New Auckland Restaurant Salutes Great Local Cuisine

 Small plates are the plat du jour in the nation’s eateries. Now, new Auckland restaurant Tin Soldier takes the concept of simple, small dishes to delicious new heights.

 The Ponsonby Road restaurant is officially open and serving superbly crafted plates of great locally-sourced and inspired cuisine.

Co-owner and Manager Amanda Williams says the new restaurant has “life and energy”.

“It's a spot for social dining and we've tried to give it a homely feel, as if you're in your friend's dining room rather than a restaurant.

“The staff are all passionate and knowledgeable about what we're serving. The service is friendly and efficient and the menu is too - you can march in for a snack or a full meal and come away with change in your pocket.

"Chef Steve Smith and his team have created a menu we think will appeal to a wide range of diners.”

The menu includes small and large plates ranging in price from $9 to $30 as well as oysters, charcuterie, desserts and cheeses. Small plates include dishes such as sardines, soy-glazed pig’s cheek, spanner crab, fish pie, crispy school prawns and smoked market fish wings.

Amanda and business partner and co-owner Mike Marshall have extensive experience in hospitality and say there’s a definite shift towards a more informal approach to dining.

“Casual dining is becoming more popular in Auckland as people seek options for every night of the week,” says Mike. "We’re sure Tin Soldier will be a fine addition to the already vibrant Ponsonby – and Auckland – dining scenes."

The restaurant features a full wine list with a focus on New Zealand wines, an international selection of sparkling wine and champagne, and an impressive line-up of local craft beers.

Luke Dallow’s new Ponsonby-produced Dedwood Brewery beer is available on tap with a new brew featuring each week - the first available being Indian Pale Ale.

Jason Naylor, Independent Liquor trade marketing manager for beer, says the company is chuffed to be involved in the new restaurant: “It's a great spot and Mike has put a lot of work and passion in to the design of the restaurant. It really does have that home-away-from-home feel and we see this as the perfect pairing for some of our exceptional craft beers.”

Marshall is an architect by trade and has had his hand in designing more than 175 bars and restaurants around the world during the past 10 years. Tin Soldier, he says, combines the best of what he loves in an eatery with tables for two through to communal tables for groups. The décor is simple with a kiwi flavour, exposed wood, touches of steel and wide windows to capture the sun.

Award-winning hospitality leader Luke Dallow has recently joined the team as a mentor and brings to Tin Soldier his 22 years of experience in the industry.

“I’m stoked to have a brilliant new eatery next door to Chapel Bar & Bistro. Restaurants make great neighbours and I’m particularly proud of this one. We’ve had a lot of fun developing the menu – one we think will make people smile with nostalgia. Sardines on toast and fish pie – like grandma used to make, but better - sorry, Gran.”

Tin Soldier is open Tuesday-Wednesday from 4pm, and Thursday-Sunday from 11.30am. Call 09-378 1719 for bookings or visit www.thetinsoldier.co.nz to view the full menu.