Overview
Francesca Mazza and Aaron Carson are rising names in the hospitality biz. The pair is responsible for an steadily expanding roster of Auckland eateries, including Parnell's Winona Forever, Albany's Major Tom and formerly Epsom's Hello Friends + Allies and Henderson's Little Sister Cafe.
Now, just one month after launching bustling cabinet cafe, Friday I'm In Love, the experienced hospitality couple has opened yet another restaurant in Auckland. And with Aaron saying "they have more ideas than time," it doesn't sound like they'll be slowing down any time soon.
The idea behind their latest Sale Street opening Rude Boy — a reference to dedicated followers of ska culture — was to create a New Zealand-style deli influenced by home cooking. As well as acknowledging local cuisine, the menu is dotted with influences from Francesca's Italian heritage — one particular dish is the chicken schnitzel sandwich with puttanesca sauce.
Francesca's training as a patisserie chef is also evident with a giant glass cabinet running the length of the 100-seat space. It is brimming with a huge range of sweet and savoury treats for those on the run, including cream lamingtons, chocolate cake and sandwiches.
On the all-day "deli style" menu there's banana doughnuts with Mexican chocolate ice cream, Rude Boy fried chicken with mash and slaw and Persian pork meatballs in a pretzel baguette with provolone and pesto. The dinner menu runs from Thursday to Saturday, and with a full license, the pair hopes to create a fast-paced and fun environment.
Rude Boy is open now. Find it at 34 Sale Street, Auckland CBD.