A streetwise guide to Auckland eateries: Waiheke Island
Excerpt from the recently published review by Anna Scrivenger
"I've clearly been remiss in not coming here sooner. My mainland cronies have been banging on about this place for ages; Mudbrick this, Mudbrick that.
So it's with a sense of arrival that I finally seat myself at a romantic 'table a deux' at this Waiheke institution, opposite the man I married a year ago to the day. And what a top spot for it. We’re atop a noble hill, surrounded by verdant grapevines – the fruits of which are fermenting in brick cellars all around us. Beyond is the sparkling expanse of the Waitemata harbour and, as night draws in, the distant twinkling lights of the city and Sky tower. Perfect."
"I'd like to work my way through the menu a dish at a time. I opt for the roast garlic risotto cakes with capsicum salsa to start…..and I'm allowed some of Mister’s subtle but divine green-tea poached prawns piled prettily between rice wafers."
"Our mains are both successes; my seared fish of the day and green beans with roasted fennel go nose-to-nose with his sundried tomato and caper encrusted rack of lamb. Dessert proves the perfect end to a special evening; sticky date pudding for him and crème brulee with lavender shortbread for me, washed down by a sticky sweet noble semillon. I am in love."
