Got lucky. Very very lucky.
This little place has only seven two person tables and doesn't take bookings. Thank God.
We walked in and right then, someone left and we sat down in the world's most comfy leather couch in front of a fire and started eating the best food on the planet.
Tapas, which when translated from Spanish means 'just keep eating and we will keep bringing you food'. Central Otago Chardonnay from a vineyard we had been to. I think...
We had many little dishes and everything was out there amazing. Calamari with squid ink tempura that it looks like its been left in the oven for two days but tastes like a mermaid kissed a squid thinking it was a frog and turned it into a succulent fresh seafood dream. With a dot of lemon aoli and wild watercress. Oh God.
....and then ???
Eichardt's legendary seafood chowder. Rumour has it the locals have threatened to burn the place down if this is ever taken off the menu. I'd give them the match.
...and then???
Harissa marinated Cardrona lamb cheeks, hummus, cumin yoghurt, marinated courgette. I didn't know lambs even had cheeks!
Caramelised potato gnocchi, tomato and Bannockburn saffron broth, with Balfour sheeps cheese.
Roast pumpkin tortellini, plum sauce, chèvre, toasted seeds.
...and then ???
Wagyu beef shortrib in a chocolate, chilli and cinnamon glaze, beetroot pureé, parsnip crisps. True. That short rib was the most fantastic piece of meat I have ever eaten.
I may have been happier eating food in my life but I can't remember when. This spot is the best in Queenstown but don't tell anyone because you will just start a fight.
Do not miss this place. If you have to wait for two days, do it. In Winter. After skiing at Cardrona. On perfect fresh snow under cloudless sunny skies. With my red hot wife...OK not that last thing, she's fully booked. With no cancellation list.
Joy. read more