Level 53, Sky Tower
Corner Federal and Victoria Streets, Auckland
+64 9 363 6365
www.skycityauckland.co.nz/rest...
New Zealand's celebrity chef Peter Gordon showcased his talents at the first Sugar Club restaurant in Wellington during the 1980s. It became an iconic establishment where he mixed and matched European & Asian flavours. When it was sold in 1989, Peter was persuaded to take his cooking to London where in 1995 the Sugar Club opened in Notting Hill's All Saints Road, followed by the third in West Soho in 1998.
Peter returned to Auckland to open Dine with Peter Gordon in the Sky City Grand Hotel — and established a rep for fine food and service. However, when the 53rd floor of the Sky Tower became available he secured the perfect location for the fourth Sugar Club.
It provides one of Auckland's most memorable dining experiences and if it had been my introduction to the city I would be looking for a place to live right now. Not only was the food and wine extraordinary, Auckland turned on a magnificent early evening light show of sunshine and sunsets showcasing the harbour and western ranges at their best.
But back to the menu that offers small plates you can mix and match, a little like a degustation menu. Dinner — Two courses: $60. Three Courses: $80. Fours courses: $80. Five courses: $105. The wine list is, quote 'not your ordinary wine list.' Our choice — 2012 Saint Clair Bull Block Grüner Veltliner ($56.00).
A must for me was the Otago Saffron Crab Linguine with Pinenuts and aged Parmigiano Reggiano, although my man swore by his Thai-style Seared Venison Salad. We also chose Seared Yellow Fin Tuna, Clevedon Valley Buffalo Mozzarella with Tamarind Relish, a smoky Five-spice Duck Breast with a Chilled Duck Liver Cone and petite portion of packhorse crayfish. I closed with a Peanut Butter Parfait.
Open:
Brunch - Saturday and Sunday 11am - 3pm;
Lunch - Monday to Friday 12pm – 2:30pm;
Dinner - Daily 5:30pm – 9:30pm.
Bar daily from 5pm until late.