Jun 30, 2017 Restaurants
Clooney
Fine Dining
The mysterious intensity of Clooney’s vertically dramatic dining room, with its spotlit tables, intimate tan banquettes and sheer corridors of black string curtains, feels more apt than ever with the arrival of executive chef Jacob Kear. Preceded by his reputation, the Japanese-American chef has worked at all three Noma restaurants under René Redzepi. His still-evolving style at Clooney features tasting menus that are playful, well paced and thrillingly challenging. A Redzepi-informed lust for immersion in the local ecosystem combines with traditional Japanese processes and flavours to create sensuous studies of land and sea. Dehydrated cherry blossoms, pine-scented tomato water and crispy South Canterbury eel with sancho pepper provide a mere glimpse of Kear’s creativity. His knack for balance means having 13 courses feels energising rather than soporific.
A favourite dish
Sake kasu ice cream with thin rice sheets, green strawberry and verbena oil.
What it offers
13-course dégustations with vegetarian and pescatarian options / Sake & wine matching / Good for vegetarians / Free-range chicken and/or pork / Bar / Craft beer selection / Semi-private area seating 12 / Private room seating 20 / Takes large groups
Hours—D 7 days
Bookings—Yes
Price—$$$
Seats—80
Chef—Jacob Kear
FREEMANS BAY
33 Sale St
Ph 358-1702
clooney.co.nz
Click below for each restaurant’s review
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For the latest review, see the 2018 review of Clooney.
