18 August 2013

HAND MADE IN ONERAHI

My brother and his wife live near a charming little restaurant, Topsail, which sits above a yacht club on the edge of the Whangarei Harbour, not far from the Onerahi airport. I have long had intentions of eating there but the timing is never right as it only opens Wednesday to Saturday nights.

Now I have a taste of the restaurant at home, as Topsail's kitchen there has busied itself making some fabulous artisan bottled products under the label "The Lanky Chef's Mis En Place."

Ian Garner, aka The Lanky Chef, takes seasonal produce sourced from the Whangarei area and is making antipasto sauces and condiments, poached fruits and vegetables and some absolutely delicious goodies that will make a great gift or add a fabulous touch to your own table at home. You can order them and have them sent directly as a thoughful surprise to friends.

I loved the poached strawberries, spiced limes, sweet and spice tomato sauce, tamarillo chutney and tomato relish. And there's lots more I want to try.

Topsail Restaurant, 206 Beach Rd, Onerahi, T 09 4362985 Open Wed-Sat Order on line at www.topsail.co.nz