2 January 2015
EATING IN MATAKANA
Thought I would share a little insight into eating around Matakana, the sunny wine region that's only an hour north of Auckland; perfect for a summer outing and maybe a swim at Omaha Beach or for the more adventurous, on the pristine beaches of the Tawharanui regional reserve.
The jewel in the crown of the region is Brick Bay, where there's a stunning outdoor sculpture trail that winds it way through magnificent bush and alongside the Brick Bay vineyard. It begins and ends at The Glasshouse (pic above) where visitors can enjoy good coffee, or more importantly taste the excellent wines, both indoors and out. A recent extension of the kitchen here has allowed the chefs to serve tasty restaurant style fare - I loved the creative salads, the crunchy squid and lovely contemporary ice cream sundaes. And I loved the service too.
Other vineyards offering food in the region include fine platters at Ransome winery which is just off SH1, a good menu at Mahurangi vineyard, platters with a spectacular view over Omaha Bay from OBV on the crest of the Tawharanui Rd, and the option of dining at Plume on Sharp Rd, or going rustic style with an outdoor pizza at the adjacent Herons Flight.
For sheer fun and action don't miss The Matakana, a friendly and smart country pub that is slap bang in the centre of the terrific shopping centre in Matakana village; great fish and chips, other menu options and super kiddies' food. While you're in the village look out for some tempting shopping. My favourite stores are what may be the best little Four Square in the country and the Village Bookshop that is a total gem. Many other places are really worth checking out and if it is Saturday morning when you visit, the Farmers Market is a must.
After coffee? Spoilt for choice. My top recommendation is Brambles in the Matakana Country Park, with outdoor seating in good weather, plenty of indoor tables too and free wifi. Out at Omaha Beach the Kickback Café is pretty popular, and there's a great woodfired pizza set-up that is run out of a container just by the Omaha Causeway. Other cafes in the area are Morris and James, a tranquil place that has been there longer than anywhere. Three cafes are found in Matakana Valley Rd; the excellent OOB organic ice-cream and organic coffee café on the corner, the very busy Black Dog and another, Lamington's further up the road next to the excellent butchery.
Two restaurants cater for more sophisticated dining. MMK in the Village is open for lovely brunches and fine dinners, and has a very local wine list. (You can also taste local wines upstairs in the Village wine bar, just by what may be New Zealand's best cinema complex.) The other restaurant with a full menu and bar worth checking out is The Stables at the Country Park.
Finally, Charlie's on Sharp Rd is a 'must visit.' This place started out as a strawberry and grape farm with gate sales and now is a busy centre for Charlie's Gelato, wood fired pizza and other treats. My recommendation here? The chocolate gelato - totally delicious.