End of an era for Vinnies restaurant

Owners David Griffiths and Prue Barton. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey

David Griffiths starts preparing dinner in the kitchen at Vinnies early. By two o'clock he already has a pot on the stove, rendering fat to make his confit of spiced duck leg.

A boneless veal rump defrosts on the counter and bottles of wine line the cooler outside. The latest wine-matching menu, Escape to Burgundy, is ready for its debut.

But that menu will be the last of its kind from owners Prue Barton and Mr Griffiths, who are leaving the Herne Bay location in Auckland for Sydney's vibrant restaurant scene.

"We've been here a long time," Mr Griffiths says. "They might bury us here, so it was time for a change."

For many years, Vinnie's has been considered one of New Zealand's finest restaurants, with a regular spot on most critics' top 10 lists.

It has hosted Bill Clinton, prime ministers, industry barons and media celebrities.

Now, after 16 years at the restaurant, Barton and Griffiths will pass the reins to Geoff Scott, an award-winning chef who headed the kitchen at the Hilton's White in Auckland for more than four years. They'll hand over on June 7.

In the meantime Mr Scott has left White and is travelling abroad.

"We're thrilled Geoff Scott is taking over because he's carrying on the Vinnies name," Mr Griffiths says.

He and Ms Barton will travel to Australia, where they have taken positions at Tonci Farac's Wildfire restaurant in Sydney.

Vinnies regulars shouldn't expect any drastic changes at the restaurant, says Ms Barton. "Geoff appreciates the history and the work that's gone into Vinnies," she says. "We feel there's a very similar style there."

Mr Scott will keep the name and - for a while at least - the menu. That's good news for customers addicted to the braised lamb shank.

The pair will work at Vinnies during the first week of new ownership, then Mr Scott will take full control.

 

 

BEST AND WORST MOMENTS

* Whitest Knuckle: In 1992 the BYO restaurant got its licence to serve wine. "I remember lying in bed and sweating, wondering if going licensed wasn't going to kill the business," Ms Burton said.

* Fastest Departure: A chef head-butted a waiter who brought a dish back to the kitchen after a customer complained. "I had to fire him on the spot," Mr Griffiths said.

* Most Honest Moment: A drunk employee smuggled a magnum of champagne out of the restaurant at a party, only to confess the next day.

* Worst Fire Hazard: A group dining under the wooden roof of the private Kahikatea Room held a seance, burning restaurant menus.

* Hardest Rocker: The Vinnies guest book contains "Velvet Revolver", a drawing by Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash.