(photograph © Kiwidutch)
So, what have we been up to in the days before Christmas 2011?
We’ve been busy sorting out things on the Christchurch property we own, Himself has been painting a new fence that’s been built just before we arrived in New Zealand, and it’s been taking longer than planned because that turned out to be far taller and longer than we first thought.
(just proves how useless Himself and I are at judging measurements on paper plans and envisioning the finished article)
It was at least two to three days work and at the end of day one Himself arrived back at the B&B tired after spending the day with a very large pot of undercoat that appeared to reduce very little even after a hard days painting, announcing that he was looking forward to a slap-up meal, and early night and a bright and early start the next day so that he could paint all day and actually feel like progress was being made.
At the time he said this, he was painting on his own and it was starting to feel like he was going to be spending his whole holiday just painting.
Fortunately after the undercoat was finished, a very welcome reinforcement arrived in the form of my Cousin “P” and together they got the second coat of paint on the fence at a professional speed.
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
This post is therefore a restaurant review by the family of a tired and hungry amateur fence painter.
Our eatery tonight is called “Harringtons” and it’s a combination business that includes a bottle store, (alcholic beverages/off licence) a cafe and a restaurant.
We arrived and asked if it might be possible to get a table… I had my doubts since all around us were tables with “reserved” signs on them, and we did not have a reservation, but due to the fact that we wanted to dine so early we could take a seat.
Himself looked at the menu and opted for the “Rump Steak Special”, which consists of a 200 g piece of rump steak, done to your liking with salad and chips for just $12,–.
I went for beef nacho’s and the kids opted for fish and chips and chicken nuggets and chips which they amicably decided they wanted to share equally between them.
We also ordered a garlic bread to share and were not dissapointed when our meals arrived. Delicious!
It’s family friendly food done really well, and served with a smile. Actually we made our waitress laugh because I immediately detected a familiar accent when she lead us to our table and asked for our drinks order… without checking but taking a risk, I ordered my meal in Dutch instead of English and once she got over the shock she confirmed my suspicions and replied in Dutch.
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
Turns out she is from the Fremish area of Belgium and since we entered the restaurant speaking English she had no idea that we spoke Dutch. She is on a working visa and got a job waitressing here a few months ago. We chat about her experiences in New Zealand so far and she said it was really relaxing to be speaking her native language again, even if just for a little bit.
After we had done justice to our main courses, the topic turned to dessert. For me there was only one option: the New Zealand national dessert, Pavlova.
Himself and Little Mr. headed straight for a selections of ice-cream but Kiwi Daughter had been looking longingly at the large display cabinet full of cakes and slices ever since we had arrived so chose Lolly Cake instead.
I asked permission to take photographs and was told that if I wanted a giggle I should be sure to see the Christmas Song that the owner has rewritten the words to (*) , down the back by the pool table.
It was worth the walk… actually it was a little bit of a shame that it was so tucked away from the diner’s tables because I thought it was inspired. Try it out yourself to the tune of “jingle bells”… I bet you smile.
Everyone enjoyed their desserts but I have to say that the prize for the most photogenic dessert was mine by a country mile … it’s a photo you just want to reach into with a spoon.
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
One day when pressing matters of fence painting and early risings are not on his agenda, Himself would like to come and taste test more of Harrington’s beers, They make some 20 of them, many of them award winning.
Today he had to make do with one beer with his meal since he’s the designated driver for the duration of my foot recovery time.
We have a host of appointments to go to in the next days but if we have time then Harringtons would be on the list for a return visit.
Every member of the Kiwidutch family left feeling deliciously full and everyone enjoyed their meal.
If you too have fussy kids, you’ll know that that’s a restaurant success in anyone’s book.
p.s….(*) a short explaination of Kiwi terms:
bush = native forest
ute = utility vehicle (pick-up truck)
yummies = delicious food
boot = rear compartment for car baggage (trunk)
singlet = a tight tank top worn by men
sunnies = sunglasses
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
