Alex Isik, the restaurateur behind Nazar Group, has launched new barbecue restaurant, NOA Chargrill + Burger, at The Eatery in Eastridge, Mission Bay. Designed to showcase the best of long and slow barbecue cooking, guests are seated around an open kitchen and wood-burning fire.
The menu features dishes such as slow-cooked lamb, twice cooked Awhi Farm short ribs, Awhi Farm Tomahawk, Picanha Burger and a Chicken Mole Burger. Sides include hand-cut fries, jalapeno poppers, onion rings, corn on the cob, slaw, mixed greens and corn tortillas. The drinks list offers a range of wines, beer and non-alcoholic options. Four of the seven beers on tap have been handcrafted to match with the chargrilled dishes and burgers
The NOA kitchen team is led by head chef Daniel Castro. Originally from Mexico, Castro’s last stop before coming to New Zealand was Argentina, where he discovered his love for Latin American barbecue.
“Working with Alex has given me the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience and to be part of a new concept,” he explained. “I love the fact that customers can see the food being prepared – from start to finish – and that all meats are cooked over charcoal on the wood-fired grill. I’m excited to share my passion for one of the most amazing Patagonian methods of barbecuing food.”
NOA Chargrill + Burger is the latest addition to the Nazar Group family, one of New Zealand’s most successful and fastest growing restaurant groups. The group operates Bodrum Kitchen, Feriza’s, Miss Istanbul, Ottoman Mezze Lounge, Devon On The Wharf, Bodrum Kitchen, Deco Eatery, Casablanca and Mozaik Caffe as well.
“We have taken influences from across Latin America, North America and the Mediterranean and combined those traditional sweet, smoky flavours with our own unique approach,” Isik said. “I am delighted to share the results with Auckland.”
