From where you’d rather be to where do you want to be right now?

Long lunching on the shores of the Mediterranean with an ice-cold rosé in your hand in front of a loaded table full of fresh market fish, burrata, wood-fired puff bread and piles of fresh greens?

Or perhaps you need little bit of French flair in an intimate setting – darker and deeper, with perfectly cooked bavette, artisan sourdough and an olive oil semifreddo to finish?

Transport yourself to where you need to be with the gorgeous menus of head chefs of iconic Auckland restaurants Odettes Eatery and Hugo’s Bistro, Jonah Huang and Alex Llewellyn.

For Jonah, Odettes’ philosophy is fresh, seasonal and local, offering exceptional Mediterranean-influenced dishes in a relaxed and stylish all-day dining room, bar and magical outdoor terrace.

Born in Taiwan, Jonah emigrated to New Zealand as a 10-year-old and found his passion when he started working in kitchens at age 17. He’s worked in some of Auckland’s most well-known establishments after honing his craft in Japan, and now applies modern techniques to classic dishes, with flavour reigning supreme in a woodfire-focussed menu.

Alex took the helm of Hugo’s Bistro at the start of 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a complete mastery of a charcoal grill. He infuses the best of his experience in Sydney and Japan with his passion for flavour, high-quality produce and stunning seasonal dishes.

Hugo’s Bistro is a masterstroke of European flair and elegance, offering an all-day, luxurious and intimate dining experience with a dash of laid-back New Zealand influence.

ODETTES EATERY, open 7 days and 3 nights Thursday to Saturday, City Works Depot, Wellesley Street, CBD, T: 09 309 0304, Instagram: @odettes_eatery www.odettes.co.nz

HUGO’S BISTRO, open weekdays and 4 nights Tuesday to Friday, 67 Shortland Street, CBD, T: 09 320 4387, www.hugosbistro.co.nz

Instagram: @hugos_bistro

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Published: November 2023