EASTERN SUBURBS’ HOSPO RESURGENCE
Over the next few months some of hospitality’s heavy hitters are set to bring life back into Auckland’s eastern suburbs. Things got rolling on Thursday night when a “who’s who” crowd attended the opening of Masu chef Nic Watt and wife Kelly’s new True Food & Yoga, at the former home of Hammerheads in Okahu Bay. The establishment is a wellness club and yoga centre with an 80-seat cafe. “True is based on our true story. It combines what we do at home — our love of good, natural and nutrition-dense food, our own yoga and healthy practices,” Nic Watt said. “We eat this way at home; we grow our own vegetables. We are pouring our own life into this concept. It is what we love to do.” Bistro lunches and dinners include Nic’s signature fresh vibrant and seasonal foods and his clever takes on comfort foods. Kelly contributes with her green omelette, wild mushroom salad and her favourite dish ever, kokoda.
Since opening their restaurant Meadow in Meadowbank, and 46 & York in Parnell, Dana Johnston and JP Schmidt have enjoyed great patronage from A List regulars. Next month the boys are teaming up with Rich List son Topher Richwhite to open a members-only bar on Parnell Rise. And the “King of Britomart” hospitality Lucien Law — of Ebisu, Seafarers Members’ Club and Ostro fame — is also making a move east. Law is teaming up with young up-and-comer Patrick Kean and they have taken the space on the corner of Upland and Remuera Roads. They hope to have the flash new venue open in October.