Restaurant Month Official Launch Party

Overview

Restaurant Month's kicking off this Thursday, July 31 at Queens Wharf's Shed 10 with an Official Launch Party. Line your stomach with four Asian fusion dishes from chefs Nic Watt (Masu), Des Harris (Clooney), Nick Honeyman (Lava Dining) and Shane Yardley (FISH) while you imbibe on an assortment of wines and beers. Entertainment is also included.

Nic Watt is an internationally-renowed chef specialising in Japanese fare. He had moved to Japan as a graduate in 1996, and inspired by the cuisine worked as chef de partie in London's Nobu, and later as Chef de Cuisine at the Park Hyatt. He now currently owns the award-winning Roka Japanese restaurant in London, which has expanded to Macau, Hong Kong and Arizona as well as a second London restaurant in the Canary Wharf business district. He also runs Masu on Federal Street in Auckland.

Clooney's Des Harris learnt his craft from by Al Brown and Steve Logan in Wellington's Logan Brown as well as at Martinborough Hotel. Harris cooks traditional, locally-sourced (where possible) food with a traditional slant.

South African-born Nick Honeyman apprenticed in Paris under Alain Passard at L'Arpege and Pascal Barbot at L'Astrance, both Michelin three star institutions. He now works as the executive chef at Sofitel's Lava Dining French restaurant.

Shane Yardley, protégé of Simon Gault, is the head chef at the Hilton's FISH.

Restaurant Month is a month-long affair which pays homage to masterfully crafted food, and will be playing host to 20 foodie-inspired events in over 100 central Auckland eateries.