1 October 2011

THE GROVE

I love the Grove, which for the last two years has been voted Auckland's best restaurant by Metro magazine.

The dish above is one of the most delicious dishes I've eaten in a restaurant this year. Ben Bayly, the third chef owner Michael Dearth has employed (the others were Michael Meredith and Sid Sarawat - is there something going on with initials here; MM, SS, and now BB?) served this as main course at a luncheon to demonstrate SAMSUNG kitchen appliances. Ben said he wanted the induction cooktop and I want the big doble door Fridge with a wine cooling drawer and a freezer drawer.

The dish is Karitane crayfish, tender poussin topped with purple potato crisps and served on pea puree, spinach and t-dah! the most delicious spring asparagus tips. It was matched with Felton Road's chardonnay and I am going to have to get to the restaurant soon to eat more of Ben's food.

St Patrick's Square, Wyndham St, T 09 368 4129