New venture for partners
Two years after opening Sabor Cafe, Hussain Sabori and Tatiana Brennan have turned their attention to a new venture.
The business partners are the new owners of Half and Half on Sloane Street.
“From the inception of Sabor we had been toying with the idea of opening a second venue to do nighttime trade,” Tatiana says.
“When Half and Half came up for sale we thought, ‘This is perfect’.” Their friends and family were invited to dine last night while tonight they will host a soft launch, welcoming bookings and walk-ins.
The official grand opening is tomorrow night and they have already taken approximately 25 bookings says Hussain.
The name has stayed the same, but the duo has undertaken renovations to the building and a kitchen upgrade over the past month.
“Seating includes low tables and booths for an intimate atmosphere,” Hussain says.
“The deck area will be turned into a garden bar — perfect for small gatherings, private functions and alfresco dining.”
The menu, bringing some different dishes and flavours to Te Awamutu, will consist of entrees, mains and desserts, focusing on a Euro fusion cuisine, with a modern twist.
Dishes include Spanish garlic prawns on a bloody Mary gazpacho as an entre´ e, herb crusted rack of lamb on minted pea and celeriac puree with baby carrots and pinot jus for a main, duck fat chips with bacon aioli as a side and a chocolate French flourless cake with berry coulis, a hazelnut and pistachio praline and Whittaker’s white chocolate and mint ice cream.
“We aim to bring vibrant flavours to the menu, with an emphasis on quality and seasonality.”
Hussain says creating a memorable dining experience and bringing back the theatrics of dining in a dining room is also a top priority.
“We are creating an amazing dining experience where people will come together to share and create good memories.” Half and Half is on 65 Sloane Street and the restaurant will be running Wednesdays to Saturdays from 4pm to 10pm with hours possibly changing in the new year.
■ For more information and to book online find Half and Half on Facebook, Instagram or book by text, 021 151 5522.