Oyster and Chop replaces the not-very-lamented Foodstore, a restaurant aimed at people who wanted to eat their dinner in a souvenir shop. I reviewed it in 2011, probably the most critical review I’ve ever had to write. This took some bravery given that the owner is Julie Christie, the most powerful woman in New Zealand television, and I guess nobody will ever know if this is the real reason Colin Mathura-Jeffree nuzzled me out of the hosting job for NZ’s Hottest Home Baker.
Her new restaurant is much better, and I’m not just saying that in case she decides to crank up Celebrity Treasure Island again. The idea is simpler, the food is excellent and the waitstaff are handsome and helpful. The worst you can say is that they’ve lifted too much from Jervois Steak House — not just some of the staff but the menu format, plating and presentation.