Eating in the private function space at Metita is like dinner in your boss's dining room, but the food is actually good.

Or so one of my guests remarked as I hosted colleagues and stakeholders recently for a BusinessDesk strategy session of sorts.

Corporate functions can be a tricky feat. Summoning people to eat with you and interact with people outside their day-to-day workflow requires a thoughtful approach.  

Fortunately for us, the fabulous food at Metita made it an easy occasion.   

Compliments of Metita owner SkyCity, BusinessDesk hosted eight guests sampling the $85 three-course sharing menu. 

This is the lowest price point, with four- and six-course sharing menus at $110 and $140 per person respectively.

As we sat down, one of the guests recalled the last planning session she’d attended in the space involved whiteboards and highlighters.

This was a bit less structured.

Our evening began with the briefest of histories from our host, who explained Metita was the brainchild of Michael Meredith (of The Grove and Vinnies fame, but more recently Mr Morris) and named after his mother.

The function room is chic and homely, enveloped in dark wooden panels and starring a Pasifika-inspired artwork by Amanda Stowers of Masina Creative.

It can host up to 24 but didn’t feel empty as the eight of us sat in the middle of the large dining table.

The group was a mix of managers, external writers and other stakeholders in various parts of BusinessDesk’s mothership NZME.

Some had not met each other before – so cocktail choosing was a great, erm, icebreaker.

I sampled The Island Lychee, which is a twist on the Gibson Cocktail as it comes with not quite a lychee but a cousin of sorts, a longan. But don’t be confused by the suggestion of savoury – this was a beautifully sweet but refreshing cocktail.

My colleague sampled the East Pacific Rise, a habanero chilli margarita, which definitely had all the bite it promised.

Another had the Five Yellow Stars pina colada, which she described as perfectly balanced, served with a generous piece of pineapple and a fresh banana-leaf garnish, adding to the refreshing island vibe.

A rum expresso martini called Danger on the Okuk was gratefully received, I was told. Metita’s drinks list is extensive and catered for beer drinkers and red-wine lovers in equal measure.

Well fed 

The lamb shank was easily the dish of the evening (Image: Supplied)


Food service began with a plump and meaty natural oyster, which was delicately balanced with hibiscus vinegar and lemon oil.

Next came a lovely albeit slightly overcooked pork belly wrapped in a shiso leaf (also known as perilla for the gardeners): some devoured it by hand, while others took a more civilised route.

We also sampled the kingfish with tamarind, mandarin, tomato jelly and shiso. A more mature palate might have picked up the fruits, but never mind, fish is best underdressed in my view. Tomato jelly sounds a bit random but was a nice accompaniment.

So’e, or squid, was served with paneer cheese and burned orange. Never would I imagine this combination of flavours but they came together well.

There was also roasted carrot, which I only remembered after glancing at the menu afterwards.

The star of the show had to be the tender lamb shanks – which came in a spicy coconut gravy, basically a rendang, with breadfruit, which I had never tried before but was sort of like a potato but nicer and more textured.

We were also served woodfired duck breast served with witloof – a sharp endive. The duck was perfectly cooked with a delectable smokey flavour and nicely balanced with sweet pineapple.

Let’s not forget the dessert—Pacifik Koko, a decadent treat of chocolate, turmeric and tipolo that left a lasting impression. It’s rare to find a dessert that feels indulgent yet fresh and vibrant all at once.

Sitting for three hours next to someone you’ve only ever had one meeting with, or have emailed countless times but never properly “hung out” with could never be a chore with Metita’s innovative menu and fresh flavours.

By the end of the session we’d discussed everything from feature series ideas and marketing plans to how to buy a pinball machine online.

Within the setting of fine food and plenty of drinks, great ideas flowed and connections were made.  

We’ll be back.

 

Metita at SkyCity
90 Federal St

Opening hours:
Dinner Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm-9.30pm. 

Bar Monday-Friday, from 8am. Saturday, from 3pm.