As a hotel guest, I wanted to dine here at least once.
Ambience at Cooke's Restaurant & Bar exudes a classic old-world sophisticated elegance. Gleaming marble floors, warm lights, large plush lounge sofas, and fine cutlery, all set the mood for a refined dining experience. Service at Cooke's Restaurant & Bar is decent, with staff polite and efficient in fulfilling requests. They introduce dishes as they serve, and proactively offer to clear finished plates. Food at Cooke's Restaurant & Bar is Modern Kiwi cuisine, with heavy European influences. Menus are seasonal, curated with fresh local ingredients, and dishes are well-executed. Portions are medium to large for individuals.
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| Cooke's Restaurant & Bar Entrance Lounge |
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| Cooke's Restaurant & Bar Seating |
The Cider Zeffer Crisp Apple (NZD $13) is a straightforward apple cider, made with specially cultivated green apples. It's crisp and dry, fizzy with a fruity earthy bitter sweet flavour. Nicely refreshing, but a tad more expensive than expected. Worth ordering!
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| Cider Zeffer Crisp Apple (NZD $13) |
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| Cider Zeffer Crisp Apple |
An alright Latte (NZD $5), aromatic with the fresh scent of roasted coffee beans. This has a decent strength of body with a medium amount of milk, and a toasty earthy milky flavour. Love the beautiful cup it's served in. Worth ordering!
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| Latte (NZD $5) |
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| Latte |
The Savoury Crepe With Slow Cooked Beef Hash (NZD $27) is a rather elaborate breakfast dish. Over a thin chewy soft wheat crepe, is piled a mix of chewy dry beef, tender potatoes, crunchy bell peppers / capsicum, chewy grated coconut, juicy corn kernels, soft caramelised onions, crunchy nut crumble, juicy dates, and wobbly runny poached eggs. Completed with creamy nut butter, this carries a combined vegetal meaty sweet salty savoury eggy earthy bitter fruity nutty flavour. This dish is complex in taste, and rather filling. Good!
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| Savoury Crepe With Slow Cooked Beef Hash (NZD $27) |
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| Savoury Crepe With Slow Cooked Beef Hash |
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| Savoury Crepe With Slow Cooked Beef Hash |
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Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill
@ Level 1 Ferry Building, 99 Quay Street, Auckland Cental Business District (CBD), Auckland 1001, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Daily 12pm – 11:30pm
https://www.harbourside.co/
I didn't plan to dine here, but I was in a hurry for a business meeting, and Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill was within convenient walking distance, so I stopped over. Only realised later that it commands fine-dining prices due to its scenic harbour views, but my overall experience at Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill was marred due to a shortage of kitchen staff, leading to long waiting times between courses that almost caused me to be late, and also a lacklustre execution of dishes. I cannot recommend Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill.
Ambience at Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill is classy. The indoor area is neatly arrayed with comfortable furnishings, but the highlight is the outdoor area which offers picturesque views of the harbour. Service at Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill is friendly and accomodating, demonstrating good product knowledge when they take orders or serve dishes. Staff proactively offer to clear finished plates throughout the meal. However, the kitchen team is rather slow in preparing dishes, I waited up to 40 minutes between courses. Food at Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill is modern contemporary Kiwi cuisine, focused on fresh seafood and fish, beautifully plated. Portions are sized for individuals.
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| Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill Entrance |
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| Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill Indoor Seating |
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| Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill Outdoor Seating |
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| Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill Bar Seating |
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| Private Party Partition |
The Beer Tuatara Aotearoa Pale Ale (NZD $12) is an American style pale ale, brewed by the Tuatara Brewery in Paraparaumu, New Zealand. It has a cloudy orange amber colour, with aromas and tastes of grapefruit, aged orange, pine resin, and grass. The body is soft, complex, yet well-balanced, with pronounced fruity bitter sweet earthy herbal flavour. Has a soft carbonation and a lingering finish.
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| Beer Tuatara Aotearoa Pale Ale (NZD $12) |
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| Beer Tuatara Aotearoa Pale Ale |
This fine dining modern rendition of Oxtail Consommé Set (NZD $29.95) was novel and unusual, but it didn't quite appeal to me. The base is distilled oxtail consommé fortified with soft beauregard wine, carrying bold meaty savoury sweet flavour. It's poured over a dish plated with small portions of the following - soft fermented baby carrots with vegetal sweet flavour, crisp baby watercress leaves with vegetal herbal sweet flavour, crunchy potato chips with starchy salty savoury flavour, and tender juicy shredded braised oxtail meat with bold meaty salty savoury flavour. On the side is an oxtail bun, which is a soft spongy fried bread stuffed with more shredded braised oxtail meat, having bold meaty salty savoury bready sweet flavour. Staff guided that it should be eaten together. I didn't quite like this however, as my expectations were for a clear soup, rather than a fried pastry in a gravy. The consommé was far too little. If anything, they probably should rename the dish, or at least, accompany the menu description with a photo. Could be improved.
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| Oxtail Consommé Set (NZD $29.95) |
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| Oxtail Consommé Base |
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| Oxtail Bun |
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| Oxtail Consommé Set |
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| Oxtail Consommé Set |
The Poached Big Glory Bay Salmon Fillet (NZD $43.95) features the local variety of Ōra King salmon fish, also known as the Chinook salmon fish. Here, a thick and luxurious cut of boneless salmon fish fillet, boasting high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, is poached to release its natural meaty sweet savoury fatty flavour, resulting in a tender and moist and flaky texture. Garnished with crisp spring onion with vegetal sweet herbal flavour, and crunchy roasted golden mushrooms with vegetal earthy sweet savoury flavour. Served in a thin charred white onion broth that holds lovely smoky vegetal sweet savoury earthy notes. Leaves of crisp fresh sorrel with tangy zesty vegetal sour flavour completes, lending a nice zing. Loved every bite, this dish made my visit here worthwhile. Highly recommended!
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| Poached Big Glory Bay Salmon Fillet (NZD $43.95) |
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| Poached Big Glory Bay Salmon Fillet |
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| Poached Big Glory Bay Salmon Fillet |
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Market Galley
@ Ground Level Auckland Fish Market, 22 Jellicoe Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Wed - Sun 11am – 5pm, Closed Mon - Tue
https://www.afm.co.nz/eatery/market-galley/
Wandered over to explore the Auckland Fish Market and its many stalls offering freshly caught seafood and fish. Decided to stop by Market Galley for a snack, because why not.
Ambience at Market Galley is spacious and open, with a shared seating area amongst all stalls. Brightly lit, and decently comfortable with functional modern furnishings, though birds tend to be attracted. Service at Market Galley is completely self-service, with ordering, payment, and collection over the counter. Civic mindedness means diners usually clear up their own tables as well. Food at Market Galley is Kiwi cuisine seafood and fish focused, with the fresh catch either battered and deep-fried, or seasoned and grilled. Portions are sized for individuals.
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| Market Galley Facade |
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| Market Galley Menu |
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| Free Wifi |
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| Ads |
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| Seating |
The Snapper Fish And Chips (NZD $22.90) features a firm white flesh snapper fish, deboned and coated in all-purpose flour and beer batter, seasoned with salt, and deep-fried, along with medium-cut potato chips. The fish has a crisp crunch to the batter, with the snapper fish meat being lean moist flaky in texture, carrying mild sweet savoury salty flavour. The crisp fluffy potato chips have an addictive starchy salty savoury sweet flavour. Served with a drizzle of lemon juice for a tangy zesty sour note, thick tomato ketchup with vegetal sweet sour flavour, and creamy tartar sauce with milky sour sweet flavour. A satisfying fish and chips. Good!
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| Snapper Fish And Chips (NZD $22.90) |
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| Snapper Fish And Chips |
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| Snapper Fish And Chips |
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Tony's Original Steak & Seafood Restaurant
@ 27 Wellesley Street West, Auckland Cental Business District (CBD), Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 11:45am – 2:15pm, 5pm – 10pm, Sat - Sun 5pm – 10pm
https://tonys.co.nz/
Famed as Auckland's oldest restaurant, having been established by Tony White in 1963, Tony's Original Steak & Seafood Restaurant is a family-run steakhouse renowed as much for its delicious food, as it is for its welcoming service. Advance reservations are advised, especially as the place gets busy during dinner. I just had to visit Tony's Original Steak & Seafood Restaurant and experience it for myself.
Ambience at Tony's Original Steak & Seafood Restaurant hasn't changed since it began. Stepping into the spot lit restaurant, with its dark wooden cushioned furnishing closely packed together in the sectioned-off dining hall, feels like stepping into a time capsule. Service at Tony's Original Steak & Seafood Restaurant is excellent, staff are friendly, welcoming, and engaging, and I had several pleasant conversations. Orders are fulfilled after a short wait, and I appreciate that staff regularly check if the meal is going well, offer more drinks, or clear finished plates. Food at Tony's Original Steak & Seafood Restaurant is British English and Kiwi cuisine, with a focus on beef steaks, rotisserie, drinks, and desserts. The kitchen executes each dish perfectly and consistently, as it has all these years. Portions are large for individuals.
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| Tony's Original Steak & Seafood Restaurant Exterior |
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| Tony's Original Steak & Seafood Restaurant Interior |
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| Seating |
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| Counter |
The Wine Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc (NZD $12) is a white wine made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc green grapes, by the Dog Point Vineyard in Blenheim, New Zealand. It has a clear green white colour, with aromas and tastes of grapefruit, pineapple, gooseberry, and oyster shell. The body is dry, zesty, and crisp, with fruity sweet sour mineral flavour, and bracing acidity that's lovely and refreshing.
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| Wine Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc (NZD $12) |
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| Wine Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc |
The Wine Mount Difficulty Pinot Noir (NZD $15) is a red wine made from 100% Pinot Noir black grapes, by the Mount Difficulty Wines in Bannockburn, New Zealand. It has a deep black ruby colour, with aromas and tastes of dark cherry, wild beech mushroom, rose, strawberry, and cloves. The body is dry, smooth, and silky, with fruity earthy herbal sweet flavour, and elegant tannins that's exceptional and enviable.
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| Wine Mount Difficulty Pinot Noir (NZD $15) |
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| Wine Mount Difficulty Pinot Noir |
The Carpet Bag Beef Steak (NZD $44) is an old-school classic, a luxurious dish, named after a popular traveller's handbag from the 1800s. The beef eye fillet steak cut is thick, yet tender and juicy in texture, with robust meaty savoury salty flavour. It's stuffed with slippery juicy fresh oysters that hold briny sweet salty flavour, and topped with even more oysters in a light cream sauce that carries milky sweet savoury salty flavour, yum. Accompanied with a fresh garden salad (lettuce, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers / capsicum, cucumber, carrots) with crisp juicy crunchy textures and bright vegetal earthy sweet flavour, and fluffy crisp potato chips that are thick-cut and chunky with lovely starchy salty savoury flavour. Simply exquisite. Highly recommended!
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| Carpet Bag Beef Steak (NZD $44) |
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| Carpet Bag Beef Steak |
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| Carpet Bag Beef Steak |
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| Carpet Bag Beef Steak |
The Pavlova (NZD $15) is an iconic New Zealand dessert, named after famed ballerina Anna Pavlova, who was the 1st ballerina to tour the world and introduce this form of dance to many. This features a firm crunchy outer shell meringue (made with egg white, salt, sugar, lemon juice or white vinegar, cornflour, and vanilla) filled with a soft sticky marshmallow filling, decorated with fluffy whipped cream, bright with milky floral sweet flavour. Garnished with thick raspberry compote, and juicy seasonal fresh fruits (oranges, red grapes, strawberries, kiwi fruit), which lend a bright fruity sour sweet flavour. Suitable for sharing. Good!
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| Pavlova (NZD $15) |
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| Pavlova |
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| Pavlova |
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Day 2
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Countdown Supermarket
@ 76 Quay Street, Auckland Cental Business District (CBD), Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Daily 7am – 10pm
https://www.countdown.co.nz/
A common supermarket chain in New Zealand, Countdown Supermarket operates 3 stores within Auckland city centre. I stopped by the largest of these Countdown Supermarket stores within the city, to pick up some groceries.
Bought a couple of Kiwi Fruit (NZD $1.05) for breakfast. This unique fruit has a thin fuzzy brown skin and bright green flesh studded with black seeds, soft and juicy in texture with a bright fruity sour sweet flavour. Good!
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| Kiwi Fruit (NZD $1.05) |
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| Kiwi Fruit |
Bought a small bottle of Meadow Fresh Calci-Trim Milk (NZD $3.90). This is a low-fat, high-calcium version, with a smooth and light texture, and a refreshing milky flavour. Good!
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| Meadow Fresh Calci-Trim Milk (NZD $3.90) |
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| Meadow Fresh Calci-Trim Milk |
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Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar
@ 23B Westhaven Drive, Auckland Cental Business District (CBD), Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Wed - Sun 12pm – 10pm, Closed Mon - Tue
https://swashbucklers.co.nz/
A rustic waterfront restaurant & bar, Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar has been quietly serving since 1997. Renowned for their delicious plates served in large hearty portions, friendly and engaging service that feels welcoming, and a buzzing atmosphere, Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar is regularly packed throughout the day, and advance reservations are recommended. I'd planned to visit Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar, and while their location is slightly out-of-the-way, I'm glad I visited.
Ambience at Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar is rustic, buzzing, and unpretentious. The space is divided into an event hall, sit-down restaurant, casual bar pub, and al-fresco dining by a small harbour. The warm lights overhead cast soft shadows on the sturdy wooden furnishings. Service is excellent, staff demonstrate good product knowledge, and thoughtfulness in ensuring diners have a good experience. They clean up quickly when diners leave, and deliver small actions that go a long way in creating a memorable experience. Food at Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar is modern contemporary Kiwi cuisine, focused on fresh seafood and fish, as well as light bar bites. Portions are large and hearty though sized for individuals, and may be shared.
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| Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar Signage |
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| Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar Exterior |
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| Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar Interior |
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| Seating |
The Beer Epic Pale Ale (NZD $11) is an American style pale ale, brewed by the award-winning Epic Brewing Company in Auckland, New Zealand, using no less than an insane 25 different hops. It has a clear copper brown colour, with aromas and tastes of grapefruit zest, apricot, lychee, and wheat. The body is crisp, foamy, and smooth, with fruity bitter sweet earthy grainy flavour, very drinkable. Go big or go home!
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| Beer Epic Pale Ale (NZD $11) |
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| Beer Epic Pale Ale |
Available as an appetizer or a main, I ordered the appetizer version of the Calamari Squid (NZD $19). This features large fresh squid rings, coated in a light all-purpose flour batter, seasoned with salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Has a bouncy chewy texture and mild savoury salty peppery spice flavour, yum. Served with a drizzle of lemon juice for added tangy zesty sour flavour, and a sprinkling of paprika for a slight spicy kick. Highly recommended!
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| Calamari Squid (NZD $19) |
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| Calamari Squid |
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| Calamari Squid |
The Cajun Char-Grilled Tuna Steak (NZD $36) features the local variety of tuna fish, being the Southern Bluefin. Here, a thick and generous cut of boneless tuna fish steak, boasting high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, is seasoned then grilled to release its natural meaty sweet savoury fatty flavour, resulting in a firm and moist and flaky texture. Accompanied with a creamy chunky avocado guacamole carrying vegetal earthy sweet sour spice flavour, and a rich sweet chili for a nice contrasting sweet spicy kick. Completed with a lemon wedge for its tangy zesty sour flavour, lending a nice zing. Loved every bite of this. Highly recommended!
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| Cajun Char-Grilled Tuna Steak (NZD $36) |
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| Cajun Char-Grilled Tuna Steak |
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| Cajun Char-Grilled Tuna Steak |
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FISH Restaurant
@ Level 1 Hilton Auckland Hotel, 147 Quay Street, Auckland Cental Business District (CBD), Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Wed - Sun 5:30pm – 9pm (Dinner Only), Closed Mon - Tue
https://www.fishrestaurant.co.nz/
The in-house restaurant of Hilton Auckland, perched at the end of Princess Wharf 300-metres out from Waitemata Harbour, FISH Restaurant offers a picturesque panoramic waterfront dining experience. Beyond just the views, FISH Restaurant is also known for its friendly service, tasty plates, and reasonably priced menu, more so than other waterfront restaurants in the area. I'd longed to visit FISH Restaurant, and finally had to opportunity to do so. Loved it so much I returned again!
Ambience at FISH Restaurant is modern, casual, and comfortable. The vibrant colours, warm lights, sturdy wooden furnishings, and plush cushioned seats, lend a maritime feel. Coupled with the scenic harbour views, it's little wonder this is a dining and event destination of choice. Service at FISH Restaurant is friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. Staff are quick to greet and seat diners, and clean up when they leave. They engage guests when ordering, demonstrating good menu knowledge, and introduce dishes as they serve. I like that staff also check for feedback. Food at FISH Restaurant is modern contemporary Kiwi cuisine, focused on fresh seafood and fish. Award-winning culinary director and head chef Des Harris brings his extensive culinary experience to the kitchen team, serving up beautifully plated dishes, made with curated and ethically-sourced fresh ingredients, each mouthful a delicious delight. Portions are nicely suitable for individuals, and prices are reasonable with good value for money. Highly recommended to visit FISH Restaurant!
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| FISH Restaurant Signage |
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| FISH Restaurant Exterior |
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| FISH Restaurant Interior |
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| Seating Outdoors |
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| Seating Indoors |
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| Decor |
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| Lounge & Fireplace |
The Beer Emersons Orange Roughy (NZD $15) is an American style pale ale, brewed by the Emerson's Brewery Limited microbrewery in Dunedin, New Zealand. It has a hazy bright amber orange colour, with aromas and tastes of tangerine, banana, malt, and nectarine. The body is light, hoppy, and lively, with fruity bitter sweet boozy flavour. Said to be a popular tipple.
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| Beer Emersons Orange Roughy (NZD $15) |
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| Beer Emersons Orange Roughy |
The Wine Kumeu River Pinot Gris 2021 (NZD $15 for 150ml, $37 for 375ml) is a white wine made from 100% Pinot Gris blue-grey grapes, by the Kumeu River Wines in Auckland, New Zealand. It has a clear green white colour, with aromas and tastes of peach, pebble, honey, and lychee. The body is rich, lively, and complex, with fruity mineral honeyed sweet flavour, and a pleasant lingering finish. The 2021 varietal is regarded amongst the years with an outstanding harvest.
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| Wine Kumeu River Pinot Gris 2021 (NZD $15 for 150ml, $37 for 375ml) |
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| Wine Kumeu River Pinot Gris 2021 |
The Wine Bilancia Hawke's Bay Syrah 2020 (NZD $17 for 150ml, $42 for 375ml) is a red wine made from 100% Syrah / Shiraz black grapes, by the Bilancia winery in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. It has a mild brown red colour, with aromas and tastes of plum, strawberry, cloves, and cherry. The body is vibrant, youthful, and ripe, with fruity spice earthy sweet flavour, and a gentle lingering finish. The 2020 varietal is well regarded for its aromatic bouquet, and for aging well over the next 6 - 8 years.
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| Wine Bilancia Hawke's Bay Syrah 2020 (NZD $17 for 150ml, $42 for 375ml) |
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| Wine Bilancia Hawke's Bay Syrah 2020 |
The Torched Diamond Shell Clams In Pickled Garlic Butter Gravy (NZD $16) is served in a snack-size portion with 4 pieces of fresh diamond shell clams, gently torched and beautifully plated, juicy and bouncy in texture with bold salty nutty sweet flavour. Infused with a pickled garlic butter gravy, which carries nutty herbal savoury salty buttery spice flavour. Took my time savouring these scrumptious delights, alternating with sips of wine. Highly recommended!
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| Torched Diamond Shell Clams In Pickled Garlic Butter Gravy (NZD $16) |
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| Torched Diamond Shell Clams In Pickled Garlic Butter Gravy |
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| Torched Diamond Shell Clams In Pickled Garlic Butter Gravy |
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| Torched Diamond Shell Clams In Pickled Garlic Butter Gravy |
The Grilled Mills Bay Green-Lipped Mussels In 'Nduja & Miso Gravy (NZD $14) is served in a snack size portion with 3 pieces of fresh green-lipped mussels, gently grilled and beautifully plated, juicy and bouncy in texture with mild natural sweet savoury flavour. Infused with a 'nduja and miso gravy, which carries meaty savoury salty spicy flavour. Took my time savouring these scrumptious delights, alternating with sips of wine. Highly recommended!
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| Grilled Mills Bay Green-Lipped Mussels In 'Nduja & Miso Gravy (NZD $14) |
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| Grilled Mills Bay Green-Lipped Mussels In 'Nduja & Miso Gravy |
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| Grilled Mills Bay Green-Lipped Mussels In 'Nduja & Miso Gravy |
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| Grilled Mills Bay Green-Lipped Mussels In 'Nduja & Miso Gravy |
The Seasonal Oysters With Classic Shallot Mignonette (NZD $35) is served in an appetizer size portion with 6 (half-dozen) pieces of coromandel te kouma oysters, freshly shucked and plated over ice. Has a slippery succulent juicy texture with crisp briny salty sweet buttery flavour. Paired with a classic shallot mignonette (a rich sauce of minced shallots, white vinegar, and rice vinegar) which carries sharp vegetal sour sweet flavour. Slowly enjoyed these while pairing with wine. Highly recommended!
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| Seasonal Oysters With Classic Shallot Mignonette (NZD $35) |
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| Seasonal Oysters With Classic Shallot Mignonette |
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| Seasonal Oysters With Classic Shallot Mignonette |
The New Zealand Bouillabaisse (NZD $43) is their Kiwi restaurant rendition of the classic French seafood stew. The base is a seafood bouillon stew, thick and semi-creamy in texture, with addictive sweet savoury salty spice herbal flavours that tastes of the ocean. There's a variety of fresh seafood and vegetables within, all tender and moist with a light springy chew to texture, carrying lovely sweet savoury salty flavour. This includes fresh boneless snapper fish fillet, green-lipped mussels, diamond shell clams, scallops, scampi shrimp, pickled cabbage, baby potatoes, and coriander leaves. Accompanied by spongy soft Foccacia Bread on the side, with mild bready sweet savoury herbal flavour, great for soaking up the delicious stew. Highly recommended!
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| New Zealand Bouillabaisse (NZD $43) |
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| New Zealand Bouillabaisse |
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| Foccacia Bread |
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| Foccacia Bread |
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| Coriander |
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| Snapper Fish |
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| Diamond Shell Clam |
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| Green-Lipped Mussel |
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| Scampi |
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| Baby Potato |
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| Pickled Cabbage |
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| New Zealand Bouillabaisse |
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Tony's Lord Nelson Restaurant
@ 37 Victoria Street West, Auckland Cental Business District (CBD), Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Daily 5pm – 10pm
https://www.lordnelson.co.nz/
Among Auckland's oldest restaurants and the sister outlet to Tony's Original Steak & Seafood Restaurant, Tony's Lord Nelson Restaurant was likewise established by Tony White in 1978 (a few years after the former opened). Tony's Lord Nelson Restaurant is also a steakhouse renowed as much for its delicious food, as it is for its welcoming service. Advance reservations are advised, especially as the place gets busy during dinner. I'd previously visited Tony's Lord Nelson Restaurant in November 2013, and wanted to return again this time, after 9 years.
Ambience at Tony's Lord Nelson Restaurant harkens back to the Colonial era, with faux stone walls, baroque lamps, dim lighting, retro booths, and wooden panelling. You do get the sense of an upper class establishment. Service at Tony's Lord Nelson Restaurant is welcoming and professional. Staff are knowledgable about the food on wine on the menu, and are able to make suitable recommendations. They also check on how your meal is going. However, they were under-staffed, so it was difficult to attract their attention. Food at Tony's Lord Nelson Restaurant is British English and Kiwi cuisine, with a focus on beef steaks, rotisserie, drinks, and desserts. The kitchen executes each dish perfectly and consistently, as it has all these years. Portions are large for individuals.
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| Tony's Lord Nelson Restaurant Signage |
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| Tony's Lord Nelson Restaurant Exterior |
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| Tony's Lord Nelson Restaurant Interior |
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| Seating |
The Crumbed Scallops (NZD $20) are available as either an appetizer entree or a main, I opted for the former. The deshelled scallops are beautiful, fresh, and plump, coated in a light breadcrumb batter. These have a crisp crunch to the exterior, a bouncy juicy interior, and carry lovely sweet savoury flavour, yum. Served over fresh crisp lettuce with vegetal sweet flavour. Nicely satisfying. Highly recommended!
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| Crumbed Scallops (NZD $20) |
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| Crumbed Scallops |
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| Crumbed Scallops |
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| Crumbed Scallops |
The Lamb Shank (NZD $42) is a cut of lamb from just below the knee, with a generous portion of meat on the bone. It's slow braised to render it incredibly tender and juicy in texture, and has robust meaty savoury salty flavour. Served over a bed of mashed potato blended with cheddar cheese, creamy and thick gloopy in texture, carrying enticing starchy sweet savoury cheesy salty flavour. Accompanied by a garden salad (comprising lettuce, spinach, cabbage, carrots, red radish, cherry tomatoes) that's crisp with vegetal sweet flavour, helping to alleviate the robust flavours on the plate with a refreshing contrast. A scrumptious red wine jus with floral earthy savoury sweet notes completes. Highly recommended!
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| Lamb Shank (NZD $42) |
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| Lamb Shank |
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| Lamb Shank |
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| Lamb Shank |
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| Lamb Shank |
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The Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Sundae (NZD $12) has generous scoops of creamy smooth vanilla ice cream studded with chunks of crunchy honeycomb toffee. Has bold honeyed sweet floral flavour, very enticing. The ice cream sundae is dressed with a thick rich caramel sauce, carrying bold floral sweet flavour. Decadent and filling. Highly recommended!
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| Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Sundae (NZD $12) |
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| Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Sundae |
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| Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Sundae |
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Day 3
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The Occidental
@ 8 Vulcan Lane, Auckland Cental Business District (CBD), Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Sun - Thu 10:30am – 11pm, Fri - Sat 10:30am – 12:30am
https://www.occidentalbar.co.nz/
The Occidental Belgian Beer Huis, more simply and commonly known as just 'The Occidental', is a casual gastrobar and pub serving authentic Belgian fare and beers. I've fond memories of my last visit to The Occidental in November 2013, when a flight crew brought me out for dinner and drinks, and I'd made it a point to revisit The Occidental this time to see what has changed after 9 years... very little, and that's a good thing. They now offer free wifi!
Ambience at The Occidental remains much as before, casual and rustic, with warm lights and functional wooden furnishings neatly spaced in the large dining halls. Atmosphere is buzzing when packed, with rising ambient noise levels. Service is as friendly and welcoming as I remember it to be, with staff cheerily engaging diners, making recommendations, serving and clearing tables. Orders are fulfilled quickly too. Food at The Occidental is traditional Belgian and Kiwi cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood and tasty beers. Portions are large, mostly sized for communal dining.
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| The Occidental Exterior |
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| The Occidental Interior |
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| Meal Flat Lay |
The Beer Hoegaarden Wheat (NZD $18) is a well-known Belgian witbier, brewed by the Hoegaarden Brewery in the Hoegaarden municipality within the province of Flemish Brabant, in the Flanders region of Belgium. It has a hazy, pale yellow colour, with aromas of spices that went into making it, such as coriander and orange peel. The body is light and crisp, with a high carbonation, tastes of wheat, orange zest, banana, and pepper. Very refreshing and drinkable, sweet with low bitterness, and a short finish.
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| Beer Hoegaarden Wheat (NZD $18) |
The Frites (NZD $10), or Fries, feature thick-cut strips of potato fries, seasoned and fried till the exterior is crisp, while the interior is fluffy. Has an addictive starchy salty savoury flavour. Good!
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| Frites (NZD $10) |
The house signature Steamed Mussels In Coconut Cream & Lemongrass Curry (NZD $22.50 for 500-grams) features fresh shell-on steamed green-lipped mussels, juicy and bouncy with mild natural sweet savoury flavour. The mussels are stacked in a pot and infused with an exotic curry, made with coconut cream, lemongrass, celery, leeks, and carrots. It's creamy thick and carries robust floral earthy sweet salty spice herbal flavour. Incredibly satisfying. Highly recommended!
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| Steamed Mussels In Coconut Cream & Lemongrass Curry (NZD $22.50 for 500-grams) |
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| Steamed Mussels In Coconut Cream & Lemongrass Curry |
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| Steamed Mussels In Coconut Cream & Lemongrass Curry |
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| Steamed Mussels In Coconut Cream & Lemongrass Curry |
The Pacific Rock Oysters Rockerfeller (NZD $28 for 6 pieces) has 6 (half-dozen) pieces of pacific rock oysters sourced from the Bay Of Islands, slippery and juicy in texture, with crisp briny salty sweet buttery flavour. Garnished Rockerfeller style, which comprises a rich sauce of butter, parsley, bread crumbs, thyme, and oregano, dressed over the oysters then broiled. This results in a bright buttery herbal sweet savoury salty flavour. Good!
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| Pacific Rock Oysters Rockerfeller (NZD $28 for 6 pieces) |
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| Pacific Rock Oysters Rockerfeller |
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| Pacific Rock Oysters Rockerfeller |
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Depot Eatery
@ 86 Federal Street, Auckland Cental Business District (CBD), Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8am – 9pm, Sat 12pm – 9pm, Closed Sun
https://depoteatery.co.nz/
The multi award-winning Depot Eatery has been highly regarded and recommended online for a few years now, and as part of my planning, I'd wanted to visit Depot Eatery. Headed by Chef Al Brown, Depot Eatery espouse a philosophy of fresh seasonal produce, beautifully cooked over charcoal or hard wood, and shared amongst friends.
Ambience at Depot Eatery is casual and rustic industrial. The warmly lit place has rustic modern metal and wooden furnishings arrayed neatly around an open kitchen and bar. The place is buzzing with activity, while a small al-fresco area allows for people watching. Service at Depot Eatery is welcoming and friendly, with staff taking the effort to engage diners. They demonstrate good product knowledge on the menu, proactively offer to clear finished plates or top up drinks, and check for feedback on the experience. They generally make diners feel valued, and wish to return. Food at Depot Eatery is modern contemporary Kiwi cuisine, using fresh seasonal ingredients. Dishes are well-executed and kept simple, allowing the natural flavours to shine. Portions are medium to large, with most designed for communal group dining and sharing.
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| Depot Eatery Exterior |
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| Depot Eatery Interior |
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| Entrance |
I find their Iced Water (NZD $Complimentary) to be incredibly refreshing! Clean, thirst-quenching, life-giving water... so good. Highly recommended!
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| Iced Water (NZD $Complimentary) |
Lovely Latte (NZD $6), aromatic with the fresh scent of roasted coffee beans. This has good strength of body, and a toasty earthy milky flavour. Worth ordering!
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| Latte (NZD $6) |
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| Latte |
The Wine Rosé Nevis Bluff (NZD $15.50) is a rosé wine made from 100% Pinot Gris blue-grey grapes with skins left on for 4 days during fermentation, by the Nevis Bluff Wines Limited in Cromwell, New Zealand. It has a bright amber red colour, with aromas and tastes of redcurrant, cherry, cranberry, and cinnamon. The body is dry, voluptuous, and elegant, with fruity sour spice sweet flavour, and a warm persistent finish. Dean Shaw, the winemaker, apparently likes to serenade the wines as they mature, using a professional stereo system.
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| Wine Rosé Nevis Bluff (NZD $15.50) |
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| Wine Rosé Nevis Bluff |
An example of the incredible hospitality demonstrated here, I was shocked when staff served the Hummus & Flatbread (NZD $Complimentary), thinking it was an incorrect order. Gladly enjoyed this when staff informed that it was on the house! The flatbread is crisp and chewy, with lovely bready sweet smoky flavour. The creamy grainy hummus has bold vegetal earthy savoury sweet flavour, and dressed with olive oil, takes on an added floral note. Good!
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| Hummus & Flatbread (NZD $Complimentary) |
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| Hummus & Flatbread |
The Sourdough Bread (NZD $8) features leavened sourdough bread, dense and spongy in texture, simply baked till the exterior is crisp, while the interior is fluffy. Has an enticing bready sour savoury flavour. Good!
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| Sourdough Bread (NZD $8) |
The house signature Steamed Clams In Smoked Tomato & Garlic Stew (NZD $37 for 500-grams) features fresh shell-on steamed moon shell clams, firm and chewy with intense meaty savoury salty flavour. The clams are stacked in a bowl and infused with a rustic stew, made with smoked tomato, garlic, spinach, pork bacon bits, lemon juice, spring onions, and coriander. It's juicy chunky and carries vegetal meaty salty sour sweet flavour. Incredibly satisfying. Highly recommended!
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| Steamed Clams In Smoked Tomato & Garlic Stew (NZD $37 for 500-grams) |
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| Steamed Clams In Smoked Tomato & Garlic Stew |
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| Steamed Clams In Smoked Tomato & Garlic Stew |
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| Steamed Clams In Smoked Tomato & Garlic Stew |
The Pacific Rock Oysters Raw (NZD $5.50 per piece, $33 for 6 pieces) has 6 (half-dozen) pieces of coromandel te kouma oysters, freshly shucked and plated over ice. Has a slippery succulent juicy texture with crisp briny salty sweet buttery flavour. Accompanied with a wedge of lemon which lends bright tangy zesty sour fruity flavour, and a shallot mignonette (a rich sauce of minced shallots, white vinegar, and rice vinegar) which carries sharp vegetal sour sweet flavour. Good!
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| Pacific Rock Oysters Raw (NZD $5.50 per piece, $33 for 6 pieces) |
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| Pacific Rock Oysters Raw |
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| Pacific Rock Oysters Raw |
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BBQ King Restaurant
@ 187 Queen Street, Auckland Cental Business District (CBD), Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 11:30am – 9pm, Closed Sun
http://www.bbqking.co.nz/
I'd wanted to try at least 1 Chinese restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand, during this trip. Among the many in the city, BBQ King Restaurant stood out, being the most highly rated. The city's longest-serving Chinese Cantonese restaurant was founded by husband-and-wife team Tim and Julia Tran, and is not to be confused with a similarly-named restaurant elsewhere in the country. A rarity for BBQ King Restaurant is the compliments they receive for both food and service, a unusual combination that most Chinese restaurants don't usually achieve.
Ambience at BBQ King Restaurant is modern functional. The casual place, brightly lit by flourescent lights, is neatly arrayed with functional modern furnishings, offering a view of the delectable roasts meats hanging in the kitchen. Service at BBQ King Restaurant is better than elsewhere, staff greet diners in halting English, make sure you're comfortable, and even offer complimentary tea and double-boiled soup of the day. The menu is clear, and they are able to offer recommendations. Food at BBQ King Restaurant is classic authentic Chinese cuisine, with specialities being the roast meats and stir-frys. Dishes are well executed and delicious. Portions are large for individuals, and may be shared. I'll love to return to BBQ King Restaurant for more.
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| BBQ King Restaurant Exterior |
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| BBQ King Restaurant Interior |
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| BBQ King Restaurant Menu |
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| BBQ King Restaurant Menu |
They serve Tea (NZD $Complimentary) on the house, bringing it to the table after you're seated, with instructions to let it steep a short while. This has good strength of body, with lovely earthy flavour. Good!
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| Tea (NZD $Complimentary) |
A double-boiled soup of the day is also served on the house, and makes for a great appetizer to start off a meal. During my visit, I received the Double-Boiled Soup Of The Day (Chicken & Old Cucumber) (NZD $Complimentary), which has chunks of tender boneless chicken and soft old cucumber. This classic Chinese Cantonese soup carries robust vegetal earthy savoury sweet flavour, yum. Slurped it all to the last drop, especially welcome on a cold day. Highly recommended!
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| Double-Boiled Soup Of The Day (Chicken & Old Cucumber) (NZD $Complimentary) |
Loved the Beef With Black Bean Sauce On Rice (NZD $19.80). Over a mound of soft moist fluffy white rice, is piled a generous portion of tender sliced beef, stir-fried with crisp red onions, crunchy bell peppers / capsicum, and soft black beans, in a black pepper gravy. Each bite carries robust meaty salty savoury vegetal sweet grainy spice peppery flavour, punchy and comforting all at once. Absolutely yummy, though it weighs on the palate towards the end. Good!
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| Beef With Black Bean Sauce On Rice (NZD $19.80) |
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| Beef With Black Bean Sauce On Rice |
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| Beef With Black Bean Sauce On Rice |
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CONVERSATION