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Published 3 years ago

Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland

Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Where the Chefs Eat – Tommy Hope of Sid at the French Cafe, Auckland
Lilian, Grey Lynn·Photo: Wono Kim
The head chef shares his go-to spots when he’s off the clock, including “the best ramen in Auckland – hands down”, and the nostalgic Kiwi ice-cream that’s been a favourite since childhood.

· Updated on 13 Apr 2023 · Published on 10 Apr 2023

Tommy Hope, head chef at Sid at The French cafe , has quite the culinary CV. He returned to Auckland last year from Melbourne where he worked at (now-closed) Town Mouse and fine-dining restaurant Attica, among others. Broadsheet asked this born-and-bred Aucklander where he likes to eat when he’s not at work.

We’re sure you’ve been checking out lots of great places since you returned for good. Where is your go-to for dinner with a group of friends?
Lilian in Grey Lynn – the flatbread is excellent. Having Mondays off makes eating out a little harder, so a casual wine and a few small plates on a Monday with some good friends there is a nice way to end my weekend.

What about a quick takeout?
Chop Chop in Ponsonby Central for the 12-hour organic beef brisket ramen, it’s definitely the best ramen in Auckland – hands down.

Favourite bakery?
La Voie Française on Dominion Road for the croque monsieur, but honestly everything here is a winner. I grew up around Mount Eden and this place has been kicking goals consistently for decades.

Where would you go for a special occasion?
Mr Morris in Britomart. I went there recently with my partner Claire, and we took a seat at the bar. We were spoiled with crazy delicious food and wine, and had this dish of charcoal-grilled quail and mandarin that blew our socks off.

What’s your pick for a long lunch with wine?
Apero on K’ Road. We were lucky to grab a table a while back with our team from Sid at The French Cafe and Cassia, and had a few wines and bites. They had this truffle cheese toastie on at the time which was just epic.

What’s your pick for a great casual venue?
Gochu in Commercial Bay. I love that charred chicken with gochujang, comte cheese and leek sauce. It comes out on a sizzling plate with the sauce poured tableside.

What’s your pick for sweets?
Actually, it would have to be a Tip Top Choc Bar ice-cream from the dairy! I’ve been eating them since I was a kid and I love them.

Your local pick?
That’s tough – I have more than one. My two favourites would have to be Omni on Dominion Road for the skewers – we went in for a quick bite and ordered the whole menu. The chicken skewers cooked over coals, and a raw snapper dish with wasabi peas, [makrut] lime oil and white bean cream are killer. We had a couple of glasses of Saison vermouth too. It’s a buzzing little spot with a cool vibe. My second local pick would be Ooh-Fa , right next door. Their tomato, garlic, oregano pizza (splash out for the stracciatella add-on) is potentially the best pizza I’ve ever had. It’s a woodfired pizza oven so you get this charred light crust, and it’s heavy on flavour.

And your favourite coffee spot?
Pastrami & Rye in Ellerslie – great coffee. We often drop by on Sunday mornings and grab a coffee and a sandwich (or three) and walk our dog, Zahk. The Cuban sandwich is great – generous on the meat and always consistent. Service is always friendly too.

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