To kick off my 5 Food Questions series for this year, I thought who better to have answer them than Des Harris, of Clooney restaurant. Des has just recently been awarded Chef of the Year by Cuisine NZ Good Food Awards, and Clooney, which is a bit of an establishment here in Auckland, is one of only two restaurants that holds three hats.
I’ve been to Clooney a couple of times since arriving in New Zealand. Both times on entering I was seduced by the restaurant’s glamorous fit out; dark and moody with fringed curtains sectioning areas, bubble pendant lights overhead and leather booths to comfortably slip into so that you can enjoy what you really came for, a true culinary experience. The last time we were there, it was with friends visiting from Sydney and we all treated ourselves to the degustation menu. It would have to go down as one of those all time memorable fine dining experiences, complete with impeccable service and an extensive wine list.
If you happened to be in Auckland and are after something very special, make sure you add Clooney high up on your list.
Over to you Des…
What is your idea of a quick simple meal?
A piece of grilled fish on cous cous with a bitter leaf salad & a big wedge of lemon.
Where would your favourite place be to source ingredients for that perfect dish?
The kitchen at Clooney normally comes in handy. Other than that I would shop at Farro Fresh or specialty shops like the fish market.
Herbs or spices?
Herbs, because of the simpler application and the freshness they impart.
Who would you like at your table for a once in a lifetime dinner party?
If I could I’d bring my grandparents back. They had a huge influence in my interest in cooking and I’d love the opportunity to cook for them and hang out.
Food means…
many things. Food brings together friends and family. But for me it’s much more, it’s a passion. I think I am lucky to be doing something that I love as a profession, and be quite good at it.
Thanks so much Des for taking the time to stop by!
Readers, Cuisine NZ Good Food Awards have just this year introduced the hat rating system, which is used in Australia to better internationally benchmark the restaurants here. You can view all of the awards results here.
Follow the links to Clooney Restaurant and on Facebook
See you Friday!
Mel x
All images are courtesy of Clooney Restaurant
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We’ve been to Clooney a few times and the food is always superb. The fringed curtains are cool aren’t they? The quick simple meal idea is right up my alley and Farro is my fave local so was happy to hear that! x
Oh yes, love Farro, spend my life there I feel:) M x
I’ve been wanting to go there for some time Mel, thanks for the reminder!
Wonderful to read about Clooney it sounds like a place were food is being treated with respect :-) always such a joy to read about people and their true passion, Des’s restaurant sounds like a good place to add to the restaurant bucket list:-) thank you both for sharing
It certainly is! The food is so good in NZ Mette and so many wonderful places to choose from but Clooney is definitely a must!