Award-Winning chef Dominique Parat opens 'Mekong Baby' in AK

Award-Winning chef Dominique Parat opens modern Southeast Asian restaurant in Ponsonby.

Dominique Parat, founder of longtime favourites Banque in Remuera and GPK in Ponsonby, has transformed the latter space and turned it into a new modern Southeast Asian restaurant.

Launching tonight, Mekong Baby takes diners on an adventurous tour down the Mekong River, offering sophisticated, authentic Southeast Asian flavours and a mixology of spices.

“I was inspired by travels to Vietnam and my best friend in Phnom Penh, Cambodia,” says Parat.

“Every dish has unique, intensified flavour profiles and is made from the absolutely freshest produce.

Signature dishes include Raw Kingfish, Green Nam Jim, Coconut and Basil; Pork Belly, Apple Slaw and Chilli Caramel; Green Fish Curry, Okra, Choy Sum; and Coconut Sago, Vanilla Ice Cream and Puffed Wild Rice.” The cocktails are equally extraordinary, with fresh ingredients and imaginative infusions incorporating spice and exotic flavours.

The lavish interior, designed by Parat and his partner Katherine Heatley, captures the spirit of Hoi An, a small French colonial village in Vietnam.

“Mekong Baby has the luxurious ambience of Indochina, contrasted with a modern take on dining,” says Heatley.

“There are several intimate areas that create individual experiences for guests.

The deep red Opium Room has a fireplace, rich blue velvet banquet seating and a handmade Japanese organic poppy lamp that gives the room a warm, almost surreal glow.

Another room, called Ms M, features a hand painted fire tree mural, and we have a private function area upstairs that seats 30.” Mekong Baby, 262 Ponsonby Road, Auckland.

mekongbaby.com.

Open 12pm until late.

ENDS

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