New Dune appears

 

Goodbye Smashed Pipi, hello The Dune.

Fairly recent arrivals on the local restaurant scene, partners Lloyd Rooney and Mike Fraser will soon complete the trifecta of eateries adding The Dune to their other two establishments: The Quay at Whangarei’s waterfront, and the Waipu Cove Cafe.

The completely refurbished restaurant bistro offers indoor/outdoor dining from morning coffee to evening meals and everything in between, and easy parking.

“It’s been a big undertaking,” admits Lloyd, who started by stripping and gutting the building but says it has been enjoyable and gone without a hitch. “It’s all about prioritising, delegating and getting the best people for the job,” he says having stepped sideways from hands-on to more of a general manager role.

He was also complimentary of his dealings with the Kaipara District Council who, he adds, “seemed keen to support new development and innovation in Mangawhai.”

“We are thrilled with the way The Dune has come up,” he says. “It’s an iconic building and it makes its own atmosphere being that it is anything but your usual rectangular shape with open areas and also intimate corners.”

New wooden floors look fabulous he says and the new upstairs dining area “will blow you away.” The new layout will allow for private functions to be held while not interfering with usual public dining areas.

The Dune will open seven days a week from Wednesday November 16, 9am till late, and with a menu to suit all tastes – rotisserie, smoker, grill and wood-fired pizza, platters and sharing options for family dining plus a side dish of live music over the holiday period.

With three establishments on the go, Lloyd estimates there could be up to one hundred staff employed at the height of summer.

But wait, there’s more. The partners have also recently bought the Vege Shack at Maungakaramea, south-west of Whangarei. Run by Mike, the four greenhouses plus outside acreage will provide all veges and greens for the three restaurants. Overall a big operation, but there is undoubted commitment to good food and good service from experienced chefs and dedicated staff.

THE DUNE: Under reconstruction last month, The Dune will create its own identity.