Sometimes, you find that place which does the dish just right, and will keep going back for more. Other times, you'll be served what looks like scraps from the compost bucket, under the guise of todays vegetarian "special". So it's time to praise, and oust those places we thin k are the kings and fools of our hospo industry.*
*please know, that these places are by no means a full list, just the more memorable ones we have patronised. Enjoy
The Ivy - in Kingsland.
We ate there tonight, on a quiet Tuesday night.
Hence the reason for finally starting a long considered blog...
The food was disgusting! It's not often I consider a dish to be terrible, or even - inedible, but our food tonight came pretty low on the list.
Overcooked veal, with grill crisped, borderline burnt gnocchi, and an average mushroom marsala sauce.
Vegetarian "lasagne" came as the special. This modern day kiwi version of what should have been yummy, consisted of bok choi, parsnip, carrot and beans. Not the best choice of ingredients for a traditionally Italian recipe. That coupled with the lack of cheese, and the overbearing taste of RAW garlic actually saw this plate go back to kitchen pretty much full.
Food aside, the Ivy has great decor, and the barmaid/waitress was lovely. I guess we should of taken the hint when she said she was considering McDonalds or a pie from the gassy as her dinner choices.
The thought of staying for another Heineken was quickly culled by the soundtrack, consisting of wannabe upbeat generic eighties-esque non hits.
Overall a below average experience, not to be repeated. :(
Off to the gassy for some gum and lemonade to get this garlic taste out of our mouths.
We ate there tonight, on a quiet Tuesday night.
Hence the reason for finally starting a long considered blog...
The food was disgusting! It's not often I consider a dish to be terrible, or even - inedible, but our food tonight came pretty low on the list.
Overcooked veal, with grill crisped, borderline burnt gnocchi, and an average mushroom marsala sauce.
Vegetarian "lasagne" came as the special. This modern day kiwi version of what should have been yummy, consisted of bok choi, parsnip, carrot and beans. Not the best choice of ingredients for a traditionally Italian recipe. That coupled with the lack of cheese, and the overbearing taste of RAW garlic actually saw this plate go back to kitchen pretty much full.
Food aside, the Ivy has great decor, and the barmaid/waitress was lovely. I guess we should of taken the hint when she said she was considering McDonalds or a pie from the gassy as her dinner choices.
The thought of staying for another Heineken was quickly culled by the soundtrack, consisting of wannabe upbeat generic eighties-esque non hits.
Overall a below average experience, not to be repeated. :(
Off to the gassy for some gum and lemonade to get this garlic taste out of our mouths.
IVY = FOOLS
The Last Post Cafe - Methven
Awesome food, awesome service, awesome atmosphere!
We ate there on a Tuesday, turned up without a booking and the place was packed. We were quickly offered a table near the bar, and drinks were brought immediately.
The lamb was perfectly cooked, and the pumpkin pie is one well worth the visit.
We loved it so much, we had to go back before leaving town for a birthday drink and another slice of that pie!
Mount Hutt lifties have their staff drinks here early too, so if you want to get to know some of the crew who keep this place running, pop in for a handle and a shot of Jager.
LAST POST CAFE = KINGS
Orcon - internet providers.
Let's face it, there's actual customer service, then theres getting the f*#@ around.
These guys are experts at the latter. I actually waited on hold (out of principal) recently for 39 minutes! BEFORE speaking to a human, who made no bones about letting me know he really didn't give a toss how long I had been waiting. All to get an account cleared up after being charged for two plans for months now. This was the third time contacting them, and still we dont really know what the stats are...
On the bright side, the download speed is awesome, the actual connection is always good, and the wireless hub (rented) is a godsend. So who cares if your call centre sucks? Oh wait, we do. so;
ORCON = FOOLS
