• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

4 July 2012

A new restaurant serves an antipodean take on southern American and New Orleans’ style cuisine.

With an emphasis on the freewheeling attitudes of a libertine, Victoria Park Market’s newest establishment is living up to expectations with its unrestrained attitude to indulging in good food and drinks.

The well stocked bar has a strong emphasis on American whiskey and rum and includes an array of rare tipples you’re not likely to find elsewhere. Amongst them is the new to New Zealand Rhum Agricole. Described as the purest expression of rum on earth, Agricole is a product specifically from the French territories of the Caribbean that follows similar stringent French production processes as that of champagne and cognac. Made from freshly pressed sugar cane juice, rather than the typical molasses, ensures that the rhum retains more of the original flavour of the cane juice.

The expert bar staff make delicious concoctions from these rare spirits, including the perennial favourite – a classic mint julep, a deliciously refined strawberry daiquiri, or the Green Fairy – which includes a splash or two of the oh-so-dangerous Czech Absinthe for those who’re feeling a little more loose.

Accompanying the array of cocktails is an extensive menu that can be ordered from at any time of the day. Inspired by a recent visit to New Orleans, head chef Al White, has taken influence from the food he enjoyed while there. The result is a menu that references New Orleans and Southern style cuisine with an antipodean twist.

Jalapeno corn bread, Jambalaya arancini, and crab cakes with smoked chipotle crème fraiche are a great way to kick off the evening. Followed by something fresh off the rotisserie, where the offering changes everyday. Monday is sweet-spiced duck, Thursday is goat shoulder served with creamy caraway polenta and thyme jus, and on Sunday they serve a leg of lamb with olive gnocchi and rosemary jus.

Libertine is a welcome addition to the Auckland dining scene. It’s the perfect spot for mid-afternoon weekend get togethers where you can enjoy cocktails and food anywhere, anytime.