SPQR

Senatus Populusque Romanus. Julius Caesar would be proud of this establishment. Located at the suburb of Ponsonby in Auckland, SPQR is one of those places that simply doesn't disappoint. With a causal dresscode, warm and relaxed atmosphere serving up excellent Italian/European cuisine. For Primi (starters), I ordered the sauteed scallops on pasta. Pasta was al-dante and the scallops done just right, with a rich garlicky sauce completing the dish. Secondi (mains) was the SPQR seafood paella, a house specialty. Despite the name of the dish (which one normally associate with Spain), when it arrived in front of me, it absolutly wowed and stood out. Generous amounts of shellfish - at least half a dozen mussels and what seemed like 2 dozen cockles (clams), with prawns, scallops, fish pieces, squid, and thinly sliced chorizo sausages on a bed of rich tomato and saffron brothed risotto. 2 thick pieces of garlic bread accompanied the dish which is perfect to mop up the remaining broth/juices with. To finish the meal, our whole table shared a cheese platter with 4 cheeses (St.Agur (blue), Taleggio (soft), Manchego (hard) and Chevre (goat cheese)) with the corresponding garnish and fruit pieces. A hit of espresso (short black) later... and I am all done. Despite this being a busy Friday night, the service was friendly and attentive, and the wait staff definately knows the menu inside out (when I enquired about the specials). Service is definately top notch here. I envy the Romans for eating this well.