Hectors at the Heritage Auckland for World Vegetarian Day

I took my omnivore husband to Hectors for their 3 course World Vegetarian Day menu and was hoping to impress him. I know much of my food preparation is unlikely to convert anyone! It took me two decades to convert from Vegetarian to Vegan, and that was two years ago. The promise of three exquisite courses served in a top Auckland hotel seemed a meal made in heaven to me.

Dining at the Heritage in the city on World Vegetarian Day during the Rugby World Cup was quite an event. City streets were closed and busy with flag bearing rugby supporters. Not nearly the crowds as were present for the opening ceremony though. As we arrived at the Heritage we noticed sirens and police motorcycles closing the roads. This was explained by a bus containing the English rugby team leaving the building, they were due to play at Eden Park at 8.30.

The entrée was a plate of tasty bits, the eggplant quenelle on focaccia being particularly delicious, as were the selection of fresh herbs it arrived with. We both selected the mushroom and beancurd wrap instead of the polenta for our main course. It was fantastic, although my partner thought it was a bit on the heavy side. This is probably due to the extra two helpings of freshly baked bread he availed himself of at the time!

It was dessert I’d been waiting for and I wasn’t disappointed. Chocolate mousse, mandarin sorbet, berry coulis heaven. So I put it to him: is he tempted to convert? The response: well this is very good, but it can’t always be five star dining can it? Very true.

All in all it was a very pleasant albeit expensive evening, enjoyed by both of us. Most tables were full, including three sizeable groups and at least one celebrity face. Staff were friendly and attentive, plentiful yet a bit rushed off their feet. All diners heads were turned to the TV as Tonga beat France! The next match, England vs Scotland, was well underway by the time we left. Town was vibrant on the walk to the car, plenty of ecstatic Tongan fans and quite a few English flags flying too.