Feb 7, 2019 Food
Where to eat (and drink) in Auckland on Valentine’s Day
Ampersand Eatery
“Our Valentine’s menu is a combination of some of our most popular dishes and creative new ideas,” says Ampersand’s chef Mikey Newlands. The result is a five-course menu featuring yellowfin tuna, crayfish, organic beef, and black doris plums as well as a glass of Charles Cazanove Rosé Champagne. Though if we were you (especially if you’ll be dining alone this Valentine’s), we’d take Ampersand up on their four-glass beverage pairing by sommelier Amanda Rogers. There’s free parking nearby but since you’re treating yourself already, why not get an Uber? Ampersand, Orakei Bay Village, 4/228 Orakei Rd
Burger Burger Blind Dates
13 February
Ever wished to be on The Bachelor but with just one person? Then blind dates are for you. For the fourth year in a row, the burger joint is signing up people who are looking for love for their 300-person Blind Dates party. There’s an application form and a selection process so sign your single mate up and send them along with luck and a single rose. Hosted by the Glasshouse, 18 McDonald St, Morningside
Coley & Punch
The classic decor with gold accents and carafe-chandeliers will not only impress your date, it also sets the scene for your solo drinking to feel a little more James Bond-like. If shaken-not-stirred martinis aren’t your thing, Coley & Punch have created a special cocktail for the day of love and beekeepers; the Rubus of the Rose combines Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, apricot, basil, raspberry jam, lemon, and egg whites. Coley & Punch,
139 Quay St, central Auckland
Euro
Seaside dinners in the sun are a sure-fire hit with the Mrs or Mr or simply to toast to the infinite possibilities of your own singledom. The four-course set menu offers plenty of choice, with mussels, duck on toast, Cloudy Bay clams, beef eye fillet and strawberry cheesecake being a few of the dishes that caught our eye. There are two sittings, both of which require booking in advance. Euro, Shed 22 Princes Wharf, central Auckland
The Culpeper
A spot by the waterfront with the bonus of a low-key, breezy atmosphere that works well with a first, second, or 150th date that you’d rather keep a bit chilled-out. The two or three-course Valentine’s Day menu includes prawn and okra hush puppies, smoked brisket tacos and a choice of banoffee or key lime pies, so you can save room for the gin and citrus cocktail they’ve concocted for the occasion: the My Funny Clementine. 143-147 Princes Wharf, central Auckland
Fitzroy Lounge
This brand spanking new Melbourne-themed bar is keeping it casual with a $40 platter and two drinks deal which, we note, can be shared or eaten solo – or you could even push the boat out and go for one each. We would. Fitzroy Lounge, 61 Mackelvie St, Grey Lynn
Auckland Fish Market
There is much debate over whether oysters are an aphrodisiac or not and this Valentine’s Day, the AFM has set up an evening cooking class event. So we suggest you and your partner use this night to put that theory to the test and learn while you eat. You’ll be making Salmon sashimi, pan fried market fish and of course, there’ll be oysters and wine followed by Rush Munro icecream and fruit kebabs. Happy learning!
Auckland Fish Markets, 22 – 32 Jellicoe St, Freemans Bay
Follow Metro on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and sign up to the? weekly email for more food news.
