Meet Andy Ruzich. The highly respected food entrepreneur who brought us the glorious Regatta Bar & Eatery has now graced Takapuna with another outstanding venue: Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina.
We caught up with Andy to discuss all things red, hot and yum.
Hi Andy, Rosie’s is looking awesome. Tell us what it’s all about!
Rosie’s is the newest addition to the StarSocial hospitality network.
We were looking for something else to fit into the North Shore, and we wanted to check out the Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina concept in Wellington. So we travelled down there and as soon as we saw it, we knew this was exactly what Takapuna needed.
Who is this Rosie character?
She’s fictional, a free spirit and super cool. She found herself on the American West Coast and was immediately drawn to its laid-back charm and unique Californian and Mexican street food flavours. The Cantina embodies that adventurous spirit and carefree energy.
It’s a pretty unique vibe. How would you describe it?
This is not a mariachi band Mexican restaurant. We’re talking fun-loving, cheeky styles. It’s ‘90s hip-hop fused with tacos. It’s the kind of place you can roll in from off the beach with your family, enjoy some top-quality, easy food and roll back out again, or spend the afternoon with a margarita.
So it’s family-friendly?
Absolutely. Rosie’s has broad appeal. Whether it’s people coming down from town for a seaside meal, or families heading in from the playground. Kids can grab some slushies, parents can get a frozen margarita, and everyone can share some Monster Nachos. My youngest kids who are six and 10 love it, and so does my 21-year-old daughter.
Ok now for the good stuff… tell us about the food.
Approachable comfort food, that’s affordable, fun, and not too serious. The flavours are fantastic. And it is fast. The speed of service is an important part of the mix. It delivers every time.
You’ve been open for a few months now, hows it going?
We thought we were probably mad opening a frozen margarita bar on the beach in winter, but we wanted to be ready for summer. To our surprise it went better than we hoped – people are totally into enjoying frozen margaritas in winter.
What’s a must-try dish for everyone?
Birria Tacos, the real deal Californian street food. You dip them into a braising sauce, it’s oily, messy and absolutely delicious.
And how about the dish with wow factor?
Our most popular dish is probably the Monster Nachos. It’s huge, 33 by 20 centimetres. The bowl is even one giant pressed nacho. It turns heads, and people are always taking photos of it.
Reminder: This month is Taste of Takapuna!
Taste of Takapuna 2024 is here! This month-long North Shore foodie event is your chance to explore all that Takapuna’s hospitality scene has to offer. We’re also running the People’s Choice competition where you get to vote on your favourite eating and drinking spots, and go in the draw to win Takapuna hospitality vouchers. Learn more about Taste of Takapuna.
