Fortuna @ SkyCity Auckland city

by Donna
(Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)

Hi there,

I was over in NZ on a holiday recently (I am from Australia) and was dreading finding a restaurant in Auckland city that catered for my gluten free requirements. My husband spied the buffet at Fortuna at Sky City and wanted to go there as he likes a good feed. As I'm sure you can imagine I was not hopeful of finding something I could eat that wasn't coated in flour and that consequently wouldn't make me sick.

However, I went along with him and when we walked in he mentioned to the staff that I needed a gluten free meal. I was expecting the waitress to look at him in confusion and state that they don't have anything gluten free (which is the usual response at other restaurants I have been to) or that I could have salad or fruit (I am not a rabbit!!), however she nodded and said 'No problem, I will get the Chef to talk to you'.

Two minutes later he came out and spent about ten minuets with me going over the buffet, talking about what was available and pointing out the dishes I could and couldn't have. He pretty much fell over backwards trying to accommodate my requirements, to the point he even offered to prepare me a gluten free version of the dishes that were on the buffet (even when I told him not to worry and that I was sure he was busy enough).

Five minutes later I was seated and was served up the most beautiful potato and pea soup made especially for me gluten free, also with other selections of the most delicious food. He even had a flourless cake there for me to eat with fresh strawberries and cream for dessert!

Needless to say I was most appreciative and promised him I would return and recommend Fortuna to other travelling Coeliacs. The Head Chef's name is Sebastian Simon.

Kind regards,
Donna