La Mexicana recognised by the Embassy of Mexico
Grey Lynn’s La Mexicana has received a special recognition from the Embassy of Mexico in New Zealand and the Mexican Academy of Gastronomy, celebrating the restaurant’s work in promoting Mexican gastronomy through its expression, quality and authenticity.
The award was presented to owner (and previous GLBA Chairman) Marco Muñiz Mugica by H.E. Alfredo Pérez Bravo, Mexico’s Ambassador to New Zealand, at a recent gathering at La Mexicana.
For a local restaurant, this is more than a certificate on the wall. It is formal recognition from Mexico’s own diplomatic and gastronomic representatives that La Mexicana is helping share Mexican food culture here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Located in the heart of Grey Lynn, La Mexicana has become known for its bold flavours, warm hospitality, and connection to Mexican tradition. The recognition reflects the care Marco and his team bring to the food, drinks, and atmosphere they create for locals and visitors alike.
The award forms part of “México: Viaje a través de los sabores” - Mexico: a journey through flavours - a fitting description for a restaurant that brings a taste of Mexico into the Grey Lynn community.
For Grey Lynn, the recognition is also a reminder of the role local hospitality businesses play in shaping the character of the neighbourhood. Restaurants like La Mexicana do more than serve food; they create gathering places, introduce culture, support local vibrancy, and help make the area a destination.
Chair Update: Progress You Can See
Winter has officially arrived, but things are heating up at the GLBA. Last month I promised some big news, and I’m stoked to finally deliver on it. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes, and June is all about executing those plans and welcoming some fresh energy to the neighbourhood.
Here is the latest from the ground:
I am absolutely hyped to announce Caroline Tauevihi as our new General Manager! Caroline has hit the ground running and is already out there doing the mahi, advocating fiercely for our local community. She brings an awesome energy to the role and truly understands what makes Grey Lynn a great place to do business. If you see her out and about, make sure to say hi and welcome her to the crew.
While we were temporarily without a GM, the team didn't sit idle. We’ve been busy building and refining our brand-new website, and it’s finally live.
This isn't just a shiny new coat of paint, it’s a tool for us to connect, trade, and back each other.
So here’s my challenge for the month: Next time you need a service, whether it’s accounting, printing, creative work, or a trade, hit the new portal first and check out the local options. The cool thing about Grey Lynn is its sheer diversity. We have some of the most creative, unique businesses in the country right on our doorstep, and there is a local solution for almost anything you can think of.
Let's keep buying local, supporting local, and looking out for one another.
Robin McDonnell
Chairman, Grey Lynn Business Association
Cassia announces Grey Lynn Residency at Ozone
One of New Zealand’s most acclaimed restaurants is set to call Grey Lynn home for the coming months, with award-winning modern Indian restaurant Cassia announcing a residency within Ozone Coffee Roasters from 17 June.
The temporary move comes ahead of the opening of Cassia’s new permanent home in Auckland’s CBD later this year, giving diners the opportunity to experience the restaurant in Grey Lynn while construction of its future flagship site is completed.
A New Chapter for Cassia
Since opening on Fort Lane in 2014, Cassia has established itself as one of New Zealand’s most celebrated dining destinations, known for its contemporary take on Indian cuisine.
Following the 2023 Anniversary Weekend floods, the restaurant temporarily relocated to SkyCity, where it continued to operate while plans for its next permanent chapter took shape.
The Grey Lynn residency marks the next step in that journey, providing a home for Cassia while its new CBD venue is completed.
A Collaboration Between Two Hospitality Teams
The residency will see Cassia operate from Ozone Coffee Roasters in the evenings, bringing together two respected names in Auckland hospitality.
The collaboration also has a strong local connection. Ozone Head Chef Karol Troncoso previously worked at Cassia, describing her time there as one of the most influential periods of her culinary career.
The residency has been designed as a genuine collaboration between the two teams, with both venues contributing to the menu and overall dining experience.
What's on the Menu?
Guests can expect a selection of Cassia favourites alongside several special collaboration dishes created specifically for the residency.
Highlights include Cassia's popular Pani Puri, Mughlai lamb chops and Delhi-style butter chicken, alongside new offerings such as a chocolate kulfi dessert featuring Ozone coffee ganache and a special Ozone x Cassia chicken kebab.
Cassia Head Chef Ketan Joshi will lead the kitchen alongside the team as the restaurant enters this next phase.
A Welcome Addition to Grey Lynn
The residency brings one of New Zealand's most recognised dining brands into Grey Lynn and further strengthens the area's reputation as a destination for food, hospitality and local experiences.
As visitors travel into the neighbourhood to experience the collaboration, the residency is also expected to contribute to the vibrancy of the wider precinct, supporting surrounding hospitality and retail businesses throughout the area.
Cassia at Ozone opens Wednesday 17 June and will operate Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm until late.
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We’ll be catching up with the Cassia team soon to learn more about what attracted them to Grey Lynn and their thoughts on the role hospitality plays in shaping local communities.
Photography courtesy of: Rise & Shine PR