Restaurant La Marée, helmed by Michelin starred Chef Marc de Passorio has opened at the new-look Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour.
The new restaurant sees Chef Marc team up with Kiwi MasterChef winner Tim Read, bringing to the foodie landscape top New Zealand seafood and produce with French culinary techniques.
Marc and Tim are renowned for their culinary passion, with the duo focused on ensuring guests’ experience premier New Zealand produce cooked in a respectful way.
‘La Marée’ translates to ‘the tides’, representing the restaurant’s viaduct locale and the constant flow of tidal waters mirrors the ever-changing seasonal dishes the chefs create.
“New Zealand’s fresh seafood and produce offering is très magnificent. We’ve had a great time collaborating and perfecting our first menu,” says Chef Marc.
Signature dishes featured on the premier menu include: Bouillabaisse a la Marseillaise; Crayfish Flambé with Thomson Whiskey & Barley Miso Risotto; Scallops grilled on lava stone and smoked with balsamic, beetroot, pomegranate, lemon caviar, horopito; and Lobster bisque with Espelette pepper, lobster ravioli, coriander and deer milk.
Chef Marc moved to New Zealand in 2018 and has found home. He was commissioned to open Harbour Society at SO/ Auckland, and recently collaborated with Sofitel Wellington on a showcase “Wellington on a Plate” event.
“Eight years ago, I visited Aotearoa and fell completely in love with the country – the people, freedom, beautiful fresh air and the scenery. I knew I would end up here one day. I really felt this place was somewhere special,” says Chef Marc.
Kiwi born Tim Read has had a long time passion for food. He was the first winner of MasterChef in 2015, subsequently publishing recipe book Gather sharing his love of fishing, hunting and gathering. Chef Tim previously worked in the kitchen three Michelin-Starred Maaemo in Oslo, Norway before returning to New Zealand and joining Chef Marc at La Maree.
“Chef Marc has spent many years cooking in one of the most beautiful regions in France, known for its fresh and seasonal produce. I’m looking forward to collaborating with him, seeing how his mind works, with New Zealand’s best ingredients”, says Chef Read.
With an elite waterside location in the Viaduct, La Maree has a refined atmosphere to suit occasions of note; be it a celebration, engagement or rendezvous.
La Maree is open daily with lunch service 12pm – 3pm and evening 6pm – 10.30pm. www.lamareerestaurant.com
