Overview
Since opening in July 2014, Cassia has swiftly become Auckland's answer to modern Indian cuisine and joined the ranks of the city's premier restaurants. Executive chef and owner Sid Sahrawat (also of acclaimed Ponsonby outpost SidArt), tantalises diners with his distinctive take on Indian dishes, reworked with contemporary New Zealand ingredients. With brioche, venison loin and lamb chops all making untraditional appearances on the menu, it's safe to say that Cassia's success lies in Sahrawat's ability to marry flavours and confidence in marching to the beat of his own drum.
Now well established in the dining scene, the restaurant is elevating the experience and taking a leaf from SidArt with the introduction of a Cassia tasting menu. Clearly a dining format that Sahrawat is passionate about, the tasting menu will comprise of both new dishes specifically designed for the menu and courses from the a la carte list. Expect Sahrawat and his chefs to showcase their experimental finesse through dishes like: pani puri, scallop and crab pakora, tandoori chicken and short rib of beef madras curry.
For foodies, the tasting menu will be a jump off point for an evening of conversation describing the melding of flavours, unexpected melodies on the palate and weighted discussion over the evening's best course. It's also a way for Cassia regulars to try a new dining concept and sample a broader variety of dishes and flavours in one stretch. It'll prompt diners to set aside menu biases and give up the reluctant choice to 'get what you always get'. Cassia gets another tick in the 'pro' column for doing away with dreaded food envy, a distinct by-product of group dining. Relish the lack of post-order dissonance, as each guest in your party enjoys five identical courses from the kitchen.
Cassia's tasting menu will be available for dinner from 5.30pm Tuesday through Saturday, running alongside the normal a la carte selection. In true Sahrawat style, the tasting menu will switch up each month to keep up with the imagination of the kitchen and the local seasonal produce available. Dietary requirements are easily catered for on an individual basis, but each table is asked to dine from the same menu. Guests will enjoy five delightful courses at $70 per person, followed by the option to match wine to each course for an additional $45.
We have two vouchers for the Cassia five-course tasting menu to give away.
To enter the draw, simply email auckland@concreteplayground.co.nz with the subject line: CASSIA along with your contact details.
T&Cs: The voucher is valid for the Cassia tasting menu only, wine pairing will be available at an additional charge. Only one entry per person. You must be a Concrete Playground subscriber to win. R18 only. The winner will be chosen at 10:30am on September 29.