PHOTOGRAPHY BY
anna kidman
6 March 2012
bird on a wire
We test out Ponsonby Road’s new kid on the block and discover some of the best tasting free range rotisserie chicken in town.
We’ve been hot on the heels of this new opening for a while. A little bird (as it would so have it) gave us word late last year that there was to be a gourmet free-range rotisserie taking over the space where iconic late-night burger joint Nina’s resided on Ponsonby Road. The promise of free-range, home-style rotisserie chicken had all of a sudden left us with a sudden dissatisfaction of the take-out offerings around Auckland. Since then, we’ve waited somewhat impatiently, for this new local eatery to open its doors.
Needless to say, we are now very pleased to inform you, that this little bird, ‘Bird on a Wire’ will be officially open for business as of this coming Monday. We ventured out for a sneak preview of the menu offerings. There are times when you need to refuel or grab a quick bite without having to settle for ‘fast food’. Bird on a Wire is set to change such notions. Approaching their food using traditional rotisserie and home-style cooking methods with a Vietnamese inspired spin, the menu offers up fresh, gourmet rotisserie chicken and salads for both dining in and taking out. It’s unfussy and simple fare that is deliciously tasty and far more virtuous than your average take-out meal –what’s not to love about beautifully prepared rotisserie chicken? We’re yet to find an establishment that strikes the same balance between takeout and home cooking – but Bird on a Wire appear to have nailed it.
The locally sourced free-range rotisserie chickens (served natural or with a baste) are available in quarter, half and whole combination potions with a variety of delectable freshly made salads and bread to accompany. A selection of sandwiches are also on offer, including the unique Bañh mi chicken roll – consisting of pulled chicken, handmade pâté, carrot, coriander and Vietnamese dressing (A Bird on a Wire special that deserves a notable shout out); and of course, these essential guilty pleasures, like the chicken burger and grilled cheese sandwich. We almost wish they also hadn’t included the beer batter chips on the menu, served with delicious Harissa mayonnaise, as they are near impossible to resist.
After sampling the menu (rather thoroughly too we might add) we suspect it’s going to be hard to go back to the kitchen again to master our own rotisserie skills. For now, we’ll be leaving it to the experts.
