CUISINE MAGAZINE / SPRING 2010

SOUL BAR & BISTRO
BEST CASUAL DINING METROPOLITAN WINNER

4.5 / 5 stars
Viaduct Harbour, ph: (9) 356 7249, soulbar.co.nz
7 days 11am to late

How much do we love Soul? Let us count the ways. First, there's weekend brunch on the terrace overlooking the Viaduct Harbour, watching the tourists persuing menus at the cluster of eateries here. "Pick this one!" you want to call out across your plate of curried Spanish rice with smoked hapuku, poached egg and coriander.

Soul is also the kind of place created for long lunches. Whether it's the smart set, business crowd or families, the wide ranging menu had broad appeal, including catering well for vegetarians.

The harbour setting inspires seafood choices and chef Gareth Stewart's menu never disappoints, with dishes such as perfectly tender salt and pepper squid with almond skordalia, but he also shows flair with dishes such as the duck with kumara and maple puree that judges found beautifully cooked and seasoned.

Plus, the ever-popular bar area, which never encroaches n the dining, comes with its own appealing menu too.

Geeling Ching, long-time operations manager, runs front of house like the professional she is and it's clear staff training is a priority - service comes with a smile and is incredibly efficient. They deliver expert guidance throughout the whole experience.

It will be no surprise to many that Soul has taken out this category for the second consecutive year in these awards. Owner Judith Tabron is a slick operator and Soul has been one of New Zealand's best dining experiences for many years - and we anticipate for many more to come.