Cafe Wisteria – Ascot

Happy to have started our regular brunch, random choice sessions again for this year. This choice was picked simply by going for a drive and choosing what looked like a nice venue.

Located on the edge of the Coles Complex, the cafe is split easily across the footpath. With partial walls, giving open an airy open space feeling, decorated with hanging wisteria and herbs, the dining area next to the road edge, is definitely a relaxing place to sit and enjoy your meal.

Menu choice was enough to cover for all tastes, so we were interested as to what ordered meals would be like.

Staff here, were not only exceptionally friendly and helpful, they were very accommodating, giving only their best attitude to visiting customers.

Presentation of the tea was intriguing. So often tea is overlooked as everyone scrambles for coffee. Luckily, I’m not a coffee drinker, hence tea presentation is what I notice. And yes, i liked this simple eye catching assortment for the tea ordered,

Meals arrived in a timely fashion, nicely presented, with a complete order looking very tasty.

My choice on this occasion was the Salmon on corn fritters with a side of mushrooms.

Yes, it did taste even better than what it looks. Fresh, light and very enjoyable, this was quite a filling meal.

An interesting choice was the bacon pancakes with maple syrup and ice cream. Pancakes were light and airy, topped with tasty bacon rashers and a side of maple.

They have a pretty awesome selection of juices and other drinks here. You can choose your own ingredients to try something a little different. Worth a try, you. Never know what you might end up with!

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The Saucy Chef on St Andrew – Invercargill

Part of the Northern Tavern Complex on the corner St Andrews & Sydney Streets, The Saucy Chef has a lovely ambiance with a a choice of dining or relaxation areas.

We retired to this cosy area for dessert. But lets rewind to the beginning.

Upon entry, friendly staff greeted us, before seating us in a glassed corner, giving an uninterrupted view of the moving canvas as locals go about their daily life. One of the perks of being the first customers for the evening I guess.

Attentive staff provided drinks, water and menus in a timely efficient manner. Let the food choices begin.

One dish I hadn’t yet tasted whilst on this NZ trip, was venison. Time to give the Denver Venison dish on the menu a trial. With a high topped presentation, the Red Deer Venison was atop Kumara mash, paired with wilted spinach, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes. The basil & tomato jus was a nice finish to the overall dish. Flavours blended well with the deliciously tender venison.

Creamy mashed potatoes swimming in your choice of sauce, were a great match for the steak dish also enjoyed at our table.

As far as eyecatching presentation, this simple Gingerbread Jar dessert, certainly had what it takes. The shape of the plate, gingham style jar lid, all perfectly sprinkled with just the right amount of icing sugar, really did give the whole dessert a wow factor.

Lime & lemongrass Creme Brûlée certainly didn’t disappoint either. As they say you eat with your eyes first and these desserts, as well as the meals were very well presented, all tasty, making for a most enjoyable experience overall.

Drop by the Saucy Chef if you’re in the area. It’s an easy stroll next door to the bar for the bar experience, or stay where you are in the restaurant, to enjoy a night cap or two.

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Alexandra District Club – Alexandra NZ

Alexandra resides on the banks of the Mighty Clutha River. With a length totalling 338 kilometres , the Clutha is the second longest river in New Zealand, and largest river in the South Island. Alexandra’s population of around 5500, swells considerably during holiday season. Whilst Alexandra might be under the radar from Queenstown, it still provides its own personal punch.

The famous white clock sits up on the hill to the East, visible from many areas around Alexandra. 150 Torch bulbs illuminate the clock which can be seen from about 5 miles away. To give you some idea of the size of the clock, the minute hand is 5.6 metres long and the hour hand 4 metres. Quite an impressive structure, planned and built in the late 1960’s, with the materials at the time totalling under NZD3,000.00.

This iconic bridge provides the exit/entry towards Southland, crossing the blue waters of the Clutha. Not too far to the West and you see the Clutha Dam. Another story in itself as we covered a couple of years back. Right now though, you are in Alex and you need some sustenance, somewhere to meet the locals. We checked out the Alexandra District Club.

Australia or NZ, they accept reciprocal membership for either. Otherwise, have a member sign you in and you can then experience the local lifestyle. A busy bistro operates to keep the patrons full. Prices were reasonable, but I apologise now, I could not see past that Shrimp cocktail, oh yes you have me. One of those rare treats from years gone by, and one of the few I really do miss. Certainly did not disappoint, was exactly as I remember! Even the presentation was exactly as I would expect.

Choose your meals, drop by the counter and pay in advance. Trust me, won’t be long and the entrees and or meals will arrive depending on what you’ve ordered.

In the interim we had some meat raffles going. Didn’t take long at all, from buying your tickets to the draw. Nice steak by the way! Yes we did manage to score one packet of steak, great investment for about $8 total! Awesome down to earth meals, unfrilled, non competitive. Well done!This is one of those places that needs support. For the locals, there’s plenty happening within the club, meets etc, but, as a visitor, take some time to check them out. Like every local business they need not only their local support but yours too.

Oh and did I mention that awesome courtesy coach? Take advantage, and enjoy a drink with your meal!

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