The Grill by Sean Connolly (Auckland New Zealand)

Wrapping up my project in Auckland, I managed to find time to stroll to Sky City and be a tourist for a moment. I dined at Chef of The Year Sean Connolly’s (I still remember the old Astral) The Grill.

The kind waiting staff was very helpful to get my orders straight away to get me fed, without making me feel rushed at all. The wagyu rump was cooked to medium, the perfect way to let the great marbling to shine through. The swede and carrot ‘crush’ ably mopped up all the jus from the steak – a perfect winter side.

Details:
The Grill by Sean Connolly
Sky City Grand Hotel 
90 Federal Street, Auckland
http://www.skycityauckland.co.nz/restaurants/the-grill/

The Foodstore (Auckland New Zealand)

After spending 12 days in Auckland on business I still haven not had a chance to taste the famous New Zealand lamb. I headed to The Foodstore with lamb in mind.

The restaurant was great for the lone business traveller with TVs showing food programs. Both my lamb cutlet and venison dishes were excellent. New Zealand lamb is really different than others with added tenderness and flavour.

The trifle wrapped up a wonderful day with the many layers of texture.

Details:
The Foodstore
Market Square, Viaduct Harbour
Auckland, New Zealand
http://thefoodstore.tv/

Daikoku Teppanyaki and Ramen (Auckland New Zealand)

I was craving to eat with chopsticks (sad, but true) while on business in Auckland, New Zealand. Luckily there were a couple of Japanese restaurants nearby, both operated by Daikoku.

Needing a bowl of comforting noodle, there was Daikoku Ramen offering great range of choices, along with many side dishes. The soup base was not as thick as I wanted it to be. The fried rice was a great side dish however.

A few nights later I was at Daikoku’s teppanyaki restaurant. The chef put on quite a show, while the steaks were juicy and tender.

Details:
Ramen Daikoku
Beside Britmart Station, on Tyler St
Auckland

Daikoku on Quay
148 Quay Street
Auckland

http://www.daikoku.co.nz

Kermadec Bar & Bistro (Auckland New Zealand)

I looked up the list of restaurants that offered direct billing to my hotel room while in Auckland. I chose Kermadec Bar & Bistro for its focus of seafood. The menu offered a large array of seafood as well as meat dishes. My macadamia crusted hapuku was well cooked and I really enjoyed the clear cockle sauce. The size of the fillets was rather small and I would have liked another piece.

The apple pie dessert was excellent. It was perfect when mixed with cardamom ice cream.

Details:
Kermadec Bar & Bistro
Level 1, Viaduct Quay
Corner Quay & Hobson Streets
Auckland, New Zealand
http://www.kermadec.co.nz/barandbistro.htm

Moo Chow Chow (Auckland New Zealand)

During my business trip in New Zealand, the client took the team to Moo Chow Chow – a modern Asian restaurant in the hip Ponsonby district.

The group shared close to a dozen dishes from the menu. The crispy roll of pork starters kicked (with its well-balanced chilli dipping sauce) things off nicely. My favourite dish was the caramelised pork hock – great combination of gelatinous meat and crispy fried skin. All the curry dishes kept their authenticity and were much welcomed on a cold evening.

Details:
Moo Chow Chow
23 Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby, Auckland
http://moochowchow.co.nz/