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Prominent Kiwi chef Hercules Noble has delighted fans by launching his very first restaurant on Ponsonby Road called Mr. Sanders… but all is not as it seems.
The bougie new restaurant offers a five-course set menu in a sophisticated dining environment, elevating the iconic taste of KFC to the realm of chic dining – to the shock of the well-heeled Ponsonby restaurant elite.
Fuelled by the global resurgence of late-night dinner clubs, Mr. Sanders is nestled inconspicuously on Auckland’s Ponsonby Road, amongst some of New Zealand’s most revered restaurants.
It will open to the public for three nights only, Wednesday 20, Thursday 21 and Friday 22 March, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that promises to set off a wave of finger lickin’ delight in Auckland’s most exclusive suburb. Tickets start from just $99, with all proceeds going to KFC’s charity partner, Surf Life Saving NZ.
Mr. Sanders has emerged in partnership with the renowned chef Hercules Noble, who has designed an enticing menu that reimagines KFC’s iconic Hot & Crispy Boneless, accompanied by other beloved cult classics. The 5-course -chefs kiss- menu will feature mouth-watering dishes, and the option to add a wine match.
Much like the Colonel’s 11 herbs and spices, there are some secrets KFC likes to keep on the hush – but Hercules has confirmed he is already experimenting with some iconic flavours.
“Without giving too much away, one of the hero dishes will feature fan-favourite Hot & Crispy Boneless, but unlike you’ve ever had it before,” says Hercules. “I’m looking at unusual ingredients, inventive plating and a dash of drama to elevate this to a whole new level.
“I couldn’t launch this restaurant without incorporating my iconic ‘Will It Sourdough’, so I’m experimenting with ways to infuse the bread with the flavours of KFC Potato & Gravy. With five courses to deliver, and free reign from the Colonel himself to experiment with their chicken, this will be the most exclusive KFC restaurant New Zealand has ever seen.”
Mr. Sanders has been meticulously designed, drawing inspiration from fine dining icons that made their mark on the Auckland dining scene.
Bathed in neon lights to cast an alluring glow, boasting bespoke menus and table settings, with the sizzle of KFC Hot and Crispy Boneless chicken, and the aroma of the 11 herbs and spices wafting in the air – Mr. Sanders is not your ordinary late-night spot.
“KFC is the undisputed leader of chicken, capturing the hearts of Kiwis with our iconic menu for more than 50 years,” says marketing general manager Clark Wilson.
“We know our fans will be craving these dishes but expect reservations to fill up quickly.”
Mr. Sanders by KFC:Dinner reservations are set menu only starting at 7.00pm sharp.
Customers can reserve one of two meal types – $99 for a five-course set menu, or $129 for the five-course set menu plus wine-matching.Both tickets include a cocktail (or mocktail) on arrival.Due to the nature of the experience, there is limited ability to cater for dietary requirements or allergies.
All proceeds from tickets sales will be donated to KFC’s charity partner, Surf Life Saving NZ.
