SHAFEEQ ISMAIL –ODEON

When asked what makes Christchurch and Canterbury’s food so good, Shafeeq Ismail says it’s the land. “Within 40 kilometres you have high hill country, long rambling plains and braided rivers out to the sea. This diverse land translates directly to a wide variety of flavours and the region is God-gifted with unique climates and natural landscapes.”

“Canterbury producers are of the highest quality, too,” says Shafeeq. “They are stewards of the land, and this is reflected in the goods they bring you. We started Odeon as a nod to Middle Eastern cuisine based on high-quality ingredients and bold flavours.”

The venue, situated in the New Regent St precinct, offers an intimate yet laid-back and spacious environment. Dinner isn’t a given here – you can stop by for a great wine, sit in for a few snacks or feast with friends. “The menu evolves with the seasons; we play to the area’s strengths.”

Shafeeq has recently stepped in at Strawberry Fare, a local institution specialising in desserts. With a loyal clientele, Shafeeq hopes to deliver the experience Cantabrians know and love, but modernised to bridge the gap and bring in a new, younger generation who eat with their eyes.

Shafeeq smiles as he teases his newest opening, Edizi, an all-day offering that fills the gap in the market for a solid breakfast, lunch and dinner service. He believes many are doing two of these well – brunch and lunch or lunch and dinner – but the whole day is up for grabs.

“With the international focus on the city now, we’re getting all sorts of diners coming in. The stadium, the convention centre, cruise tourists – this makes for activity all day round. Some just want a coffee and snack at 4pm, while others will sit down for a huge brunch before noon. There’s a massive opportunity for a casual but inviting venue with plenty of sunlight and space to enjoy. Simple, but done well.”

When grilled on where he likes to go when he’s not at work, he’s supportive of many places across the city. He loves to visit Gatherings with his wife, and says 5th Street is great with family or big groups. For Chinese, it’s Southern Asian, or for a taste of home he’d stop in at Indian Paradise for takeaways – it does a great biryani, he notes. Peaches is his pick for a coffee and sweet treat, or Noki for its sunny breakfast offering. Where else but Pomeroy’s gets his vote for a pint.

“Christchurch is a real melting pot now – we were a gateway, now people stay. It’s an exciting time for the city as an international food destination. Aucklanders and Wellingtonians are moving down, bringing their dining-out sensibility and setting up their own businesses here. There’s a young energy about now, and Christchurch is becoming the city it should be.” odeon.co.nz