Recently I was invited to experience Gerome, the beautiful new restaurant in Parnell, Auckland. I decided to take my husband there for lunch to celebrate his birthday last week and we had such a wonderful time, as some of you will seen on my Instagram stories. Designed by Paul Izzard, the interior, which has been nominated for a Best Award, features sprawling open spaces, charcoal marble table tops, velvet booths and handmade lighting. A gorgeous sunny day, I popped upstairs to check out the light-filled mezzanine floor and was wowed by the striking pitched roof. This floor also features a private dining room and bar with a west facing deck overlooking the Domain, providing the ultimate sun down experience.
The food was also exceptional. Offering sophisticated, inspired, exotic interpretations of modern Greek food, the kitchen is led by international head chef James Kenny, who spent time living and working in the Greek Islands. With roots in authentic Greek cooking over charcoal and wood fire, the sharing dishes are given an innovative twist with contemporary culinary techniques, using New Zealand’s finest ingredients, such as sustainable fish from Leigh and shellfish from the Chathams. Influenced by changing seasons and the abundance of amazing NZ produce, Gerome frequently changes the menus to accommodate the philosophy that food is reflective of many elements. We were lucky to experience a new menu and every plate was divine. Served on handmade crockery from Piha-based pottery artist Richard Naylor, the food presentation and service was also faultless. We're already looking forward to our next visit!
For more information or to make a reservation, visit Gerome.
Images courtesy of Gerome