TREAT YOURSELF TO SOME SPRING LAMB OVER LABOUR WEEKEND
Lamb rump from Pescatore, The George, Christchurch
With the weather warming up and the days drawing out we begin to come out of our winter hibernation. Labour weekend has a habit of sneaking up on us and we love to dash away for a relaxing break, hopeful of some sunshine and a promise that summer is on its way. Whether you head away or choose a staycation at home a long weekend is a great time to treat yourself to a sumptuous dinner out and we have a few suggestions which we think could hit the spot and introduce you to some delicious spring lamb.
1. Black Cottage Café, Auckland
Situated in Coatesville just north of Auckland, The Black Cottage Café is a relaxed country style eatery with friendly staff and an award-winning chef. So whether its brunch, lunch or dinner, their menu has many offerings which will give your labour weekend a lift and entice you back again and again. Our pick would have to be their organic lamb shoulder confit, which is a showcase of tender and flavoursome New Zealand lamb slow cooked until meltingly tender, plated and paired with a delicious potato gratin, creamy puree and fresh crisp broccoli. blackcottage.co.nz
2. Alpha Street Kitchen, Cambridge
You just can’t help but feel the joy of spring as you travel through the Waikato at this time of the year. Blossom is everywhere and the green pastures are abundant with spring lambs. The picturesque town of Cambridge is a destination in itself, close to major attractions such as Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, and Hamilton Gardens. In the main street, you will find award-winning restaurant, Alpha Street Kitchen. Chef Harry Williams has just created his new spring menu featuring an outstanding lamb dish of hay-smoked South Island lamb rump, lamb belly, chorizo, capsicum, and basil. This is a wonderful way to try two different cuts of lamb on one dish. The natural lamb flavour of the rump is subtly enhanced with hay smoke and the rich tender lamb belly adds a rich deep flavour to the palate, and of course, there is no better match than fresh season asparagus. alphast.co.nz
3. Mangapapa Hotel, Hawkes Bay
The beautiful Hawkes Bay is a hub of delight for any foodie. Our pick here would be to indulge in the degustation menu at Mangapapa Hotel where chef, Norka Mella Munoz, has created a sensational dish using locally raised lamb. Lamb Three Ways, is an excellent way to savour the flavours and textures of three different cuts of lamb and includes loin, rib, and sweetbreads served with a pea puree, jus and crispy polenta chips. If you are not a fan of sweetbreads, then let me tell you the crispy coating and soft tender interior of these will have you a converted fan and you’ll find them a wonderful savoury component of this dish. mangapapa.co.nz
4. Pescatore, The George, Christchurch
Heading South, you could well be planning a labour weekend stay in Christchurch and we have another recommendation for those who are partial to a degustation menu. Pescatore is one of two restaurants within The George Hotel. Chef Ryan Henley has created a lamb dish inspired from his childhood memories of barbecuing over charcoal where he grew up in Australia. He uses a lamb rump which is sous vide before being finished on a barbeque which adds a smokey succulence and locks in the flavour. To add the extra wow factor, Ryan coats the lamb with a Sake Kasu glaze and accompanies it with a delicate salad of asparagus, barbequed nasturtium and sheep’s milk ricotta dressed with a mushroom vinegar. We recommend you book ahead if you want to savour this dish! thegeorge.com
5. Kobe Cuisine, Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown
Millbrook Resort is right in the heart of Merino country so it’s no wonder award-winning chef, Andi Bozhiqi, has Merino lamb featuring on his menu. Kobe Cuisine is one of two restaurants which are part of the fabulous Millbrook Resort where a long weekend away will revitalise and rejuvenate your soul. Kobe Cuisine offers a bold and innovative interpretation of Japanese cuisine based around some quintessential New Zealand ingredients. The lamb dish reads so well it will have you drooling – quince glazed lamb loin, kumara and goats cheese espuma, Portobello mushrooms, and a miso jus. We can guarantee every mouthful will be a taste sensation! millbrook.co.nz