Phil's Kitchen - A Neighbourhood Bistro

Finally, after a couple of false starts we made it to Phil’s Kitchen in Kingsland. An early booking on a Tuesday, we had the pick of the tables. Choosing to be seated near the open kitchen; who doesn’t love a little banter with the chefs.  It was the perfect place to ogle what everyone else ordered and to also take a sneaky peak at the newly finished outdoor eating area.

Phil's Kitchen streetfront

Today’s menu, like every day is short with adventurous flavours: four entrees, four mains and three desserts – fresh local produce. We loved the little morsel of warm, salt and rosemary bread that accompanied our glass of wine. 

A little bread morsel left us wanting more

Although I would have been perfectly happy to devour two bowls of the velouté – a silky cauliflower and blue cheese concoction poured at the table over glistening golden raisins, vegetarians should mention their dietary requirements when booking.  My friend enjoyed the contrasting textures of soft moist Savoury French toast, with delicate cured ham and the crunch of bright green spring peas.

Cauliflower velouté, blue cheese, golden raisins

Savoury French toast, cured ham, spring peas, mizuna

The roast chicken breast and spring asparagus with a truffle jus came with a delightful surprise – aubergine foam.  A little something Phil decided to add after the menu was printed.  Given he was cooking less than 5 metres away he got an immediate reaction.  A rich and flavoursome jus was the perfect match for the chicken and asparagus; the soft aubergine foam a divergence in texture and taste. The white beans got high praise as a fabulous contrast to the perfectly cooked King salmon, salty pancetta, crunchy almonds and sautéed spinach too.

Roast chicken breast, spring asparagus, truffle jus with a little aubergine foam

King salmon, white beans, pancetta, almond & spinach

With an ever changing and evolving menu using seasonal produce it truly is harmony on a plate. With a relaxed welcoming service Phil’s Kitchen deserves to be revisited and next time, we’ll leave room for dessert.

• Phil’s Kitchen - 479 New North Road, Kingsland
• Open: Tues – Sat from 5pm for dinner & Thurs, Fri & Sat for a $40 lunch menu
• Bookings: ph: 09 849 7741 or email info@philskitchen.co.nz

Have a great week.

Michelle

ps it’s a small bistro so don’t forget to make a booking.