The Engine Room

If I was a paid critic, I would be doling out gold stars for the food. The Engine Room is located in Northcote, actually Northcote Point, in Auckland. My sister and I went there for my birthday meal. We could not get a table so we sat at the bar and were pleasantly surprised at the attentive waiters and friendly atmosphere for a very busy, if noisy, service. I loved my choice of fish with fennel puree, mussel and saffron vinaigrette.

The truth is, I had passed the interview for MasterChef NZ, the TV show, and had my cook off, two days later and any inspiration I could get, was very appreciated. (I probably alarmed the owner with my scribbling in my notebook.) However, by dining there, the respite from being 100% obsessed with food at the time was most welcome. It is a most peculiar feeling being competitive in the field of your favourite hobby. My pastry let me down on the day so I am not a Master Chef, just as always, a passionate foodie.