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Overview
Now that winter has well and truly settled in, don't let the brisk weather stop you from dining out — especially when Auckland is putting on a culinary show like this. From June 12 to July 9, Spanish beer Estrella Damm is bringing Chef's Choice to 21 top eateries across the City of Sails. Think Mediterranean-inspired flavours, Spanish cured meats and crisp, refreshing beer.
Dating back to 1876 when Mr August Küntzmann Damm founded the S.A. Damm brewery in Barcelona, thus establishing the oldest beer brand in Spain, Estrella Damm has maintained its prestige over 140 years as 'The Beer of Barcelona'. It's even earned itself a role as the official beer of this year's World's 50 Best Restaurants. So, bringing its gastronomic status over to New Zealand, the beer collaborates with chefs from some top Auckland eateries to create dedicated menus of small plates featuring delicious complementary flavours, and each incorporating Jamon, the dry-cured Spanish ham commonly found across Barcelona and beyond.
With 21 restaurants spoiling you with so much choice, it can be difficult to decide where to begin. We've helped narrow it down, and had a look at five Auckland City restaurants that have taken on the challenge to pair the Spanish brew with these specially designed small plates. From rolled pork stuffed with pistachio, egg and thyme and rolled again in Jamon, to a Spanish serrano ham tostada with heirloom tomato, lemon wasabi mayo, picked daikon and chimichurri, here are five dishes to brave the cold for and where to find them.
ROLLED JAMON AT BARULHO
The word barulho means 'loud' or 'atmosphere' in Portuguese, and this new restaurant gives off that exact vibe on a nightly basis, thanks to a large fanbase of Parnell locals in the know. Cut thin and eaten with membrillo and toasted sourdough, chef Sarah Ginella's dish takes pork stuffed with pistachio, egg and thyme, rolls it in a layer of Jamon, then matches it all perfectly with none other than the finest Estrella lager. The dish is usually served with their charcuterie platter, but you can now sample it paired with the Spanish beer for $22 at lunch or dinner.
Barulho, 7–15 Faraday Street, Parnell
JAMON ON FRIED FLAT BREAD AT VIKKI LANE
Highly frequented by journalists and sports commentators due to its location within the CBD's NZME building, Vikki Lane is a busy little spot serving up exquisitely prepared food, fantastic beer and a stellar wine selection. During Chef's Choice, chef Aleksandar Dimovsk offers not one but two dishes paired with an Estrella Damm for $19.50. Start off with the panfried chorizo served with rioja sauce, mushrooms and pimiento, and continue with some Jamon and onion olive oil on fried flat bread, topped with fresh manchego.
Vikki Lane, 151 Victoria St West, CBD
SLICED JAMON WITH GOUDA AT OAKEN
Hop on the train home, or head to Oaken for a couple afterwork Estrella Damms and a savoury dish prepared by head chef Sam Campbell? We know which we'd rather do. Here, Oaken's special dish features hand-sliced Jamon serrano, shaved Mercer cumin gouda, sherry soaked raisins, syrup and Matakana olive oil on sourdough, served with two Estrella Damms. At the pricier end of the Chef's Choice selection, the dish is well worth the $35, we can assure you. The lively decor makes you feel like you're in the heart of New York City, plus, situated on the corner of Quay Street, the restaurant boasts harbour views, but also great people watching — a perfect spot for a few beers among friends.
Oaken, 130 Quay Street, Britomart
JAMON TOSTADA AT AZABU
The Peruvian-meets-Japanese menu at Azabu in Ponsonby is modern, fresh and daring, and dishes are made to share, because chances are you'll want to try everything. Look to the small plates menu to find chef Yukio Ozeki's specially curated dish. The Spanish serrano ham tostada ($22) comes served with heirloom tomato, lemon wasabi mayo, pickled daikon and chimichurri — and of course goes mighty well with a certain Spanish brew. Plus, maintaining its Japanese influence over the Spanish-style dish, that wasabi mayo gives the tostada a tasty kick.
Azabu, 26 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
JAMON TAPAS AT BARCELONA
Long and narrow, giving most tables a view of the busy kitchen, chef Jordi Donadeu's Barcelona is the type of place where you can sit at the bar in typical Barca-style, chatting to your neighbours while you pick at small plates and sip Spain's iconic cerveza. Whipping up exclusive tapas for the collaboration, Donadeu has created a tapa de Jamon iberico and pan con tomate — 36-month cured iberico ham served with Kumeu artisan bread, organic tomatoes and Spanish extra virgin olive oil. Pair that with an Estrella Damm, and you'll feel as if you've stepped out of Auckland and landed in the Catalan city.
Barcelona, New North Road, Kingsland
Estrella Damm Chef's Choice runs until July 9, taking over menus at 1947 Eatery, Bellota, Bonita, Barcelona, Barulho, Oaken, Casita Miro, Azabu, Augustus Bistro, Vikki Lane, Bodrum Kitchen, Longroom, Poco Loco, La Vista, Marvel, The Grounds, Porch Bar & Eatery, Grangers Tap House and Kitchen, Deco and La Rosa.
Lead image: Olivia Round.
Words: Olivia Round and Quinn Connors.