From the inside of Bucks Bistro, the grand entrance to the Tamaki Estuary, the moored yachts and a big blue sky are framed like a giant fresco.
It’s a mesmerising view.
Locals will know Bucks Bistro [23A The Parade on the corner of Devon] for its outstanding food and hospitality.
The new owners are the proprietors of the popular Italian, Mediterranean-influenced Zabr’one 500 metres down the road towards Little Bucks.
They’ve brought in top consultant and mixologist Sahil Patel to steer this new spot into the 21st Century.
A menu’s already been developed with executive chef Prashant Kumbhar [think Prego, Euro, Jervois Steakhouse] which will change regularly.
They’ve been doing dinners but have shifted into another gear. They’re ushering in a new place with a new vibe.
“We want to make it a cocktail bar, a wine bar with a sharing menu, a social space, more smart-casual upmarket bistro” says Sahil.
“We want to cater to everyone where guests will order for the table as opposed to the individual. You get to try more dishes.
“We recommend you order to share. It’ll appeal to the younger set too and is just like many great offerings in the city.”
The menu and cocktails will are tantalisingly contemporary and the prices are pretty good for a place like no other in this part of Auckland.
The menu offers snacks, smaller offerings, bigger offerings, sides and a couple of desserts.
You could try trevally crudo, blood orange, shallots, capers and chard vinaigrette [$22] and grab house-made flat bread with burnt butter [$11] or get them to send out a bowl of chips instead, or a salad.
What about Tom yum Cloudy Bay clams with charred sourdough [$28] or the lamb skewer, labneh, paprika oil, parsley and pickled onion [$20].
The bigger menu offers Carrara Wagyu tomahawk, caramelised shallot cream, green pepper sauce [$20/100g].
If you’re two or four, you can get a tomahawk up to 1.4kg which chef will slice for the group.
There’s a scampi tagliatelle with preserved lemon, confit garlic and bisque butter [$42] or maybe roaster half snapper, cafe de Paris capers and fried potatoes [$40].
“We wanted to keep it simple and not go too overboard but still offer something special,” says Sahil.
“Right now it’s about educating people that we’re now open, educating former customers that this place is open again under new management and it’s got good music.
“Also, there’s no dining-drinking spot in Auckland with views like this.”
NEW AT BUCKS:
• Finalists for Outstanding new establishment in Lewishams Awards 2024
• New winter food and drinks menu
• Open for breakfast – Saturday and Sunday – 7.30am till 12pm
• Ladies Lunch – $65pp – Saturday and Sunday – 12pm till 3pm
• Happy Hour – Tuesday till Sunday – 4pm till 6pm
