Archived: Chef's Table at PŌNI

It’s a new era of PŌNI with Head Chef Fred Wong at the helm leading the charge along with a new and refreshed fit out.

This event for Restaurant Month is a showcase of Fred’s Cantonese upbringing and his 18-year culinary career in Japanese kitchens as he presents a nine course Japanese omakase menu that features the best New Zealand produce paired with outstanding New Zealand wines.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Fred found his way to New Zealand at the age of sixteen and landed his first ever job in the country as a kitchenhand in a Japanese restaurant in Parnell. Eager to be working, Fred recalls helping and getting involved in every part of the kitchen when needed.

He spent at least two years as kitchenhand before working his way up the ranks, training under highly experience Japanese chefs and learning the art and techniques of Japanese cuisine. It was at this point where the desire for refining his craft was ignited and he set out to travel across Europe and Asia, exploring and learning about different cuisines and cooking styles, from the intricacies of Michelin starred restaurants dishes to the simplicity of food by local street vendor. 

It is fitting now that Fred presents an omakase menu, a form of formal Japanese dining in which guests leave themselves in the hands of the chef and experience food prepared and served right before their eyes. So, keep your palate primed and taste buds ready as Fred Wong showcases his skills, intricately weaving his influences from across the world into this very special occasion for Restaurant Month 2022.

Part of Restaurant Month 2022.