Eating out in Takapuna
Restaurant of the month: MARVEL GRILL
a Marvel for takapuna
It was a pleasure in mid-June to attend the first birthday of Marvel Grill. Owners Wendy Sutherland and Alisdair Gribben and their Marvel Grill formula has been a real boost to the local dining scene over the past 12 months. It is thrilling to see them doing so well, and it is even more thrilling to hear that they are about to open a second Marvel Grill down near The Viaduct in the city.
Go on to their website and their cheeky first paragraph starts with “Marvel Grill is essentially where all of us want to eat and drink at least twice a week.” Interestingly, this is what I was doing myself in the first few months that they opened. It has settled back to around once a week – maybe a little less – these days, but there is no doubt that their offering makes you want to go back and back.
Being a meat-lover, this is certainly an attraction for me at Marvel Grill. Their meat cuts are probably their signature dishes. But what is great about their menu is that by having the range of smaller meals they call “hot skillets” my good lady wife is just as keen to go there as I am. Her favourites are the Grilled Zany Zeus halloumi on roasted field mushrooms; Duck breast grilled red wine emulsion polenta toast; Veal schnitzel on warm potato salad; Grilled scallops and chorizo in a balsamic butter. All priced around the $12 to $14 mark.
I must admit that I have a soft spot for the Te Makatu Oysters (served natural with Seppelt Sparkling Shiraz dipping sauce) from their starters, which they call “From the Larder”. You can also have the Te Makatu Oysters Kilpatrick as well. Other popular starters are the Chicken liver pate with ciabatta croutes; Salad of Balsamic glazed vine tomatoes with fresh basil, buffalo mozzarella; Caesar, baby cos tossed with parmesan, anchovies, croutons and grated egg (add chicken breast or eye fillet if you wish).
The mains are plenty as well at Marvel but as I have alluded to my favourites are their “Butchers Cuts” – Black Angus beef that is aged specially for Marvel Grill for a minimum of 20 days. There are 120 and 180 gm Eye Fillets, 250gm Sirloin, 450gm T-Bone, 200gm Scotch Fillet and a 500gm Rib Fillet which is dry aged an extra seven days. You can choose from any one of 13 sauces and butters to enhance your chosen cut.
For those who desire Lamb, Venison or Chicken there is the 150gm Hawkes Bay Natural Lamb Rump 150gm or the 200gm Hawkes Bay Natural Lamb Cutlet, the 150gm Duncan Cervena Venison and the 200gm Rolling Hills Chicken Breast.
With meat being such a big part of what they do, Marvel Grill promotes the fact that they “celebrate all the food heroes of New Zealand”. They always want the very best meat products available so they choose to use free range fresh meat from local North Shore based supplier Zealfresh. Great stuff – keeping it on the Shore!
Also having a soft-spot for the odd Hamburger I’m well catered for at Marvel. My favourite is the Hamburger with Kapiti Blue, caramelized onion, baby spinach, pancetta and chili aioli (served with wasabi coleslaw and their sensational hand cut fries). They also have the Hamburger with Asiago “tasty’ cheese, streaky bacon & Dijon mustard—on the side iceberg lettuce with roasted vine tomatoes. It’s pretty good as well.
For those who can’t decide Marvel also offer a Mixed Grill (Eye fillet, pork hunter & venison sausages & lamb cutlets with a red wine sauce & roasted onion) or a Mixed Seafood Grill (Fresh white fish, cockles, clams & prawns in a white wine butter sauce). Seafood lovers are not forgotten as the Marvel seafood dishes include John Dory fillet, Salmon steak, Big Eye tuna steak, Hapuka fillet or a Whole baby Snapper with sourdough stuffing. They really do have something for everyone which makes it such an easy place to eat at.
As Marvel Grill is just as much a local neighbourhood bar as a restaurant, Wendy and Alisdair have put together an extensive selection of wine, champagne and beer as well. All at very reasonable prices which I am sure has aided their success. A night out at Marvel is not going to send you broke, that’s for sure.
So there it is folks – Marvel Grill one year on. Well done Wendy and Alisdair. Lets hope you’ve got many many years ahead of you in Takapuna.
MARVEL GRILL
32 Anzac Street, Takapuna. Phone 486 2249.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 12:00 noon till late.
Email: marvelgrill@xtra.co.nz, Visit: www.marvelgrill.co.nz.
macs brewbar Hurstmere road
Macs Brewbar Hurstmere Road has launched a brand new winter menu that takes a bit of a 'Game' flavour – including Venison, Rabbit and Wild Boar Sausages. The Venison (leg) is char-grilled and served with chestnut puree potatoes, mini steamed pudding of kidneys and a blackcurrant jus. The Rabbit is braised in white wine and juniper, then served with potato gnocchi and Portobello mushrooms with wild rocket and pecorino cheese. Also very popular on the menu is the 30 day aged Black Angus Ribeye Steak, served with crushed new potatoes and roasted garlic, creamed. Macs Brewbar Platters and pizzas also remain popular as does the 'pub fare' which includes fish and chips, a pie of the week and chicken ceasar salad. For those who want an affordable and quick lunch at Mac's Brewbar Hurstmere Road there's always a $12 lunch special, while all-day every Monday you can buy two pizzas for the price of one.
Open daily from 11am
136 Hurstmere Road, TAKAPUNA. PH: 486 4102
www.hurstmereroadbrewbar.co.nz
PInot Plus
A visit to Pinot Plus means that you will be taken on a wine journey with John, an experienced sommelier formerly of Blott on the Landscape and Porterhouse Blue fame. He will ease you into wine tastings beyond your typical drop without committing you to a glass or bottle. It is a wine exploration in a relaxing, romantic atmosphere to ensure you enjoy not only each sip but the experience as a whole.
Love good food? Don’t worry, Pinot Plus isn’t just about the wine. The restaurant offers a delicious menu of items that can be selected as tapas or mains. From prawn skewers, slow-cooked beef cheeks and pork belly to smoked duck liver pate and cheese boards, Pinot Plus offers a variety of Moorish delights in a variety of sizes.
DINNER: TUES - SAT
5.30PM TILL LATE
168 HURSTMERE RD, TAKAPUNA
PH: 489 9510
www.pinotplus.co.nz
AL FORNO ITALIAN RESTAURANT & CAFE
AUTHENTIC WOOD FIRED PIZZA
Maria, Emilio and their team offer warm hospitality and their amazing Al Forno food is absolutely positively delicious. All this makes customers return for more time and time again. Emilio only sources the freshest and best ingredients for Al Forno’s pizza’s and meals. A favourite with many is Maria’s homemade Tiramisu.
A main feature at Al Forno is their authentic wood fired pizza oven which helps to set an ambience for diners. They are celebrating their first anniversary with a fabulous newly painted mural on the restaurant wall.
Al Forno – an Italian hideaway in the heart of Takapuna.
Tantalize your taste buds with a Pizza (takeaway or dine-in) or enjoy a meal from the original European recipes on Al Forno’s extensive Menu. Delizioso!
Tue – Sun 11:30am till Late
Closed Monday
34 ANZAC STREET, TAKAPUNA
PH: 488 0179
Fully Lincensed
www.alforno.co.nz
MINT takapuna
MINT is in a beautiful setting with outdoor seating close to Takapuna Beach for that lovely morning stroll.
Great for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch or Dinner.
Introducing one of the delicious breakfasts at MINT – Lambs Fry and Bacon.
Great Coffee deal with loyalty card – Purchase 5 get 1 FREE. Superb Dinner Menu including Eye Fillet Steak with Bearnaise Sauce and Potato Gratin. Also popular is our Seafood Chowder.
Mon-SUN 7AM TIL LATE
174 HURSTMERE ROAD, TAKAPUNA
489 4727
AUBERGINE TAKAPUNA
From the moment you walk through the front doors you are enveloped in a friendly atmosphere that makes dining both a pleasure and an experience, regardless of the time of day.
Whether you desire brunch, lunch or a romantic dinner, Aubergine is the best choice to make.
Private functions, Business functions and group bookings, including Christmas functions are always welcomed and are easily accommodated at Aubergine Takapuna with seating capacity of up to 140, large enough for most business or family events.
The menu offers an international style of cuisine that mixes old Kiwi favourites with the flavours of Europe and the Mediterranean.
Mon-FRI NOON TIL LATE
SAT 11AM TIL LATE
SUN 11AM TIL 11PM
129 HURSTMERE ROAD, TAKAPUNA
PH: 489 3104
www.aubergine.co.nz
Raviz indian
Restaurant
Raviz in Takapuna. Authentic Indian Curry. Fully Licensed and BYO. A restaurant with great atmosphere that has an indoor, outdoor flow. A covered balcony for dining whilst looking at the views of Takapuna or a comfortable dinning area indoors catering for large or small groups for any occasions as well as areas for those special intimate dinners.
ALL MAINS $10.00*
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday Nights
$10 LUNCH SPECIAL*
Every Day (Any curry, rice, naan bread)
FREE TAKEAWAY DELIVERY
(minimum order $25.00)
*Conditions apply.
Open 7 days
Lunch 11.30am - 2pm
Dinner 5pm till late
178 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna.
PH 489 2400
www.ravis.co.nz
THE COPPER ROOM
The Copper Room proudly serves the Monteith’s family of craft beers on tap and offers a warm and welcoming experience. With it’s comfortable and cosy interior, The Copper Room is a popular spot in Takapuna. Come in and watch the latest sporting action, catch a band, or enjoy our delicious menu. We’ve also got a great kids menu, so the whole family is welcome. Monday: Burger Heaven any burger $10.50.Tuesday: Chicken Wings or Ribs $ 10.50.Wednesday: Angus Steak 300grm Steak and prawns $18.50. Thursday: Local Bangers and Mash $12.50 (Supplied by the Milford Butcher). Friday: Fish and Chips $12.50. Saturday: Burger Sliders( Mini Burgers) 4 for $12 8 for $20. Sunday: The Legendry Sunday Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding $15.50. Experience some of Auckland’s best bands at the North Shore’s premier live music venue!
Mon-wed11.30am til late
Thurs-Fri 11.30am til 1pm
Sat 11am-1am/Sun 11am til late
138 HURSTMERE ROAD, TAKAPUNA
PH: 489 8030
www.copperroom.co.nz
GOODE BROTHERS
Goode Brothers is about giving you the goode life. It’s about having some goode fun around the table.
We’ve got pasta bowls for groups to share, the option of ‘creating your own’ GOODE SALADS or finding the perfect GOODE PASTA and sauce combination. Try one of our GOODE PIZZAS or GOODE CLASSICS like… Di Primavara Soup, Chicken Ciabatta Burger, Goode Beef Ciabatta Burger, Grilled or Monteith’s Golden Beer Battered Tarakihi, Char Grilled Scotch Beef Fillet. Mon: Goode Traditional pasta $10.50. Tues: Goode Traditional pizza $10.50. Everyday: 2 Heineken and a Traditional pizza $24.50.Goode Food. Goode Friends. Goode Times at Goode Brothers Takapuna.
OPEN EVERY DAY
11 am til late
138 HURSTMERE ROAD, TAKAPUNA
PH: 489 8160
www.goodebrothers.co.nz
BLANKENBERG
BELGIAN BEER CAFE
Enjoy the traditions of Belgian Beer and food in a distinctive, authentic Belgian atmosphere in the heart of Takapuna. New Flemish-French Menu launched from May 1st. Featuring ‘Beer Matches’, so each dish has been created to go with a certain Belgian beer. The menu has been developed to provide a more all round appeal so that your experience at Blankenberge Belgian Beer Cafe is quite different than what you will get elsewhere on the Shore, or Auckland. All of the old favourites such as the legendary Blankenberge Mussels remain part of the menu.
Monday Mussel Madness:
1kg Mussel Pot & Frites just $12
Tuesday Steak Night:
½ kg Angus Rump just $15
Conditions apply and booking is advisable…
Mon-sat 11.30am TIL LATE
SUN 9AM TIL late
136 HURSTMERE ROAD, TAKAPUNA
PH: 486 6331
www.belgianbeercafetakapuna.co.nz
otto woo Gourmet Noodle Bar
Award-winning Gourmet Noodle Bar, the new Otto Woo Noodle Bar in Huron Street proves that healthy meals don’t have to be boring.
Otto Woo provides western style, modern Asian cuisine, with strong Japanese and Thai influences.
Every meal contains loads of fresh vegetables infused with high quality sauces, herbs and other ingredients.
There are no less than 30 options to choose from at Otto Woo.
Otto Woo is also a popular choice for corporate lunches and client meetings. Take-out. Dine-in. Delivered to you. Also at Ponsonby, Newmarket & Mission Bay.
Open 7 days
From 11.30.
Located in the Sentinel Building, Huron Street End, Takapuna
(3 Northcroft Street, Takapuna)
Ph 489 8001 www.otto-woo.com
NEW VIETNAM
CAFE
For those of you who love Vietnamese food the New Vietnam Cafe is a must. Very special value for money food as well as efficient service. Great range of special Vietnamese style bread rolls. No less than 150 menu options cooked in their unique Vietnamese Style. Great appetizers like deep fried spring or shrimp summer rolls. If there is a signature main dish it is probably the Lemongrass Chicken, Pork or Beef dishes. Also available are noodle dishes, stir fried Chinese-style rice dishes, and a selection of drinks and desserts. Make sure you check out our daily Set Menu Special (2-10 people). Offering special Lunches daily between Monday - Friday. Catering for any budget small or large (delivered off premise if needed)
BYO - no corkage fee. Welcome phone orders for take out. Spend $40 or more and receive 10% off (takeaway only). Mon-Wed spend over $40 per table and receive one appertiser free (cond apply).
Open 7 days
10.30am until LATE.
FOr lunch and dinner. BYO.
62-68 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna.
Ph 489 3869
Chihuahua Mexicana Cocina Y...
