SLAVE TO THE CRAVE
It’s art on the plate, mate!
MIDNIGHT SHANGHAI
101/96 Oxford Terrace
Five out of five stars
Oooh my goodness! Where do I start? I loosened my belt in a cosy bamboo slatted booth amongst beautiful Chinese lanterns as we ordered Trust the Chef – a banquet-style feast featuring iconic Shanghainese dishes. I highly recommend this menu option, available every day from 5pm.
Amongst the starters was the iconic Xiao Long Bao: succulent pork balls, in silky dumpling skins, with a juicy soup centre! Literal dumpling heaven. Then there’s the tempura cauliflower with its crackling, crisp batter, tender sweet veg, and a hit of chilli mayo – you know when you close your eyes and hear your favourite song because the food is so good? I was up there with George Michael, hearing ‘never gonna dance again’ deep within Careless Whisper with every bite.
Once we scraped the plates clean, the mains arrived and up went the melody with slow-braised beef ribs, pickled chestnuts, Sichuan braised fish, and a fragrant soup of silken tofu. On the side, a heaped bowl of rice and a plate of cheeky steamed veggies.
I know I need to talk about the wine, beer, and cocktails, but in my head, the melody continues. Such is the magic of trusting the chef at Midnight Shanghai… ‘guilty feet have got no rhythm’.
THE MONDAY ROOM
161 High Street, City Centre
Four out of five stars
The tiny frontage is a beautiful disguise into the wonderous Tardis interior of The Monday Room. Set amongst exquisite textures of red brick, antique encyclopaedias, and lush Axminster carpets, a beautiful dark bar greets you. The restaurant boasts two floors with a mezzanine gallery.
The menu guides you to investigate and provoke your tastebuds with shared plates.
Our ‘Trust the Chef’ experience included beetroot tartare with carrot egg yolk, fish and chip croquettes with lemon gel and crispy potatoes, and mains of crispy skin poussin with green goddess sauce, plus a cauliflower salad with whipped garlic feta and pomegranate seeds. For me, it brought back resplendent memories of Harvey Nichols bistro overlooking Hyde Park.
With a gorgeous mixture of local, Central Otago, and Hawkes Bay wines, I’d eat here every day, even if it isn’t a Monday.
SUPER RESTAURANT
5 Norwich Quay, Lyttelton
super.restaurant
Four out of five stars
As you approach one of the oldest buildings in Lyttelton, you can’t help but smile. Super is personality on steroids. An arrival after dark tempts you with mystery, and neon lights dazzle like a circus tent, full of curious surprises.
This punchy blend of Asian-Kiwi fusion shouts creative identity! The menu, a delicate balance of plant-based and meaty morsels, is small and divine. There are offerings such as Kai Moana, which is market ika (fish) with braised kārengo cabbage, and the Shoyu Horopito Ramen, with choices of pork belly, chicken, tofu. Two outstanding dishes, amongst many set and specials of the day.
The staff have extensive knowledge of the drinks menu. Cocktails are suggested, with fabulous local yarns to be shared.
Tip: keep the menu handy; an encore is definitely likely.
THE LANE, RESTAURANT AND BAR
49a Salisbury Street, Christchurch
thelanechristchurch.co.nz
Three out of five stars
The 6am till 10pm bistro menu at The Lane tempts you to start your day with breakfast and brunch or end it with a glass of fabulous organic wine paired with an energetic, modern dish.
The Lane presents a fresh local collaboration in its brand new skin, emerging out of hospitality wallpaper and into real life with spectacular plates full of personality from chef Troy in partnership with Max and Sam of 5th Street notoriety.
This place serves reliable classics with a twist. There is the salted fish beignet and seaweed tartare that reeled me in, then the fabulous old school chicken schnitzel on a fluffy, cheesy aligot.
The wine menu is a dream with a pull out cellar door – straight from Santa’s personal stock, I’m sure. Because browsing through it felt delightfully like Christmas. Get your sleigh bells ringin’.