Two of the district’s best known restaurants have slipped under one umbrella giving truth to the old adage, double the pleasure double the fun.
However, with Raad and Lubna Bayos now owning both La Mama (theirs for the past six years) and now Barracuda, the move doesn’t signal an identical twin operation.
In fact, Lubna says the two restaurants will continue to operate as separate identities with long time chef and former Barracuda owner Steve McIntyre still doing the majority of the Barracuda cooking at Bucklands Beach.
"We don’t want one restaurant to emulate the other," says Lubna. "Rather we want each to retain its own unique qualities, menu and direction."
Having just secured a further five year lease at Eastern Beach, La Mama look sets to keep delivering the same kind of great service and specials it is known for. In particular, the Monday to Wednesday night $17.95 menu has a big following. The specials will continue to be one of La Mama’s attraction but won’t be duplicated at Barracuda.
"Individuality between the two sites is important," Lubna says. Barracuda will continue to serve its loyal following.
"Although we have always been a bit frustrated at the inability to expand La Mama to incorporate pavement seating, our regulars just love its cosy atmosphere. Consequently the recent renewal of our lease was great news.
"Of course, both venues enjoy perfect beachfront locations and fortunately we have been able to buy the Barracuda site as part of the business so no future lease worries there."
With their hands already full at La Mama, Lubna and Raad thought long and hard about taking on a second venue. "But we’re up for the challenge,” Lubna says.
Co-owner of the two restaurants Lubna Bayos will continue to oversee La Mama.
"I will remain here at La Mama while Raad will oversee Barracuda with Steve as head chef. We plan to continue upgrading the Bucklands Beach site but other than seasonal menu changes we don’t expect anything else to change dramatically. Lunch and dinner hours will remain the same and of course the layout at Barracuda makes it great for weddings and private functions.
"All up, it’s looking good for this year."
Click here for more reviews from NZ Herald and Times.