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A long-time foodie, I’ve eaten at most Pukekohe restaurants, but, until recently, the relatively new Appetite had escaped me – such a pity!
I had heard it was expensive, so I had temporarily put it aside to consider “later”!
Later came when we used a gift voucher for a birthday celebration with friends.
On arrival, the fresh interior made a good first impression. So did the warm welcome we
received. It was a Thursday night and, although not packed, there were a number of patrons seated across three distinct areas – the main dining room, bar and covered courtyard.
First glance at the menu quickly revealed that I had been previously misled – in my opinion, prices were not overly expensive but rather on a par with many other restaurants.
Only two dishes appeared to be on the high side, but were quickly explained. The 1kg Wagyu T-bone, which came with a red wine jus, bernaise sauce and a choice of two sides, was $198, but this dish serves two to three people, and it is wagyu!
At $98, the natural lamb shoulder is designed for two people so once again, not as expensive as it first appeared. Neither was on our list of choices for the night.
Instead, our birthday friend opted for the 220g peppercorn crusted eye fillet, finished with
cognac cream sauce and served with hash brown fries and green salad ($54). The steak was generous and perfectly cooked, medium rare, more rare than medium. It went down a treat.
We three others all opted for the Hawkes Bay lamb rump served with Dijon mustard, chives, peas, pearl onions, cos lettuce, rosemary, garlic and a red wine jus ($36) – delicious.
The hash brown fries (listed under the sides) were new to us, so we ordered a side ($18)
between the two of us. It was a winner. Looking very much like fat fish fingers, they were crisp, golden and a tasty alternative to standard fries… do try!
between the two of us. It was a winner. Looking very much like fat fish fingers, they were crisp, golden and a tasty alternative to standard fries… do try!
The men decided to skip dessert (mostly priced at $19 each), but not us ‘girls.’ And, wow, I
can’t speak highly enough of my delicious mousse-style ‘cake’, a contemporary take on the
French mille feuille without the custard or pastry but served layered – so, so good.
Our friend ordered the affogato with vanilla ice cream, espresso and Baileys – “very yummy, although that neighbouring serving of tiramisu, piled high in an open-mouthed champagne glass, looks extraordinary; next time!” she said.
Appetite has certainly stimulated my appetite with Margarita Mondays and live music in the
bar on Friday nights, offering more temptation.
Another visit is now on the agenda.
