28 March 2010

COMING THIS WEEK!

Review of

Restaurant Schwass in Christchurch

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21 March 2010

LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE

142 Pakiri Rd, Leigh ph 09 422 6019 www.sawmillcafe.co.nz

The Sawmill has become a legend. It's fun, funky and host to many terrific gigs throughout the year. From the Wellington Ukelele Orchestra to the cool jazz of Nathan Haines or appearances by famous poets and singers, it's a destination for musos and performers from around the country. But it's also a great place to drop in for a casual afternoon or evening of dining at its most simple. The kitchen serves up fresh interesting food. I love the pizzas; thin crisp crusts topped with fairly conventional arrangements like Marguerita, (spelled like that deliberately and in the picture above), smoked salmon and red onion and tandoori chicken with spicy chutney. The snapper (from Leigh Fisheries next door) salad is a staple, and there are pasta dishes and other hearty fare. There's also a great brunch menu, and on weekend the place really buzzes.

In the heart of Matakana wine country, the wine list features local specialties amongst other choices. There's a Spanish promo on presently and the hearty dry reds suit the food.

But not to be missed is the range of Leigh Sawmill beers, all brewed on site in a specially dedicated shed. My favourite is the Pilsner Lager. There's a dedicated team who look after this gem, and members of the Guiness family, who own and oversee this cafe, are never far away. And for those who want to stick around or stay over, there's special accommodation too.

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28 January 2010

FEI TENG

354 Remuera Rd, Remuera (Victoria Ave shops) Ph 09 529 5588

The chairs and tables in this tiny restaurant look like they were made for a much larger space but that means you have plenty of room to set out a real feast of the northern Chinese specialties. We loved the hot pot casserole with fragrant flavours and a truly delicious tongue dish. The menu is so extensive (about ten or twelve pages) that it will take about 20 more visits before we have tried everything we wanted to taste! A very simple wine selection but they were happy to open our Pegasus Bay Riesling 2007 that was perfect with the food. Interesting dining in the heart of Remmers.

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28 January 2010

SRI MAHKOTA

164A Great South Rd, (Market Rd corner) Epsom Ph 09 520 2998

Featuring Malaysian food in a clean spartan environment, this is the second restaurant of the same name to open under the ownership of the Hansan group (the first is in East Tamaki at 22D Torrens Rd.) "Fairly authentic food" according to my dining companion who hails from Kuching. Absolutely delicious dishes, some spicy, some with more mild subtle flavours and all exceeedingly generous. Go with a group to try a range of textures, flavours and meats. Bookings recommended as there's a queue outside most nights. Lunches served too. BYO licence in process.

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