21/3/2009

A friend took me to this restaurant recently for dinner, which seems to have won an enthusiastic following quickly amongst the locals. It's described as the world's first Argentinian/New Zealand fusion restaurant, reflecting the origins of its owners, Kirstin (Kiwi) and Nico (Argentine), who run front of house. Lola and Simon are actually their dogs though apparently, Kirstin and Nico have got used to answering to Lola and Simon!

The split level dining room offers an intimate atmosphere with a nice looking bar downstairs. In fact, being teetotal, I was very impressed with their range of interesting homemade non-alcoholic drinks. My friend was very impressed by the New Zealand wine that he ordered, courtesy of Kirstin's recommendation.

The menu is quite short and sweet, offering 5-7 choices amongst starters, main courses and dessert. I started in Argentina with empanadas with different fillings. The pastry was crispy though I struggled to clearly identify the components of the fillings.

I continued in Argentina with my main course with Milanesa Napolitana (crumbed Argentinean rib eye steak topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese) . I was sold on this by Nico who told me that this is the sort of food that Diego Maradona would have grown up on! The steak was good quality but perhaps stilton would have been a better foil.

My dessert of warm ginger cake came with a special portion of home made vanilla ice-cream rather than the advertised ginger cream (thanks, Kirstin!). It was yummy.

Being honest, the food was probably worth 3 stars but the overall atmosphere was great, especially with the hospitality of the owners. Hence the overall 4 stars. I that Kirstin and Nico's aim to create the kind of place that they liked going to: somewhere with a great atmosphere, delicious food, really good coffee, and great value and interesting wines has been realised. I notice that they also serve breakfast, brunch and lunch and I can see it becoming a real community hub for the local area.

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark  
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

5/10/2009

this has quickly become my favourite local hangout.

coffee is great, cakes and muffins scrumptious and service friendly and easy. I really value a place that pays attention to atmosphere - with a combination of outside dining, table service and also a comfy couch - they cater for whatever your comfort requirements may be.

furthermore, I am very impressed with the bathroom: clean, spacious, stylish and with flowers to boot.

you can find me here for brunch, afternoon coffee and cake or a late night bottle of champagne!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark  
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review