Black Rice is one of the latest restaurants to appear on what’s becoming an increasingly varied and sophisticated Shore dining scene.

Located in Orchard Park, it’s easily accessed from anywhere on the Shore, and offers diners a unique approach to food and hospitality, and an exciting menu packed with Asian flavours.

Co-owners Dante Bai and Eddie Zhong are excited about the Black Rice concept, which they are ambitious to take beyond the Shore. Dante is especially passionate about food, and leads a team headed by Thai-born head chef Kristy Nathrucha and bar manager Jonathan Wong, both of whom boast extensive CVs in top local restaurants.

“Black Rice is all about offering a social dining environment, excellent customer service and food that delivers authenticity without compromise, experimental dishes that encourage creativity, paired with exciting cocktails developed by Jonathan to match the fusion ethos,” says Dante, who co-designs the menu with Kristy.

“Black Rice has been eaten in regions of Asia for thousands of years,” Eddie elaborates. “In fact, for centuries it was reserved for Chinese royalty, and is therefore also known as Forbidden Rice. At Black Rice we treat our customers like royalty and offer them the ultimate fusion of Asian tastes.”

The hospitality industry, they say, is a dynamic environment, where going to a restaurant is increasingly not just about the food. “We want to establish Black Rice as a hub to discuss things, to socialise, to share stories and storytelling. We want to create a place where people want to bring their friends, family and business associates to socialise; a place of fun, creativity and relaxation.”

Already Black Rice has hosted a number of corporate functions and team-building events in the contemporary, black-themed space, which incorporates a private dining area – and an extensive cocktail list and well-stocked bar. It sits confidently as neither fine dining nor “quick eats”; rather, it offers a “smart casual” approach to the food and ambience, welcoming Western and Asian customers who appreciate good food and stylish presentation. “We offer Asian tastes with a Western influence in the environment and the way we present it.”

It’s fusion, but not as we know it. At Black Rice, “Asian fusion” does not refer to a moderating of Asian flavours to pander to Western tastes; rather it denotes food that has its origins in Thai tastes, cooked using authentic Chinese techniques. “We want to stay true to the Asian spirit, as well as the taste of the food,” says Dante. “We want fusion without confusion. We don’t want to compromise the authenticity.”

Dante’s passion for food and the Black Rice concept attracted a highly experienced and talented crew to work at Black Rice. Kristy, for example, has more than 20 years’ experience, including at Ponsonby restaurant Mekong Baby where she led the  menu creation, and at Moo Chow Chow and Madam Woo among others as senior chef, before she joined Black Rice. Hong Kong native Jonathan Wong has held senior roles in a number of restaurants, including as a senior chef with Simon Gault. He was general manager for Artwok in Takapuna before moving to Black Rice, where his role has allowed him to indulge his passion for cocktails in developing a creative cocktail menu.

This month, Dante and Kristy launch a new spring/summer menu to make the most of fresh seasonal ingredients.  It still includes (of course) dishes with black rice, and popular favourites Pad Thai Noodles, Flying Tiger (grilled angus steak with hints of lemongrass and a homemade hot sauce), and Jasmine tea Smoked Salmon (melt-in-the-mouth fish with a smoky kick of jasmine tea). If you’re up to something a little spicier, try the Sichuan Kung Pao chicken, stir-fried with ginger, mixed nuts, spring onion, chilli and black vinegar.

After three years planning and just three months since opening, Black Rice is already attracting regular customers, and is responding to their feedback as it further develops its menu to ensure it caters to the tastes of a discerning Western and Asian North Shore clientele.

Black Rice Fusion Asian, 21-23 Corinthian Drive, Albany

09 415 8377 hello@blackrice.co.nz www.blackrice.co.nz