We came to the Raceway Carvery (inside the Union Hotel) to check it out. We weren't sure what to expect as little information is available on the web. There is a sign on the outside of the Union Hotel to indicate price ranges, but as it turns out its actually cheaper than that sign indicates. The building is an old style hotel. You enter first to the bar area. Keep walking and you enter the carvery.
I would describe it was a no nonsense old fashioned comfort food spot. The menu is on the wall above a counter where they take your order. They have roasts (generally beef), lamb, fish, and schnitzel with 2 prices for smaller (about $15) and regular portion sizes. For some reason under their lighter meals, they have pork chops. Anyway, read the whole thing before deciding. Hot soup, vegetable with rice the day we were there, comes with getting a meal $15 NZ or more. You get a choice of vegetables or salad and chips. We ordered smaller portions of fish with veg and beef roast with veg. You're given a numbered order tag. You are to watch for your number to come up. Then you go pick up your meal. You get drinks back out at the bar. Pick up your silverware and napkins on the way to your table.
Our meals arrived and they were just the right portion size for us. The veg consisted of steamed carrots, corn, and cabbage and a hunk of roasted kabocha squash. It was a nice change from chips. The fish was fried flavorful firm white fish. The beef was tender with a nice gravy.
It was obvious that this was a local place. There were families with children eating there that greeted friends. There were young travelers that were staying at the hostel and eating inexpensively there. It's just good food served simply without frills.
There is dessert. Their dessert board listed cheesecake, pavlova, fresh boysenberries with cream, and ice cream. We went for ice cream. A scoop of Tip Top ice cream topped with a big dollop of fresh homemade whipped cream cost a whopping $1 NZ. That is the best deal EVER. If they have boysenberry ice cream, get it. It is delicious.
The serving ladies said they are open 7 days for lunch and dinner. read more