Since 2004 I been writing about New Zealand, the down under paradise, the wild scenery, the far away places and the food. Well today, one more time I will introduce to you the top news for dining in Auckland

This year "Cuisine Magazine" of New Zealand classified the restaurant as the "Best Metropolitan Restaurant and Overall Winner in the Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Awards 2006"

So now you know, if you visit Auckland, don’t forget to reserve (at least two weeks in advance) for a great dinner.

"The French Café" — In the fashionable shop fronts of Auckland’s upper Symonds Street, opaque glass windows conceal the promise of the epicurean experience that awaits you.

The best tables of the restaurant are on the first floor, in the long room, especially the last two ones in the room for a "tête-à-tête" dinner. For a party of four or six you can ask that the two tables be joined. If you don’t like the plush banquette rooms, the back room that is light, airy and busy can be your other choice.

If you don’t like a lengthy meal, please ask your waiter or the Maitre D’ for it. If not, it's customary to wait around 20 to 25 minutes between each course.

In 2005, I tried different dishes from the menu (see 2005 report). This year, my choice was the "Tasting Menu" — priced at NZ$ 95.00

A very interesting experience, so you have the possibility to sample the best on the menu— although, it's true that for chef Simon Wright's cooking is almost impossible to fault. "Some people never experience tastes as good as Wright's cooking at any other time in their lifetime."

# Pumpkin Cappuccino with Maple Syrup & Hazelnuts
# Foie Gras Parfait with Apple Caramel and Pear Relish
# Marinated Tuna, Escabeche of Scallops, Coriander, Tomato Jelly and Ginger Oil
# Snail, Chicken and Foie Gras Tortellini with Baked Snail Parsley Butter and Garlic
# Caramelised Onion, Fig and Beetroot Tart with French Goat’s Cheese and Red Wine Syrup

And the Choice of Two Main Courses

# Crispy Roast Duckling with Mandarin Puree, Kumara Mash, Steamed Bok Choy and Jus of Oranges

-- Or--

# Roasted Crayfish Tail with Sweet Carrot Puree, Almond Foam, Baby Crest and Mandarin Oil

For Desserts

# Passion Fruit Jelly with Iced Nougat, Pineapple Confit and Banana passion Fruit Sorbet
# Warm Bitter Chocolate Soufflé with Hot Chocolate Sauce, Orange Puree and Butterscotch Ice Cream

If your choice is to have the "Matching Wines", the cost will be NZ$ 65.00. If not, I will recommend the wine list, encompassing the best local labels and some fine French wines to match the food perfectly.

# "Clos Henri 2005 Marborough – Sauvignon Blanc – at NZ$ 50.00
– [Henri Bourgois from Sancerre]
# "Côtes du Rhone Village 2004 – Cuvee Philipine – at NZ$ 50.00
– [Domaine Les Grands Bois]

And of course, there is a great selection of Champagnes, Cocktails, Beers, plus "after dinner liqueurs & spirits" at very moderate prices. My selection is an Italian Grappa (vintage) at only 15.00 NZ$

The French Café
210b Symonds Street Auckland (NZ)
Hosts: Simon Wright & Creghan Molloy Wright
Tel: (+64) 9 377 1911
Fax: (+64) 9 377 8283

The second restaurant is "The Engine Room" – Not yet found on any food guide or award winning list, but simply known in the best way, by "word of mouth" – The Engine Room is located across town at North Point, far from the fashion spots.

This is a very interesting newcomer restaurant run by the very promising chef Carl Koppenhagen and Natalia Schamroth, and is part of the large choice of restaurants for the city of Auckland. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of an old villa, and includes a melting pot of tables, kitchen, bar, all together. It's full every day and difficult, of course, to get a table without reservations.

By the way, since you come from abroad, reserve in advance for the tables on the far right back corner of the restaurant by the windows. If not, you need to accept any table in the middle, in front of the kitchen or near the entrance. But anywhere you sit, it is the only way to sample this "new gem" of Auckland’s favorite spots.

"The Menu" (*) My suggestions:

— Starters (from 4 to 22.00 NZ$)

# Smoked Kahawai Salad-Pancetta, Fennel, Soft Egg
# Chicken & Pork Terrine, Cress Cornichons, Pickled Cherries (*)
# Twice-Baked Goat’s Cheese Soufflé
# Thai Duck Salad-Noodles, Coconut, Mung Sprouts, Coriander (*)
# Soup: Safta’s Chicken and Alphabet
# Orrechiette Pasta with Fenel & Pork Sausage Ragu
# Village Press Olive Oil with Sourdough Bread

— Main Courses (27.00 & 28.00 NZ$)

— Cheeses (18.00 NZ$) and Desserts (10.00 NZ$)

# Goat Gouda
# Miramount Brie
# Fourme d’Ambert with Quince Paste, Pear and Crackers (*)
# Churros con Chocolate (a Spanish delicacy) (*)
# Poached Pear and Almond Tart, Crème Fraiche
# Balinese Black Sticky Rice, Coconut, Pineapple (*)
# Pannacotta, Poached Vanilla Rhubarb
# Mrs. Palevsky’s New York Cheese Cake, Tamarillo

—Wine List (34.00 to 112.00 NZ$)

And my personal award goes also for EURO, after visiting the restaurant for four years, it is always a great experience.

In the heart of Auckland, with superb views - a 5-star hotel with 60 top quality "One & Two bedrooms" Suites.

– With Full Kitchen facilities, microwave, bath, shower, hair dryer
– Sky & Satellite TV, in house movies, CD stereo, data port
– Desk/workstation, heating, air-conditioning, wake-up facility
– Iron/ironing board, laundry with washing machine and dryer
– Large balconies, video available, licensed restaurant
– 24-hour reception, concierge & room service, bar
– Heated indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym
– Lock-up/undercover valet parking, safe, security system
– Tour desk, daily housekeeping service
– Valet dry-cleaning & laundry services

Rates from:

> 270 NZ$ for One bedroom Suite
> 450 NZ$ for Two bedrooms Suite (Corner Room)
– Ask for the 24^th floor

– Large Bathrooms, bath & shower
– Luxury king size beds with feather down duvets \
– Private balconies (some over the water edge)
– In-house pay movies & complimentary selected Cable TV
– High speed internet available, large work desk
– Hotel turndown service
– Award-winning "White Restaurant" & "Bellini Bar"
– Heated outdoor glass front lap pool (facing the harbor)
– Pool deck, gym and health club for house guests
– Valet Parking (24hs)

Rates from: > 350 to 540 NZ$
– Ask for the 5^th & 6^th floor front harbor view