It's now just a few days until Kiwis can once again outsource dinner preparation to the hospitality sector and it's fair to say many of us are going a little mad with excitement.
The Prime Minister announced that from April 28, food delivery and drive-thru services would be allowed again in New Zealand. While this conjures images of endless boxes of KFC, some of the city's most elite restaurants are taking advantage of the move, too.
Instead of donning a sports jacket or heels, you can now fine dine in your loungewear in front of the telly.
Personally I think the value in these restaurants is getting dressed up, driving there and documenting the whole thing on Instagram. But if you're in the mood to splurge on a pricey dinner, here are the top three most extra picks.
Pasture
Repeated annual winner of 'Restaurant of the Year', Parnell fine-dining location Pasture has launched a new 'Pasture Pantry' delivery service, so you can whip up your own award-winning degustation delight in your kitchen. The description of the main Pasture Pantry box - which is a mere $420 - has to be seen to be believed.
"Sourced for uniqueness and quality, items include such offerings as live lobster, seasonal bluff oysters, fresh wasabi root, chef’s critically-acclaimed 120-day-aged New Zealand Wagyu, Pasture's aged butter, and of course, our sourdough bread."
That's right - a live lobster, so you too can recreate that infamous scene from Julie and Julia.
Sid at the French Cafe
If you've always dreamed of being let behind that bland Eden Terrace wall to see the treasures that lie within the French Cafe, you're going to be waiting a little while longer. In the meantime, the restaurant is offering delivery and takeaway options throughout level 3. Some of the menu delights include Coq au Vin with roast potatoes, bacon and mushrooms, and beef bourguignon with truffle fries, red wine and onions. There's also a dessert menu that's the stuff of dreams. Bon appetit!
Jervois Steak house
The home of the best steak I've ever eaten in my life, Jervois Steak House announced this week they're "turning the grills back on". Have you ever heard sexier words spoken? The Ponsonby stalwart has a new contactless takeaway and delivery service, available to order from Tuesday evening. That means you can eat until you're sick then lie right down on the ground, rather than having to wait until you get home as I did. Wakanui scotch, Taupo petit eye fillet and First Light wagyu bavette are all on the menu, as well the beloved JS creamed spinach.
