Gymkhana at 110 Ponsonby Road lifts quality and service
Venkat Raman
Auckland, April 21, 2021
In more ways than one, the opening of Gymkhana Indian Eatery and Bar in Central Auckland is a celebration of Indian culinary art, for, with an unheard of variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, it is set to become the premier dining destination in New Zealand.
The Restaurant, which opened with drinks and dinner for invited guests on Sunday, April 11, 2021, has been in the making for almost a year, with its Owner-Director Ravi Singh working meticulously at every detail, from the menu to the signage, to ensure that everything conforms to his avowed principle of quality of product and service.
Expression of confidence
Among the special guests at the event were Members of Parliament Melissa Lee (National List), Helen White (Labour List), former MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, National Party President Peter Goodfellow Auckland City Counsellor Desley Simpson, suppliers, and others who helped shape the restaurants.
They said, “For diners who look out for a quality restaurant within the reach of their home or office, Gymkhana in Auckland’s busiest district will be a source of endearment, ambience and great food. While the hospitality industry is among the worst affected by Covid-19, it is heartening to see confidence that entrepreneurs have in themselves and in the market. With professional chefs and qualified and well-trained staff, this restaurant brand will become very popular,” they said.
Professional and Committed
Ravi is not a newcomer to the restaurant industry; there was a time when his Raviz Restaurant chain stretched from the Whangaparaoa Peninsula in the North to Papakura in the South in Auckland and to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands before he began to consolidate and diversify his business interests. Raviz Restaurant on Hobson Street is an icon in the Central Business District, continuing to attract New Zealanders and foreign tourists, notwithstanding the disruptions caused by public works.
Inspired by the ‘Gymkhana’ concept, a series of elite Clubs located in major Indian cities, Ravi has created a Restaurant to reflect his penchant for high quality food, supported by unsurpassed service, both of which were evident at the inaugural dinner.
“Like the elite clubs, Gymkhana on Ponsonby will be the venue for people to socialise, eat and drink. Gymkhana offers a very high standard of urban and retro style contemporary Indian Cuisine,” he said.
Evocative thought and feel
From a quite dining of a couple to a large gathering of more than 150, Gymkhana offers an ambiance that makes it a unique restaurant.
“Gymkhana offers two distinctive feels with the ground floor and bar resplendent with tones of forest green, polished timber floor and rich printed fabrics. The interior is reminiscent of the residential mansions of Calcutta (Kolkata), the City of Joy,” Ravi said.
From starters and entrees that include kebabs, salads, soups and a host of other seafood, meat, chicken and vegetarian dishes, to the main course that comes with an ever-expanding variety of lamb, meat, chicken, fish and items that please strict vegetarians, Gymkhana is set to become the obvious choice of diners.
Those out for a quick bite and those who have time to unwind, relax, converse and eat at leisure, Restaurant offers convenient opening hours (Monday to Thursday 11.30 am to 1030 pm; Friday to Sunday 11.30 am to 11.30 pm).
Extensive and Exquisite
With more than 150 dishes ranging from ‘Urban Style Appetizers,’ ‘Signature,’ ‘Grilled,’ to Chicken, Lamb, Fish, Prawn and an extensive selection of vegetarian dishes, diners will be spoilt for choice. The Restaurant also offers Indo-Chinese dishes.
As well as dine-in, Gymkhana offers takeaway (including online orders) and outdoor catering services. Here is a sample of the extensive and exquisite Menu:
Urban Style Appetizers include Golgappa Shots (Classic Jaljeera and Potato), Sliced Tequila and Avocado, Beetroot Cutlets, Prawn Koliwada (Popcorn style Prawn Fritters, Aioli Sauce), Patiala Fried Chicken Wings (Masala, Lemon, Dips), Calcutta Cutlets, Bhel (Rice Flakes, Sprouts, Peanuts, Roasted Cashews, Dressings), Dahi Kachori (Spicy Mint Chutney, Yogurt, Tamarind Sauce, Sev) and Pink Snapper (Coconut Broth, Crispy Ginger Garlic Dressing).
The ‘Signature’ range covers Bill Goan Fish Curry, Chicken Sizzler, Duck Vindaloo, Methi Gosht (Breast Lamb, Fenugreek Powder, Red Wine).
Among the Grilled delicacies are Tiger Prawn, Bengali Mustard Fish, Feta Malai Kebab, Lamb Racks, Whole Chicken (Goan-style roasted in a Charcoal Tandoor) and Salmon.
The Vegetarian segment accounts for quick bites such as Samosa, Onion Bhaji Vegetable Assorted Pakoras Mushroom Fry, Tandoori Paneer (Cottage Cheese Cubes marinated secretly and cooked in tandoor oven) and Vegetarian Platter.
The Mains provide several curries, rice and other dishes. These include traditional food such as Dahl Makhani, Yellow Dahl Tarka, Vegetable Jalfrezi, Malai Kofta, Shahi Paneer, Chana Masala, Aloo Gobi, Karahi Paneer, Methi Matar Paneer, Mattar Mushroom Masala as well many other special items.
There is a large selection of Appetizers, while the Chicken section offers several variations.
The Gymkhana Secret
Ravi is proud of the innovative delicacies introduced by the Head Chief, which included Prawn Curry and Calcutta Butter Chicken.
“The Gymkhana Secret will tickle the palate of every diner. Included in our Secret Formula are Googley Korma, Chicken Mushroom Peas Masala, Fenugreek Chicken, Mango Chicken and Googley Masala. There are many dishes which will introduced from time to time,” he said.
Chicken Tikka, Lamb Seekh Kebab, Malai Chicken Tikka, Chicken Lollipop, Tandoori Chicken (Full and Half), Gymkhana Mixed Sizzler, Gymkhana Non-Vegetarian Platter are among the items that will attract regular clientele.
Appeasing environment
Ravi said, “Indian hospitality, combined with exquisite cuisine and extensive variety, has been a source of impeccable flavour for New Zealanders and an appeasing environment and personalised service enhance the traditional value.”
Pictures by Dharmesh Parikh and from Facebook. The above story has been sponsored by
