New Zealand - Good food!

I did my research over the net and reading Lonely Planet's recommendations for Wellington eating places before deciding where to eat. Restaurant prices are comparable to Singapore's restaurants, same goes for the latte although the latte served in NZ is so much better than Starbucks and many cafes in Singapore. Food court takeaways, salads, wraps are more expensive in Wellington. I paid NZD10 for a bowl of thai beef noodle soup and NZD8 for a vegetarian wrap.

The popular Boulcott Street Bistro & Winebar

Went for dinner at the Boulcott Street Bistro & Winebar one evening, which was a 5 minute walk from the Novotel where I stayed during my visit. No reservations are taken for dinner time. So do arrive early. Dinner starts at 6.00pm. New Zealanders do eat dinner early, and so do I.

Complimentary amuse bouche - cream of asparagus drizzled with white truffle oil

Appetizer - Tripe Lyonnaise

Tripe Lyonnaise is basically stomach of a cow, sheep or pig cooked in butter with onions, salt and pepper.

Braised lamb shank, potato mash with lentil sauce and minted peas

For mains, my dinner companion had braised lamb shank. The meat was tasty, tender and literally falling off the bone, and the mash potato was wonderfully done - light, creamy and not mealy.

Roast pork loin with calvados apple puree and black pudding

I had roast pork with black pudding and I was slightly disappointed with the skin, which was not crispy but rather, tough and rubbery. I wonder if this is the western way of making roast pork because I have encountered skin like this many times. So, I continue to look for a western restaurant that can make roast pork with crispy skin just like the Hong Kong roast pork.

Overall, the service at the restaurant is good, the food is good value for money. Portions are reasonable but I would suggest sharing if you want to try an appetizer, main course and dessert. Sadly, we could not eat dessert as we were too full. I will definite go back there again when the opportunity arises.