Surf’s Up

Saltwater Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar is slated to open late October (artist’s impression, above). Owners Nick Potts of Solera and Jay Thomas want it to be about great food and wine at an affordable price point, so there are fish and chips and bowls of Coromandel mussels, as well as more luxe offerings, such as Singapore Chilli mud crab, and oysters and sashimi from the raw bar. The seafood boil is inspired by an American crawfish boil — seafood and veges are cooked together, infusing all the flavours, then strained and tipped onto the table to share. Plus, there are hot and cold seafood platters, and paella for two (and yes, some non-seafood options). The enticing margarita menu and spritz choices are bound to be summer hits too.

203 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui (former Mexicali Fresh site) saltwaterseafood.co.nz