41 Chef’s Choice

from Nelson Magazine - February 2022

by Top South Media

On the Street

TASTE NELSON WINES

Middle Earth Sauvignon Blanc 2021 A lighter-bodied style, with a prevalent herbal streak, showing some similarities with Sancerre and aromas of gooseberry, fresh pea shoots, and lemongrass.

$ 22

Buy at Tasteology, 97 Livingston Road Brightwater. Neudorf Rosie’s Block Moutere Chardonnay 2020 Delicious, finely nuanced chardonnay with grapefruit, citrus, stone fruit, ginger, oyster-shell and baguette crust flavours.

$ 45

Buy online: ww.neudorf.co.nz Or visit: Neudorf Vineyards, 138 Neudorf Road, Upper Moutere

Riwaka River Estate Resurgence Sauvignon Blanc 2021 A smooth luscious Sauvignon Blanc with fresh passionfruit, lime and other tropical elements across the mid-palette with a crisp, dry, mineral finish.

$ 22

Buy online: www.riwakariverestate.com Or visit: Riwaka River Estate, 60 Takaka Hill Highway, Riwaka

Richmond Plains Blanc de Noir Aromatic with citrus blossom, green pear, and biscuit characters on the nose. Full and fruity flavours of baked apple, pear, and nectarine with an exotic spicy finish.

$ 25.99

Buy online: www.richmondplains.co.nz Or visit: Richmond Plains, 108 McShane Rd, Richmond Old House Vineyards One Tree Chardonnay 2018 Soft, rich and quite weighty chardonnay with peach, grapefruit, citrus, sizzled butter and spicy oak flavours supported by a pleasing backbone of fruity acidity.

$ 40

Buy at wine retail stores

Kahurangi Estate Mt Arthur Reserve Chardonnay 2020 Spicy butter and stone fruit aromas abound on the nose. The palate is full and rich with a generous serving of pear, nectarine and soft spices.

$ 28.99

Buy online: www.kahurangiwine.com Or at wine retail stores

Look out for the green sticker in stores today or buy direct from your local cellar door.

Rimu Grove Pinot Noir 2015 Gorgeously composed pinot, showing fragrant aromas of Black Doris plum, raspberry, floral, vanilla and smoked wood on the nose with subtle spicy complexity.

$ 48.95

Buy online: www.rimugrove.co.nz Or visit: Rimu Wine Bar & Bottle Shop, Unit 4, Shed 4, Māpua Wharf

Ruby Bay Captains Reserve Pinot Noir Generously flavoured with excellent fruit richness. This wine exhibits an elegant array of blackberry, cherries and ripened plums with a hint of nutmeg.

$ 30

Buy at Ruby Bay Vineyard, 271 Pomona Road, Ruby Bay, Tasman

Kina Cliffs Labour of Love Pinot Gris 2021 Complex flavours of fresh pear, a hint of spice and ripe stone fruit are balanced by a mineral freshness and a long silky finish.

$ 27

Buy online: www.kinacliffs.co.nz Or visit: Kina Cliffs, 38 Cliff Road, Tasman, Nelson

The Indian Café

With three great locations you can enjoy Indian Cafe’s delicious food no matter where you are. Head in and find out why Indian Café is the favourite choice for anyone looking for the highest quality food and a memorable cuisine experience. All venues offer intimate restaurant dining and courtyard settings and takeaway options.

94 Collingwood St, Nelson | 03 548 4089 266 Queen St, Richmond | 03 544 8979 201 Songer St, Stoke | 03 547 0008 theindiancafe.co.nz

McCashin’s Tap Room

If you haven’t visited McCashin’s Tap Room in a while, you’ll be impressed at the changes they have made to create their spacious and family friendly outdoor area. There’s lots of seating and plenty of grass for the kids to run around on while you sit back and enjoy a cold beverage made right there at McCashins Brewery, and enjoy a delicious meal from the summer menu. Mapua Village Bakery

Open for breakfast, lunch, and snacks through the day, choose from their fantastic menu full of all your favourites. Dinner is sorted too with a family size quiche or pie ready to heat and enjoy or pop into the freezer. They have a great gluten free range, and extensive pie menu with a different gourmet flavour each month, all topped off with a supreme coffee to add a bounce to your day.

68 Aranui Rd, Mapua 03 540 3656 mapuavillagebakery.co.nz

Ambrosia Café

As soon as you step inside, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the delicious daily fare sets your mouth watering. Ambrosia Café is licensed, so whether you want a quick coffee and something sweet, brunch, lunch with friends, a business lunch or a glass of wine and a snack, it’s all here. Open every day. Ratanui Lodge

Fresh local produce and fantastic flavours are on the menu daily – with taste tempting dishes for everyone. Enjoy cocktails, beers and tapas from 4pm daily in our sparkly, newly renovated lounge bar, or outside in the sunny courtyard which is open whenever the sun is shining and locals, groups and casual diners are always welcome. Open daily for breakfast and dinner.

818 Abel Tasman Drive, Pohara 03 525 7998 - ratanuilodge.com

Anchor Restaurant and Bar

Top quality food is best served with amazing ocean views! Blessed with a fantastic spot on the water, you will feel welcomed and won’t want to leave.

Specialising in local seafood and steaks, there are also delectable choices for non-meat eaters, people with special dietary needs and kids.

660 Main Rd, Stoke 03 547 0329 mccashins.co.nz 226 Queen St, Richmond 03 544 0025 ambrosiacafe.co.nz 62 Vickerman St, Port Nelson 03 546 6614 anchorrestaurant.co.nz

Have your cake ... and eat it too!

Don’t bake it, get someone to make it. Here’s a taste of our region’s top cake makers.

CREATIVE CAKES

If fabulous fondant or stylish simplicity is your jam, Linda will bake your day. “I love bringing people happiness through beautiful and delicious cakes. The visual presentation is only the beginning – you really will get to have your cake and eat it too!” says Linda. Cakes for all Occasions 027 497 9775 |

CHEESE, PLEASE!

If your sweet dreams are made of cheese, who are we to dis a Brie? The Cheese Shop have your dreams answered with a variety of 12 cheeses available for your cheese stack, which will be a grate addition to any celebration.

The Cheese Shop 03 528 4242 | CHOCOLATE HEAVEN

From creative to corporate, for Chocolate Velvet perfection is their main ingredient. With a variety of flavours and toppings, a Chocolate Velvet cake will be the cherry on the top of your next event.

Chocolate Velvet 03 538 0515 |

ESCAPE WITH CAKE

Cakes should be special, and the ones made by Grape Escape are no exception. Expertly designed and presented, these cakes taste as good as they look and will be a talking point amongst guests.

Grape Escape 03 544 4341 | FEELING FRESH

You’ll feel bliss in every bite of Jessie’s delectable lemon meringue pie, and her cheesecakes are almost too good to eat… almost.

Fresh As Bakery 03 548 6475 |

FLOUR POWER

Nothing says ‘eat me’ more than Jenna’s spectacular creations. Flowers, ruffles and splashes of gold combine to create the most whimsical and pretty cakes you ever did see.

Cakes on College 027 320 2284 | BAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT

You’ll love the scrumptious, fresh cakes and slices by Sweet Not Sugar, and you can enjoy them guilt free, as their treats are sugar, gluten and grain free – a tasty healthy option.

Sweet not Sugar 021 148 9106 |

SAY CHEESE … CAKE!

Find the best range of cheesecakes at The Cheesecake Shop, including a delectable array of baked cheesecakes, mudcakes and tortes that will leave your taste buds wanting.

The Cheesecake Shop Richmond 03 922 9834 | SWEETS FOR MY SWEET

Sweet Bites Wakefield create homemade treats using only the best ingredients. Each masterpiece is crafted with love by Suzanne and will be sure to impress, whatever your event or budget.

Sweet Bites Wakefield 021 703 821 |

OH, SUGAR SUGAR

With a focus on designing and creating unique cakes. Wendy uses high quality ingredients to ensure cakes taste as good as they look. If you’re after realistic icing flowers and hand painted designs, then Wendy is your cake lady!

Wendy Burton Cake and Sugar Art 021 1096 099 | BAKING AT ITS BEST

Want a celebratory cake, but don’t have time to make it yourself? Mapua Village Bakery create luscious cakes, so you don’t have to! Their oversized donuts and Croquembouche, made with choux pastry puffs, are also fun and tasty options for parties.

Mapua Village Bakery 03 540 3656 |

26 MARCH noon - 9.30pm Founders park - Nelson

Brewers and musicians from around the country will join homegrown stars as preparations kick into gear for Marchfest 2022.

The popular craft beer and music celebration held in New Zealand’s main hop growing region is back. This year’s event – the 15th in its history - will once again be held at Founders Heritage Park on Saturday March 26 2022 from noon to 9.30pm and will feature 15 brewers with 12 top of the south breweries.

Visitors can head to the educational Brew Zone to learn about the ingredients and process involved in making beer. We’ll also have a range of home-brewers showing off their homebrew systems, perfect inspiration if you are thinking about getting set up to make your own beer at home.

PLUS there are ‘Brew Talks’ with a range of commercial craft brewers taking turns on the microphone, ready to answer all of your questions about their approach to making great craft beer. All of this is FREE as part of your entry ticket.

Back by popular demand is the Tasting Bar. This means that all you festival-goers can sample a paddle of 5 taster-sized brews! Come sit at a table, sample a few beers before going on to the main bars to enjoy your favourites.

But Marchfest is not just about beer. Great live music is always a big feature of the event - This year’s lineup includes 12-piece Newtown Rocksteady with their all brass, all bass, all party, big band, big dance, chant down MASH UP.

Last but not least, Marchfest also showcases local Cider & Wine, plenty of local cuisine and there is heaps of cool stuff for kids to do in the dedicated Kids Zone.