Bringing a Taste of NZ to the America’s Cup

New Zealand restaurateur Tony Stewart has opened a pop-up restaurant in San Francisco in time for the America’s Cup races in September. Showcasing New Zealand produce and design, the Waiheke Island Yacht Club is situated in heart of the America’s Cup Action – Pier 29 on San Francisco’s foreshore.  Speaking of the restaurant, America’s Cup chief executive Stephen Barclay says that the New Zealand-inspired US restaurant adds to the international feel of the event. “We  represent a true international audience with spectators and race entries from the corners of the globe, it is important we give an international feel to the event and having  a New Zealand challenger and a New Zealand inspired restaurant and bar helps us achieve this,” said Barclay. The venture is supported by New Zealand companies, the Moa Brewing Company, Silver Fern Farms, Air New Zealand and Douglas & Bec. Stewart, who runs fine dining restaurant Clooney in Auckland, is supported by New Zealand chef’s Des Harris and Hayden McMillan. “The concept is pretty simple – premium Kiwi food and drink backed by superb design and service,” said Stewart. “This will be a little slice of New Zealand right in the heart of the America’s Cup and with a little luck we’ll be having a hell of a celebration party when the boys eventually lift the Auld Mug.” Waiheke Island Yacht Club will be open to the public from 4 July through to the America’s Cup in late September, and for locals during October.