So you drive a 5-litre Range Rover Sport? Why this car, and how does it fit in with your restaurant roles?
It’s black and automatic. I bought it in the holidays. I drove an Audi Q5 for about five years and wanted a change; something with a bit of power. I was considering an Audi RS6 but my wife Chand wanted a bigger family car as we now have two carseats in the back. The Range Rover provided size and luxury. I like change. Even at Sidart I keep changing concepts, design and the menu. You have to keep changing and evolving to get better.
Who else is allowed to drive your car?
Only Chand. She’s already sneaked it out on a lunch date to Takapuna with her friend. She usually gets to drive me when she is the designated driver, not otherwise.
How often do you clean your car?
I get my car groomed every fortnight because I can’t stand it being dirty. Using it for work it does get a bit mucky and needing care.
First car you owned?
Toyota Corolla.
Your dream car?
A Maserati Quattroporte because it’s a sexy and beautiful machine.
Favourite car colour?
Black because it’s elegant and formal.
Who taught you to drive?
My dad taught me, when I was 16, in India. He was from the Army so he was an excellent teacher, patient and good at discipline.
Do you prefer manual or automatic?
I prefer an automatic car for city driving because it’s easier with Auckland stop-start traffic. I do love a manual in the country or on a road trip.
Most memorable road trip?
Driving from Christchurch to Queenstown is such a scenic experience. The vistas are constantly changing and make you appreciate what a beautiful country New Zealand is.
Do you enjoy driving or would you rather be a passenger?
I hate being a passenger. I need to have control and drive.
If you could take any celebrity chef, in any car, to any restaurant/city/country?
It would be my mate Michael Meredith and we would go to Noma to try Rene Redzepi’s food either while he is in Denmark or at Noma in Australia. We would, of course, drive the Maserati.
What’s a great day trip out of Auckland?
Kumeu is a family favourite. We spend the day tasting wines at the vineyards and lunch at The Tasting Shed is amazing.
What irritates you most about other drivers?
Inconsiderate drivers who cut you off, and very slow drivers.
Auckland’s congestion: how would you solve that?
Better public transport including cheaper taxis. Singapore is a great example, almost everyone uses public transport.
-As told to Donna McIntyre