First Mates Last Laugh
Judith Tabron’s new restaurant on Westhaven Drive is a welcome addition to the Auckland scene. With Marina views and a unique location, it’s nice to get out of the city for a breath of fresh air. A large restaurant with plenty of natural light, Tabron has fashioned a spot that nails smart casual with top-quality food yet a casual dining experience.
The famous Auckland restauranteur, who chefed Auckland’s top spots before learning in England started her first spot Ramses in Newmarket and then set up the legendary Soul bar that anchored the viaduct in the early 2000s. She’s bought her effortless style once again with a familiar yet fresh formula.
There is a strong seafood influence here, understandable as it’s just meters from the water, yet the hungry of any persuasion will find something fantastic to choose from. A wide selection from starters and small plates to larger servings, in a style that takes simple sophistication from any cuisine it wishes. Everything we tried was simply delicious yet unpretentious – yet the ceviche was the standout! A Comprehensive wine list offers a few inspired pairings – be sure to ask the staff – they know what they’re doing. To our excitement, there are one or two offerings we’d never seen before, an immediate attraction.
I first met Judith Tabron when I was 16 years old. As the still-at-school drummer in a jazz band with the one-day-to-famous Mark de Clive-Lowe on keys, we scored a regular gig at Judith’s Ramses in Newmarket. I’d come from school, have a snack, swap a school uniform for Jazz formals, get dropped off by my dad, and then play till late. When you’re still in school, that’s a treasured memory. By far the youngest of anyone in the restaurant, we were always treated impeccably. I didn’t know much about restaurants in those days but it was clearly popular.
As I’m leaving Judith whispers, ‘I’m trying to keep it on the down low. We’re only scaling up’. Unlikely. It is going to become the go-to establishment very soon. Judith has an eye for what people want and need because, despite her efforts to stay below the radar with her new venture, it’s clear that this will soon be a place for many long business lunches happening here, when it’s off the ‘down-low’ of course.
