cuisine
French ambience in Merivale W
hether you are popping in for a daily takeaway coffee and croissant or a long lunch with the ladies, prepare yourself for an escape to France. Located in the historic Charlotte Jane Hotel, a stunningly renovated French villa, Maison De Crepe is the French infusion that Merivale needs. With a room for entertaining, a room to escape and another room to soak up the sun in the spacious atrium, you will find good reason to relax
and stay for a while. The food is reason enough. Their fresh approach to European dining combines local ingredients to create French staple cooking suitable for the Kiwi palate, that includes both sweet and savoury dishes. If it is a drink you desire, there is a full range of wine, champagne, beer and a Bottomless Brunch. The French Espresso Martini is fit for summer and features the house-made French caramel. With the first permanent flower wall installation in Christchurch, MDC is amassing a large following as it’s the perfect spot for getting that well-lit selfie. The restaurant has also seen an increase in private dining room bookings. The French inspired décor is ideal for
receptions, corporate events, tastings, anniversaries and baby showers. With the upcoming polo and wedding season around the corner, this will definitely be a prominent spot for celebrations. Owner Sheena Hemens has a strong marketing and consulting background that is ushering in the expansion of MDC. Hemens says, “Growth is part of the plan for 2022 and there is a lot on the horizon for Maison de Crepe. We have many exciting changes coming up and I can’t wait to share this with our clients and customers.” You’ll find them at 106 Papanui Road, Merivale. Call 03 355 8882 to make a reservation. maisondecrepes.co.nz
Start with the venue
P
lanning a wedding can sometimes feel a daunting task, but if the venue is right, everything else soon falls into place. The venue is a great place to start. Situated on the banks of the Avon River is the resplendent Mona Vale. This historic and iconic homestead was built 1899 – 1900 and is nestled amidst 5.5 hectares of
immaculate gardens. Its magnificent setting of rolling lawns, established trees, the 100-year-old Fernery, plus rose garden and stunning flowerbeds, provides myriad photographic opportunities. With many venues limited in seating capacity, the Homestead seats 110, making those bigger sized weddings entirely doable; a marquee on the Iris lawn is an especially popular option. “‘Mona Vale offers a unique service of compiling all your wedding details by
working with you; this ensures that nothing is missed out,” Mona Vale Manager Kate McLachlan says. As far as wedding trends for 2022, the bewitching beauty of Mona Vale cannot be ignored. Its indoor and outdoor options make it the ultimate venue to relax and cherish every magical moment. During these uncertain times, what more could a couple ask for? For more information on weddings at Mona Vale, call 03 341 7450, or visit the website. www.monavale.nz
46 3 February, 2022 Metropol
