For a short time only, First Mates, Last Laugh is serving a crayfish roll worth rearranging your plans for. It is the sort of limited offering that doesn’t linger; some dishes are better left as a fleeting indulgence.
Arguably one of our most beloved kaimoana, crayfish, is a sort of local delicacy that’s rarely treated with this kind of ease. More often reserved for indulgent long lunches and special occasions. But for a limited time, the clever chefs at First Mates, Last Laugh have made it something that’s generous, unfussy, and designed to be eaten with your hands.
The crayfish roll delivers exactly what it promises. A soft, pillowy bun packed with sweet crayfish meat, sharpened with chilli-lime mayo and finished with a glossy hit of lemon butter. It is rich without being overworked, indulgent without tipping into excess. A side of crisps adds crunch, though the focus never strays far from the main event.
For those inclined to lean all the way in, there is the option to add a tin of caviar. If you’re going to go, you may as well go all the way, as they say.
Set within Westhaven Marina, First Mates, Last Laugh knows how to frame a moment. As autumn draws the light out longer and softer, the pull toward the water becomes harder to ignore. Here, sunsets land properly, cocktails arrive cold, and seafood does exactly what it should.
And while you’re there, it would be silly to ignore Bluff oysters, which are currently in season and, in very short supply. Like the crayfish roll, they reward those who get in early.
Whether it is an after-work detour that turns into an evening, or a deliberate booking to chase the last of the season’s golden light, this is one to act on. The crayfish roll will not be around for long, and missing it would be irresponsible.
