Address: 104 Fanshawe St, Auckland Central
Rating:
First drinks: were Champagne, naturally. We went for the more cost-effective option of a half bottle of Billecart-Salmon ($60), which was a delightful drop and far superior to the usual house bubbles around town. Yes, it's pricey but this is the real deal. The Champagne and wine list is extensive and well-researched. But you can get bottled Hallertau beer if you really can't face the fancy stuff.
The vibe: is sophisticated, as you would expect at this kind of price point. This isn't the place to settle in for a session. Rather, most patrons are here with a purpose: oysters with a side of Champagne. Turnover is quick and in the hour we spent at Rockefeller, nearly every other table was filled and cleared before we left.
On the stereo: was classic blues, moving through to soulful funk later. Wooden crates filled with old vinyl adorn the room but we couldn't tell if they were strictly ornamental or whether you can request a spin.
The toilets are: camouflaged in a dark wooden wall at the back of the bar, making them tricky to find even when you've been warned they're tricky to find.
