Chef Tony Astle, originally from Christchurch, honed his skills in Wellington before settling in Auckland and achieving widespread recognition, both here in New Zealand and beyond.

Antoine's reached the pinnacle of its success during the opulent 1980s, with the restaurant consistently fully booked for lunch and dinner months in advance. It became the preferred dining destination for international celebrities, politicians, and dignitaries.

Entry to Antoine's was exclusive, with patrons required to ring a doorbell and be screened before gaining admission. The restaurant maintained a strict dress code, refusing entry to those inappropriately attired. Diners regularly spent thousands of dollars on meals, and the wine list featured bottles priced as high as $20,000. EFTPOS was never accepted. Neither was Kim Dotcom.

In 2020, with Beth's health declining, the couple made the decision to close Antoine's, marking the end of an illustrious chapter in New Zealand's fine dining history.

Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, Tony has had a significant impact on the country's hospitality and dining scenes. He has mentored some of New Zealand's most esteemed chefs and cultivated a loyal customer base spanning three generations, earning him the moniker "The Godfather of New Zealand fine dining."

Tony now proudly introduces his new culinary endeavour, Antoine's by Astle. With his unwavering dedication to perfection, Tony is developing a selection of Antoine's classics crafted specifically for the tables of discerning New Zealand diners.