STATE OF ORIGINE

Origine, opening on 22 August in Commercial Bay, promises the great dishes of French regional cuisine curated with the freshest and best ingredients from New Zealand. This modern expression of a classic French ambience is the brainchild of chef and restaurateur Ben Bayly, his wife Cara, Ahi’s Chris Martin and his French-born wife, Lucile Fortuna. Already signed onto the Origine team as executive chef is Thibault Peniarbelle (ex-cassia/the Grove/apero) originally from Toulouse, and he is joined by Vicky Shah (ex-cassia) who is already working closely with Ben and the team. Settling into the space formerly occupied by Saxon + Parole, the new design by Jack Mckinney Architects boasts a chic 150-seat space, including a mezzanine cocktail bar. origine.nz