Meet Scott Ruddock, owner of Cousin Scott’s, as we chat about what’s cooking, what inspires them and what they love about Takapuna!
Q: What inspired you to start Cousin Scott’s?
Growing up between New Zealand, Scotland and the US, I wanted to create a venue inspired by the places I loved in Hawaii and on America’s West Coast. They were the kind of places where you could bring your friends, bring the family, or come in on your own and always feel welcome. With great food, sport, games and plenty of atmosphere, Cousin Scott’s isn’t just a place I own, it’s somewhere I genuinely love spending time myself.
Q: If someone’s visiting for the first time, what’s the one dish they have to order?
We’ve been told our wings are some of the best in the country, and Buffalo Wings with a cold beer and a game on are pretty hard to beat. But our Philly Cheesesteak is the dish that really has people talking. It’s 200g of Wagyu topside steak, sautéed onions, green peppers and our house-made Cheese Whiz on a long roll. For a few minutes, you might forget you’re in New Zealand!
Q: What ingredient or recipe are you loving right now?
It has to be our Nashville Chicken. It started as a recipe I played around with during lockdown, and our Head Chef Duncan has taken it to another level, including making it completely gluten-free. Served the classic way on white bread, coated in our secret Nashville seasoning and finished with our Comeback Sauce, it’s seriously good.
Q: What’s your favourite memory at Cousin Scott’s?
We’ve had some incredible moments, from packed sporting events to our Super Bowl parties, winning Lewisham’s best local North Shore, but one of my favourites was simply watching some kids playing foosball with their grandma. Seeing families enjoying the venue together and creating their own memories is probably the thing I love most about Cousin Scott’s.
Q: What do you love doing in Takapuna when you’re not at Cousin Scott’s?
I’ve lived in Takapuna for over four years and absolutely love it here. It’s pretty hard to beat a walk along the beach, but if I’m taking some time out you’ll probably find me sinking into one of the couches at Takapuna Cinemas or enjoying a sneaky glass of wine at Taylors on Hurstmere.
Pop in to Cousin Scott’s and try their Must-Try Dish: Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich (and go in the draw to WIN dining vouchers!)
WHERE: 486A Lake Rd
www.cousinscotts.co.nz
Stay tuned throughout the month as we meet more of the makers behind the incredible tastes of Takapuna!️