The French Café officially changed ownership at the beginning of September with leading restaurateurs Sid and Chand Sahrawat given the keys to the famed fine dining establishment and adding it to their collection of award-winning restaurants. The restaurant’s menu changes over from today, although all pricing and menu options remain the same.
The new menu is described as the perfect marriage of old and new, with nods to The French Café’s famous favourites sitting alongside the innovative fare for which Sid’s other restaurants are known. The flavours of the famous beetroot and goat’s cheese, for example, will be referenced in a new dish, while a confit duck leg creation will see the duck cooked in the same way as before, but married with flavours from Sid’s repertoire.
Taking over the reins of The French Café from previous owners Simon Wright and Creghan Molloy-Wright, Sid said he and Chand are well aware of the 35-year legacy they’re inheriting.
“The French Café has been an Auckland icon for many years now, and we’re really excited about being the new caretakers of this jewel in the city’s fine dining crown,” he said. “We know we’ve got really big shoes to fill here, but we’re looking forward to that challenge.”
Sid said the updated menu will appeal to long-time patrons of both The French Café and Sidart, as well as new customers.
“We’re looking forward to creating these reinvented classics for loyal French Café customers, as well as delighting the diners who’ve grown to love the ever-changing contemporary cuisine at Sidart,” he said.
Sid will also be supported by The French Café’s excellent existing staff, as well as long-time colleague Lesley Chandra, has assumed the role of executive chef.
And it will be business as usual, with Sid at The French Café sticking with the same opening hours i.e. Tuesdays through Saturdays for dinner and lunch on Fridays with bookings available for the restaurant, private cellar and The French Kitchen.
