THE FINEST… in Dining. September 17, 2015 | ZsaZsa Bellagio

I’ve been wanting to share with you some of the fabulous food and dining experiences I had the pleasure of enjoying in New Zealand.

I went to so many incredible eating establishments… but here are a few of my favorites.

THE SUGAR CLUB

The Sugar Club is part of the amazing SkyCity Hotel Complex.

It’s fancy, elegant, luxurious — most definitely a place to get your glam on. Sparkles a must.

Located on top of the fabulous Sky Tower in Auckland, 53 stories high, the views are breathtaking, day or night.

I went at night time and it was truly a magical evening.

The decor evokes 1930s Art Deco Italy and is inspired by the sensual film ‘I Am Love’.

Brass fittings, stone table tops and gorgeous tableware all add to the atmosphere.

Famous, Chef Peter Gordon, is the master at hand, and we were honored to have him orchestrate or culinary experience.

Gordon’s menu is a ‘mix and match’ of Asian and European flavours and ingredients – a fusion of cuisines.

This award winning restaurant is simply unbelievable.

Each course was better than the next, when I didn’t think that was possible.

It was sumptuous, beyond delicious, a flavorful discovery with each bite.

If you are in Auckland, The Sugar Club is a MUST.

more details here:

The Sugar Club

TOKYO BAY

I went to Tokyo Bay for lunch on a gorgeous, sunny afternoon.

Tokyo Bay is situated over looking the beautiful Takapuna Beach, on the North Shore of Auckland.

Tokyo Bay not only offers fabulous view, but a uniquely Japanese experience, combining traditional Japanese techniques with a contemporary take.

Directors of the business – Sarasa Shimura and Mark Smith – have been the driving forces behind Soto Japanese Restaurant in St Mary’s Bay and Tokyo Club, a highly regarded small Izakaya style restaurant within the popular Ponsonby Central establishment in Ponsonby.

Also joining these two is head chef Chikara Soto – ‘Fugu’ blowfish licensed chef and consultant chef Hideharu Shimura.

What better way to enjoy the day than a having fantastic, fresh, japanese feast overlooking the beach.

The entire staff was friendly, the decor modern with a WOW FACTOR, especially the massive fish mobile hanging from the ceiling, and the food unique, creative – WONDERFUL.

The perfect day.

more details here:

Tokyo Bay

SOUL BAR AND BISTRO

European in Auckland

SOUL Bar and Bistro is located at Viaduct Harbor in Aucklan, NZ and was the perfect lunch outing.

I was extremely excited to meet my internet friend in person for the the very first time- Diane Wright — and she picked the perfect place!

“Soul” embodies its name. It was full of life, buzzing with activity, chic and elegant, exactly like Diane!

Soul is one of those restaurants you walk into and immediately feel special.

It’s just beautiful, everything was beautiful. The terrace has views out across the water that take in America’s Cup boats, super yachts, water taxis and even fishing boats.

Now the food — well SEAFOOD FABULOUS.

It’s worth going to New Zealand alone for the oysters I ate Soul.

Nothing else can compare.

I also shared in the Grilled Snapper, Handmade Waikanae crab ravioli and Citrus cured Ora king salmon (whipped horseradish, shaved pumpernickel, salmon caviar).

The food, the service, the atmosphere – all stellar. The only problem for me was that I did not have enough time to spend there.

more details here:

Soul Bar and Bistro

MASU

“MASU THE MASTERFUL”

BY CHEF: NICK WATT

Japanese Robata Restaurant and Bar

MASU, ay SKYCITY Grand, is an exciting Japanese robata restaurant and bar located in the Federal Street dining precinct.

The restaurant was packed, and after dining here, I understand why.

It’s not just a meal, it’s a masterpiece.

A culinary event you won’t forget.

Chef Nick Watt, blew me away. He’s an artist, an inventor, a food creator with passion and flare.

I really cannot put into words accurately how spectacular the meal was.

It was pure artistic beauty in a meal unlike any I had ever seen before. ( My good friend is a sushi-chef, I only wish he had been there.)

Nick Watt:

“My philosophy is simple – use fresh local ingredients, enhance the natural flavours of each dish and let the food speak for itself. This pure approach to cuisine is reflected in our clean, natural décor. Add to this a lively, informal atmosphere and you have a beautifully bold and dramatically different style of Japanese dining in the heart of Auckland.”

MASU – A MUST.