A taste of...
Franziska 24 Dundas St, Seatoun, Wellington
We’d heard… Of a spot hidden away in Seatoun that has those in the know gushing over the Spanish, Italian and Argentinian plates.
We ordered… Tapas ($7 each) of salami and creamy, earthy kikorangi; a Kiwi-made blue cheese topped with honey and walnuts that easily rivals even the best British Stilton. The cordero y habas ($27) arrived with three grilled lamb loins, consistently tender and pink, so well-seasoned it rendered the creme fraıˆche somewhat redundant. The accompanying broad bean avocado salad was peppered with finely sliced onions, a touch of lemon and just the right amount of mint. With the milanesa a la napolitana ($29), scotch fillet schnitzel topped with tomato and mozzarella, Franziska showcases how skilfully it approaches hearty Mediterranean dishes, with a flair for making them lighter. Plated up with a heap of fresh salad, the beef was melty soft, encased in crumbs without being heavy or greasy. Our side of aubergines ($7) were lightly breaded and dusted with herbs.
The service… Incredibly inviting and friendly. Our waiter guided us through the menu in depth, was happy to chat and, when it comes to wine, these guys sure know their stuff. Sidenote: bubbles are served in coupe glasses (which we loved), adding a subtle touch of class to the drinks list.
The vibe… Casual by day, informally romantic by night. A hard combo, well executed. We sat near the large windows on a Saturday night among a sea of two-seater tables with enough space to have an intimate, yet relaxed meal. The narrow venue features a comfortably sized, covered deck out the back, making it fitting for a date night or leisurely sipping sbagliato and spritz with a group of mates. The chalkboards and wooden counters exude a warm, continental feel while the retro record player on the floor is a quirky, playful touch.
If you go… The menu changes regularly, ensuring there’s always something new for loyal clientele, so we’re loathe to commit to a particular dish but do indulge in dessert and order flan de dulce de leche ($12) – if available – for a hit of double caramel. Also, be patient finding the place. I was introduced by a fan, but have heard it’s easy to miss if you’re not a seasoned Seatounian.
Rating out of 5: 5 – Janan Jay