MAJOR EVENT ON AUCKLAND'S PONSONBY ROAD

Fussy food & restaurant critic Geraldine Johns, "the little sparrow" of food critics, wrote about this place in her Sunday newspaper column, but we were there tonight, the opening night of Auckland's latest and most exciting restaurant and bar.
Wow, welcome to our neighbourhood MAGNUM. (Right across the road from the Ponsonby Fire Station).

Less than 100 hundred metres from our front door. No worry about taxis or designated drivers , this is our own local. And what a local it is. And how lucky are we? VERY LUCKY.

Those superb restauranters, Mark & Blair of Rocco and Blake St Espresson fame, have done it again. With Celia Harvey (Rocco & River Cafe) in the kitchen and an impressive lineup of senior wait staff we were treated to a stunning meal and wonderful service.

Ambience 9.5, Decor 10, Food 9.5,Wine 9.5, Service 10.

Annie ordered New Season Asparagus & Buffalo Mozarella Salad with roasted tomatoes & warm caper dressing for her main while for me I had no option but to go for the dish that combined two of my favourite indulgences - Rolled & Roasted Pork Belly with black pudding stuffing & vegetables a la Grecque. And it was melt-in-the-mouth divine!

I should have mentioned we started with a glass of our favourite Champagne - Tattinger, and then with our mains enjoyed a glass of the Magnum Chardonnay - Cloudy Bay. Both superb.

For dessert there was a major debate as to what to order, because we normally share. Annie wanted the Hot Chocolate Fondant with biiter almond & praline ice cream while I fancied the Rhubarb Trifle - trifle of poached rhubarb, jelly, amaretti biscuit & marscapone cream.
There was no resolution so we each ordered our own preference and both decied we had made the correct descision!

$160 for the two of us and considering the quality of both food and wine, along with the gorgeous setting, and the fab service it was great value.

Congratulations to MAGNUM, welcome to the neighbourhood, we'll be back, SOON !