NIGHT SWEETS!
Late night treats for warm sultry evenings.
C1 ESPRESSO
185 High Street, Christchurch
★★★★★
I love that something can be insignificant and innocent during the day, like a park, for instance, then at night becomes mysterious and full of magic; the woods! C1 has this dual personality. It is a daytime bolt hole for shoppers, office workers, pedestrian city dwellers, students, and the odd corporate lunch. Then once the clock strikes 7pm, a whole different breed of clientele emerges. Leather satchels and dusty books. Linen overcoats with Burberry check versus yoga mats and guitar cases. Wrinkled cinema tickets and groovy glasses. Singles punctuate the tables with an occasional glance and side smile, welcoming each other into this safe night fraternity. Regardless, the menu matches the clientele, with a wonderful collection of cakes, biscuits, and sweet treats. But for me, it is the selection of locally curated Golden Panther teas, delivered in little matchboxes, divided into two – one for now and one for later. The chocolatey tisanes to white witch infusions and calming aromatics capture my heart. The food menu is available from 7am until 8:30pm. A collection of full meat and well balanced plant-based dishes, all delivered, of course, via the overhead pneumatic tube system.
All in all, it brings to mind that curious poem by Anon “There was a man of double deed….”
LAST WORD
31 New Regent Street , Central City
lastword.co.nz
★★★★☆
Walking into the Last Word is like stepping into the living room of an old, wise friend who just wants the best for you. Open fires and spongy sofas. Tin trays and dancing candles. A deep hug of moments and whatnots, with whiskey and wine.
Something is comforting about flicking through the multipage menu of choices, from old school cocktails or a dram from one of the 500 bottles of in-house global whiskey. Open till late; you can while away the evening over a platter of European antipasto, pop next door to Rollickin Gelato and grab a sticky pud, or just sip away whilst nibbling a slab of artisan chocolate. When the night’s over and the hug released, New Regent Street is the perfect magical platform from which to head home.
FRANCESCA’S ITALIAN KITCHEN
149 Gloucester Street, Central City
★★★★★
If I only had $20 left in the world or the request for my last ever meal, it would be the tiramisu at Francesca’s. Light, creamy, just sweet enough. There is texture, body, and a deep dusting of cocoa powder to ensure your entire spoon is fully coated to slowly tease and melt the velvety mascarpone filling on the heat of your tongue.
Grab your vibe or your tribe and spend a moment caressing this dessert – post-dinner or theatre, or just as the queen of ‘afters’ pick me up. In perfect partnership, their coffee is small, dark, and handsome. It treats you mean to keep you keen and is the best ever accompaniment to the tiramisu. It is sex on a spoon… can I say that? There, said it!
DUSK BAR
127 Hackthorne Road, Cashmere
★★★★★
The best place in Christchurch to watch the sunset hues transform from yellow to orange and then blaze the sky with red is the Dusk Bar.
Sat high above Christchurch, with views of the whole city and beyond, you can almost touch Mother Nature.
Thanks to their Filipino chef, the menu is a wonderful pan Asian fusion of snacks, large dishes, sharing platters, pizzas, plus incredible desserts. With local brewery Cassels on tap, there’s something for everyone. But you can also just grab a wine and a slice of strudel as an end of the day ritual.
For a sunset table, be sure to book. Open for breakfast all through the day until 9:30pm. So feel free to take your time, as Mother does her thing.