Skycity welcomes Nic Watt to Federal Street

SKYCITY is adding another top restaurant to its Federal Street entertainment hub in central Auckland.

World-renowned New Zealand chef Nic Watt is returning home from London to open a Japanese Robatayaki (?Robata?) style restaurant.

SKYCITY chief executive Nigel Morrison said the addition of Nic Watt?s restaurant was part of the company?s strategy to bring world-leading restaurants to Federal Street.

?Federal Street is well established as the innovative dining destination for Auckland foodies and visitors. The addition of Nic?s restaurant early next year will further strengthen that reputation,? Nigel Morrison said.

?It?s really great to be home in New Zealand working with SKYCITY on a restaurant concept that I am extremely passionate about,? Nic Watt said.

Nic Watt?s career has taken him to some of the world?s top restaurants including Kozue and New York Grill, both restaurants of the Park Hyatt Tokyo. In 1998, Nic moved to London as Chef de Partie at the Michelin-starred Nobu.

This was followed by three years as Chef de Cuisine at The Rib Room and Oyster Bar at the Park Hyatt Hotel in London after which he moved to Huka Lodge, New Zealand as Executive Chef. Nic then returned to London to take on the role of Head Chef at Roka, a sibling of Zuma in Knightsbridge. Since opening in July 2004, Roka has continued to enjoy huge success, winning Oriental Restaurant of the Year at the 2005 Awards. There is also a branch in Hong Kong and a second outlet in London’s Canary Wharf.

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