Hollywood superstars drop in for dinner

Scarlett Johansson

Posing in a scruffy hoodie, Scarlett Johansson looked a far cry from a Hollywood superstar. But there was no mistaking the stunning 21-year-old actress and heartthrob boyfriend Josh Hartnett, 28, of Pearl Harbor fame.

The star-struck assistant manager of an Auckland Thai restaurant, Wachirada Sumdang, 28, nervously approached the couple and asked them if they would pose for a quick photograph. But, with no camera to hand, she used her cellphone to grab two prized pictures of her heroes.

Although Lost In Translation star Johansson and her lover are keen to keep their romance under wraps, they happily posed for a picture with the restaurant worker. But they insisted on being photographed separately.

Sumdang said: "I have loved [Josh Hartnett] for so long, it was a dream come true to meet him. He was so polite and nice and I was so happy he came here."

The young Thai woman, who moved to New Zealand last October, said the eaterie was a popular haunt for celebrities. Sawadee - voted best Thai restaurant by Metro magazine - has been frequented by the likes of rugby's Jonah Lomu and singer Daniel Bedingfield.

Hartnett and Johansson ordered a tasty $60 takeaway. The pair, who have chosen to stay in a private house rather than a hotel, have been enjoying trips to Ponsonby Road.

Pam Wongsrichai, duty manager of the restaurant, said: "She had a bullring in her nose and, to begin with, I didn't know who she was. But all the waitresses knew Josh.

"Scarlett didn't like all the attention. She was wearing a grey hooded top and did not look glamorous as she does on the television.

"They asked if we could deliver their meal but we were too busy.

"When I heard their American accents, I asked them if they were Hollywood stars, they said 'yes' and signed autographs for me."

Meanwhile, Johansson was one of the first customers at Styledirect in Ponsonby on Tuesday. She spent $200 on homewear she said she "could not buy anywhere else".

The store owner said the star was "really lovely, an attractive, petite lady. We hope she comes back again."

It is understood the couple are staying in a West Auckland mansion.

Hartnett is in New Zealand to play the role of Eben Olemaun in the horror film 30 Days of Night. He visited the movie's West Auckland set for the first time last week.

The film's director, David Slade, said that those involved in the production of the blockbuster were exhausted and keeping a low profile.

"It is very down-to-earth here, we are here to make a movie and certainly aren't partying all night.

"I've wanted to do this movie for many years and it really will be everything I want it to be."

Shooting starts tomorrow.