Last Night's Dinner - The Dom Perignon Room, Clooney

Auckland fine dining restaurant Clooney creates an intimate, one-of a kind eating experience with its new private dining area, The Dom Perignon Room.

Place: The Dom Perignon Room, a brand new private dining room at Auckland fine dining restaurant, Clooney. Seating 16, and complete with state of the art Gaggenau kitchen equipment, the room is set up to offer guests the ultimate intimate dining experience.

People: Clooney owner, Tony Stewart has a sparkling team of talented chefs, front of house staff and wine experts. The Dom Perignon Room is a chance to watch head chef Des Harris prepare dinner in front of your eyes. He's joined by experienced Sommelier, Gary Olasz, set to be a rising star in his field. 

Decor: Gothic, sumptuous and dark. The interior feels like a fashion designer's inner-city apartment, thanks to a simple kitchen area centred around a large granite workbench, with stainless steal Gaggenau ovens set into the walls. Walk past the chef to enter the dining room, which is lit with a soft golden wash thanks to lamp shades coated in layers of gold spray paint, and comprises of one large table, surrounded by Smoke Dining Armchairs by Maarten Baas. The video below illustrates the unusual process undertaken to create each chair. Locally designed crockery by Peter Colis and crisp glassware complete the polished and luxurious aesthetic. 

On the menu: 5 course degustations, tailored by you and the chef. We sampled a magnificent duck dish, which was prepared sous-vide, ensuring each bite was as tender as the last. Paired with deep-fried blood pudding (not for the faint hearted, but absolutely delicious), horopito seasoning and crispy cabbage - it was a beautifully rich and mouth-watering dish.  

In the wine glass: A dedicated cabinet is built into the wall of the dining room, containing a fine selection of Clooney's 400 odd different labels, chosen for their unique qualties by Gary Olasz. Wine matching is tailored to the menu created by Des to create a harmonious eating experience. 

Go tomorrow: For a special occasion with a large group of friends to indulge and celebrate. 

Open: By reservation, which can be made by enquiring online here, or by calling +64 9 358 1702

Address: 33 Sale Street Freemans Bay, Auckland, New Zealand.