Housed in a gorgeous heritage building (the former Bank of New Zealand) on the corner of the Boho-Chic side of town, Logan Brown in Wellington is impressive. when you walk in to the octagonal dining room, you cannot help but admire its beauty. And while we stood there in a state of awe, we were greeted by perhaps the warmest staff ever.
We are presented with a special amuse-bouche from the chef of a goat’s cheese macaron. The texture is incredible, so delicate and almost spiritual, if I can describe a texture thus!
The Whangamata Scallops were succulent and full of flavour, just like every good scallop should be.
For my main, I had the Rangitikei lamb rack with slow cooked shoulder, pea dumplings and gazpacho vinaigrette. I have never seen a more generous portion served at a top restaurant in my life. I received five cutlets! I was expecting three. Thank goodness I passed on that entrée! The rack was cooked perfectly and the blush coloured hunks were so full of flavour. The shoulder fell apart in my mouth and the dumplings complimented the lamb very well. As I write this, I wish I was eating this now. In fact, I wish I was back in New Zealand, with its fresh air, friendly folk, stunning scenery and time. There is time in New Zealand. There is no time in Sydney, we are all too busy.
My friend ordered the Grass-Fed Beef Fillet with BBQ rib steamed bun, onion rings and hoisin jus. Again, the meat was outstanding. New Zealand’s pristine pastures and air can certainly be tasted.
Wagyu fat potatoes. Yes, please. Crispy parcels of delight.
Dessert. Texture of Chocolate. Incredible. This meal perhaps more so than any other, was such an exploration of textures. who knew freeze dried strawberries were so amazing? They were like feathers on your tongue. Simply astounding. The chocolate was rich and decadent.
The food was elegantly washed down with a bottle of 2009 Craggy Range ‘Gimblett Gravels’ Syrah. A dark red with aromatics of blueberry, aniseed, black pepper and lavender; punchy tannins that give way to a silky, long finish.
I went to dinner with high expectations, and they were not only met but surpassed. Logan Brown is not to be missed.
