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Introducing Sarah and Jordan, the visionary founders behind the notable hospitality trio on Hinemoa Street in the heart of Birkenhead Point, Auckland.
In 2022, Sarah and Jordan launched their first venture, Duo, which swiftly became a local favourite and a destination for food enthusiasts from near and far. Bathed in morning sunlight, Duo is renowned for its exceptional coffee and brunch menu that redefines the genre. Building on its success, they soon opened Osteria Uno, an Italian eatery next door. The ideal spot for an evening out, Osteria Uno is famous for its handmade fresh pasta and flavour-packed small plates. Most recently, they unveiled Bon Pinard, a cozy wine bar just two doors down. Channelling the charm of a European haunt, Bon Pinard boasts an impressive wine list, making it perfect for a weekend drink or an evening with friends, Chablis and conversation.
With extensive experience that includes MasterChef appearances and roles in some of Auckland's most beloved culinary establishments, Sarah and Jordan have not only created a thriving trio of hotspots but also manage a bustling family life with their kids.
We caught up with them to discuss the launch of Bon Pinard, their vibrant neighbourhood and the unique dynamics of being a family in business.
We both grew up obsessed with food and cooking. We both learnt from our mum’s, always helping, always tasting. Sarah: I found myself not enjoying university and went on to Masterchef. I would say that’s when I first fell in love with it and moved into the hospitality scene cooking after that, now I’m more front of house and leave the cooking up to Jordan. He initially fell into it straight out of school, going to AUT studying hospitality and cooking at the same time!
Being a family-run business means you’ve always got the support of each other; you know you both care so much about everything involved in the businesses. It’s also great to show the kids from such a young age the ins and outs of running a business, and being able to spoil them with food along the way is nice too!
At the moment it’s kind of wherever we are needed, we are there – that’s the bonus of having the three businesses so close together. Sarah does spend most of her time at Duo doing both brunch and evening service while Jordan is across at Uno and Bon Pinard cooking there. We’re very fluid and dynamic; whatever the situation, we can kind of adapt to where we need to be.
Initially, we were just looking for a site that had some inherent character and was in a nice neighbourhood. When we found the space that is now Duo, we saw the ceiling and it drew us straight there. Once we had opened Duo, we quickly learnt that this area is really special, so many amazing locals who are now like friends. We just naturally decided to expand as we knew we had so much support - Birkenhead actually provides for a lot of the North Shore, as well as people over the bridge, because it’s so central and close to the motorway.
As we said earlier, the community is our whole business - the support and love we feel from everyone in the community is amazing. It makes it easy going to work seeing locals and everyone who we genuinely care about and we think care about us and what we offer! That includes local businesses, too - Birkenhead businesses really support each other. It’s really such a great community - so much so Jordan and I moved to the area recently.
Duo has an old villa feel to it, circa 1910’s - it’s still fresh but with a heritage feel. The site that is now Duo has a long history of cafes in it - one of which, ‘Grace’, was owned by one of our regulars, Christine, which is so amazing - it feels full circle. Osteria Uno really lends itself to its history. It was a butcher; we found the original butcher tiles behind layers of gib and left them there and we discovered the original raked ceiling. It really gives a unique vibe. With Bon Pinard, we’ve leaned into what we can only really imagine the building used to look like, adding back layers of character and making the place feel lived in.
The scent definitely adds to the whole experience. When you open the doors at any of our places, you get a strong smell of goodness, whether it’s the smell of freshly baked focaccia, a sizzling wagyu steak or garlic fries. It gets everyone’s senses tingling when they arrive and excited for the meal ahead.
Duo in the daytime, it has to be the Raw Fish and at night time, maybe the Duck Frites. Osteria Uno, I would say a pasta - maybe the Lamb Puttanesca (or just any pasta really, it’s made fresh daily and so delicious). At Bon Pinard, I would say a crisp glass of white Burgundy and some Pickled Mussels is where it’s at!
Move your body, drink coffee and/or drink wine.
Really good Wagyu steak at home with the kids or the Rib Eye at Apero away from the kids.
The kitchen bar or, as we call it, the breakfast bar - a place we have breakfast and start the day together.
Tui & Kahili or Bonberry
Delicate Lilly
Wild Ginger
Mimosa
Sandalwood
Ylang Ylang
