A five-star restaurant with a stunning, fusion menu, the Vodka Room boasts a warm and decadent atmosphere with extraordinary service (a big thanks to our waiter, Umut), supported by a warm, hands-on owner.
The Vodka Room has a charm of its own — subdued lighting and stunning glass chandeliers, contrast against interior walls made from demolition timber from a hanger in Queenstown. The exotic and natural blend of fabrics and textures makes one reflect on the journey and will of Korean-Russian owner, Vera.
Vera is passionate about her restaurant, a driving force in designing the décor, with Stewart Harris, and selecting exquisitely coloured handmade vodka glasses and serving plates. Every detail was meticulously planned to create the unique character that is her “Vodka Room”.
ENTRÉE and MAINS
The culinary concept is shared platters. The proportions are generous, while the range of tastes and dishes reflects the owner’s heritage.
Our choices for the evening were guided in part by waiter Umut.
For our entrée we sampled from the ‘Cold Eats’ section caviar on buttered black bread; pashtet — chicken liver and truffle pate, duck fat nappe, pickled mushrooms, cranberry jam and grilled bread; and blini rolls — Russian king crab, salmon, pickled cucumber, and dill. Each was beautifully presented and matched with a vodka for my partner, Gerard, and a delightful cocktail called Anastasia — St. Germain; prosecco and lime for me.
Our mains were from the ‘Warm Eats’ section. Pelmeni — steamed pork and kimchi dumpling, chill, chives (6 pieces); vareniki — pan fried potato and cheese dumplings (6), crispy onions, drizzled with truffle butter and herbs; and shashlik, a char-grilled spiced skewer of pork with baby onions, bay leaf and Russian ketchup, succulent and mouth-watering in equal measure. Hard to pick a favorite here.
DESSERT
Umut, persuaded us to try dessert, recommending the kefir and honey pana cotta and the sour cream mousse with black Russian jelly, caramelised walnuts, and tonka bean. This second desert was truly exquisite!
DRINKS
Gerard chose to have a Russian vodka which was served in a beautiful, chilled red glass, while I opted for a cocktail of elderflower, prosecco, and lime. From the well-planned wine list we went for a pinot noir.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
There are three rooms upstairs for cocktail evenings and private functions, with a setup for karaoke, perfect as a wedding venue, hens’- and birthday parties and of course for corporate functions.
THREE ROOMS UPSTAIRS you can book for your next CELEBRATION
- Rose Room — function room and the largest of the rooms upstairs (with its own bar), it’s suitable for up to 60 people.
- Kalashnikov Room — the smallest private dining/karaoke room, you’ll remember it for the red and black interior and Kalashnikovs adorning the walls (6-12 people).
- Bear Room — a mid-size option for 12-20 guests.
VODKA ROOM
5 Rose Road, Ponsonby | 09 360 50 50 | privet@vodkaroom.co.nz
