Chikos
Where? Chikos Restaurant and Cafe (Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand) Map Menu
When? Saturday September 12, 2015
Who? My family
Food Style? Pacific Rim Cuisine
Chikos is one of my favourite West Auckland eateries. They are relatively new to the scene, opening up in 2013, but have made a big impact to the cuisine on Lincoln Road, attracting foodies from all over the city. The owners, Roberto and Chiko, after whom the restaurant is named, actually used to hire suits from my parents' shop on Albert Street when Roberto worked at Sky City. We have been here several times in the past and have always enjoyed ourselves, and on this day, we are here for Khim's [redacted]th birthday.
The cuisine here is unlike many I have seen across the country. Chikos presents Pacific Rim cuisine - namely Filipino, with Japanese and French influence - with beautiful, fresh New Zealand produce on a plate. The presentation is always top-notch and the food is delicious to match - Chikos chefs have taken out the Chef of the Year award in both 2014 and 2015. The menu is ever-changing to match the seasons, and I can't stress how amazing this is. I love restaurants that take advantage of the awesome produce we have here and it shows how innovative and creative the chefs are.
I've opted for the Chef's Tasting Set Menu, which is a three course dinner.
Entree
Triology of Ora King Salmon: turmeric cured, cane sugar soy teriyaki, pickle walnut tartare, black garlic aioli, kinako cream & chili toast
Fantastic presentation, as usual. This dish is actually a competition entry, and there's no doubt as to why - there's a wonderful set of flavours on the plate, showcasing the many different aspects of salmon. There's plenty of freshness, fruits, herbs, sauces that all work together to celebrate the main protein. All the elements have been skillfully selected and purposefully put on the plate, and you can see the care and finesse and skill evident in front of you. What a lovely way to start the meal.
Mains
Lamb Shank Pochero: creme celeriac, yellow millet, bacon banana, confit brussel sprouts & garlic, apple yoghurt, pinot noir reduction
The meat is falling off the bone, as it should be, and beautifully pink. Plenty of rich flavours that the wine has brought out, the meat is succulent and juicy, and the lamb skin with potato inside is absolutely divine. I really appreciate the simple elements that help balance the dish, like the fruit, brussel sprouts and yoghurt, but wouldn't have minded a bit more of this to mellow out the jus. Another masterfully executed dish.
Dessert
Hazelnut bavaroise, salted caramel bavaroise, Sri Lankan cinnamon brulee
Very classic French desserts with wonderful creamy and chocolate flavours. The salted caramel is my favourite of the three, and the perfect balance of salty and sweet. I'm not sure what is particularly Sri Lankan about the brulee, but to me it tasted very much like an ordinary - but still very good - apple crumble.
All in all, this three course meal and complimentary sparkling wine came to $60, which is a bargain for how amazing everything was. It wouldn't be a stretch to think this was a fine dining establishment, based on the calibre of the food, but the atmosphere is so casual and warm, and the prices are very reasonable, which is very West Auckland. Highly recommended, and always such an enjoyable experience here.
Posted by Jeremy at 9:02am on Monday September 26, 2016 :: 0 comments :: 