16 minute read
74 Food and drink
House made crunchy golden granola
There is a lot to love about this homemade granola recipe which makes a wonderful snack or breakfast. It’s energy boosting, flavourful and it also stores beautifully, so it makes a great homemade gift. Thanks to The Tides for sharing this with us.
INGREDIENTS: 750g rolled oats 125ml canola oil 150ml honey 3 cups shredded coconut 3 cups sliced almonds 3 cups chopped walnuts 2 cups diced dates 2 cups sultanas 2 cups dried diced apricots 2 cups raisins METHOD: Preheat oven to 155 degrees Toast the oats, honey and canola oil in a tray until golden. In a separate tray toast the coconut, almonds and walnuts until golden. Once ingredients are toasted, mix everything together. Can be stored in an airtight container and served with banana, yoghurt and mixed berries or anything else to your liking.
Ratanui Lodge’s favourite fish soup
Situated in the heart of Pohara is one of Golden Bay’s hidden gems, Ratanui Lodge - perfect for a relaxing and refreshing break away or for breakfast or dinner while you are in the bay. Lodge managers, Neil and Katrina share their popular soup recipe using fresh, local kaimoana.
FOR THE SOUP BASE: SERVES 6
1 leek
1 onion
1 stalk celery ½ fennel bulb
2 cloves garlic 1 bay leaf 2 thyme stalks 2 parsley stalks 6 strands saffron
1 small red chili
1 tbsp capers 4 cups (1ltr) fish stock 2 cups tomatoes peeled, deseeded, and chopped 1 orange zest Salt and pepper Slice leek, onion, celery and fennel and sauté until clear.
Add crushed garlic, bay leaf and herb stalks, saffron, chili and capers and saute for 5mins Add stock, tomatoes, and orange zest. Turn down the heat and simmer until flavours come together. Remove the bay leaf and stalks. Salt and pepper to taste.
FOR THE FISH SOUP SERVES 2
600mls fish soup base 8 mussels
12 clams
250 grams diced white fish White wine
Coriander Place soup base in pot with white fish and bring to a simmer. Steam the clams and mussels in white wine until open then add to soup together with the wine stock. Serve topped with chopped coriander. Great with fresh bread, a lemon wedge and chili oil.
Check out their website for rates, offers and packages. All accommodation packages include breakfast. ratanuilodge.co.nz
Sprig + Fern Brewing Co. beers and ciders are well known around New Zealand, and Sprig + Fern Taverns are popular in their communities with eight in Nelson Tasman and 14 nationwide. This month we get to know Ben Douglas and Sam Fitzgerald who own Sprig + Fern Tahuna.
What do you do for fun if you ever have spare time between running your business? Ben: Spending time with my family. My children are two, and five-years-old, and they love coming to “Dads Pub”, and hanging out. Sam: Usually pretending I’m fit enough to play football with Tahuna Football Club and maybe a few cold ones back at the tavern after.
What made you decide to go into business together with Sprig + Fern Tahuna? Ben: I love the Sprig + Fern products and branding and Tahuna is such a special place. It all just made sense really. Sam: Loved the brand since I first got to Nelson. Sprig + Fern Tahuna came along then, Beach, Sprig + Fern beer. Why wouldn’t you, really?
Favourite craft beer on tap at your tavern currently? Ben: Chasing Hazy is a stunning beer. Sam: Awesome Mix Vol. 2. If you could only drink one style of beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? Ben: Classic Pilsner – super cold. Sam: I’d have to go with Pilsner too. What makes your Tahuna tavern special? Ben: The beach vibe, relaxing, long sunshine filled days. Sam: It’s just very chill. You can sit here all day, soak in the sun, enjoy the beers and share some food with mates. Like Ben said, the vibe is just good.
Favourite local sports team? Ben: Stoke Under 6 Eagles. Sam: The mighty Tahuna FC.
Favourite National sports team? Ben: All Blacks. Sam: All Blacks.
What keeps you motivated to own a business in Nelson Tasman? Ben: It’s such an amazing place to do business, so much variety of industry and a great place to live. Sam: Such an array of different people coming through the doors keeps life interesting. Maybe the Nelson weather has something to do with it too.
Favourite part of owning Sprig + Fern Tahuna? Ben: The people. Seeing the same smiling faces returning to enjoy what we have to offer, and also welcoming first timers and seeing them leave satisfied. Sam: Working with such a fun team and getting to know some great characters over the years.
Open Mon – Fri from 2pm, Sat and Sun from 12pm. Famous for its sunny beer garden, food offerings, 16 core beers and ciders on tap, and limited release products which are often experimental in style or the hops used. From hazys through to porter, hard seltzer and ciders, there is something on tap for everyone.
Mapua Village Bakery
Come and experience their warm, friendly atmosphere with the delightful aromas of a homestyle bakery and cafe. Bring the kids, have your meeting, or just indulge in one of their many delightful food options.Try their gourmet pies, artisan breads or lavish cakes.
They serve supreme coffee which will add a bounce to your day.
68 Aranui Rd, Mapua 03 540 3656 mapuavillagebakery.co.nz 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
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. 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. The Views Vegetarian Restaurant
The Views Vegetarian Restaurant offers more than just stunning views over Kaiteriteri! The chefs use their passion and love of food to create seasonal menus which delight your senses, sourcing produce from their organic garden and excellent local suppliers. Treat yourself and visit them for an enriching culinary experience.
Kimi Ora, 99 Martin Farm Road, Kaiteriteri 03 527 8027 kimiora.com
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.
The Mediterranean Foods Wholesale team.
Mediterranean Foods Wholesale celebrates 20 years of food and family
As a well-known name throughout New Zealand, there’s more to Mediterranean Foods Nelson than olives and artichokes. Though originating from the ‘Mediterranean Foods' group, this locally based business has spent the last 20 years servicing the Nelson Tasman region as its own entity. From humble beginnings operating as a retail store on Halifax Street, the business has expanded its product range and service offering exponentially to become a complete supply partner for nearly 300 wholesale customers throughout the top of the South Island.
After six years operating their retail store, Peter Russell and his wife Kathie sold the physical shop after seeing the opportunity to primarily service the hospitality industry, and have been doing so ever since. Twenty years later, there have been three generations of the Russell family working for the business. The majority of staff in key roles today include their children and extended family, and eventually, it’s Peter’s dream to see the grandchildren join the team. Thanks to the support of close friends, John and Gino, who planted the Medi Foods seed in the beginning, the ethos of the wholesale business is all about strong partnerships and delicious products. The origins of Mediterranean Foods has created the opportunity to import unique products from the Mediterranean such as San Marzano tomatoes from Italy and olive oil from Greece; but as a local distributor, the offering of locally made and commodity products has grown into the thousands, enabling the business to compete with other national suppliers. To celebrate the growth of the products now being sourced, this year the company is changing its name to MF Wholesale Foods. “We want our name to reflect our whole offering.” explains Peter. “Our products, our business and our story have grown beyond key Mediterranean food items, and this name change reflects our growth.” However, a new name doesn’t mean a loss of the imported delicacies. “While we have an ever increasing number of pallets of flour, oat milk and cheese in our warehouse, we’ll always have prosciutto and speciality olive oil!” Despite the challenging times the hospitality industry has faced over the last two years, the positivity, support and unyielding drive from suppliers, customers and their own staff has meant MF Wholesale Foods has weathered the storm, and grown while doing so. The business has expanded its reach from Nelson Tasman to now supply the Marlborough region and has an online-only retail arm called My Pantry, which allows people to purchase wholesale products and have them delivered to their doorstep throughout Aotearoa. “Being a small business means that we know all our customers, and we treat them as part of our family. We pride ourselves on our service. The Nelson Tasman and Marlborough hospitality industry is a team we’re proud to be part of.” As they say, food brings family together, which rings true for those who are lucky enough to be part of this expanding small business.
MF Wholesale Foods mfwholesalefoods.nz mypantry.nz
TASTE NELSON WINES
2019 Abel Tasman Chardonnay 2019 Fresh, flinty, fine & focused - our expression of Chardonnay grown on the proven soils of the Nelson foothills. Hand-picked, gently pressed, handmade.
$ 28
Buy online: www.abelwine.com
Old Coach Road Sauvignon Blanc Intensely varietal and alive on the nose with hints of melon, lime, and hops. The palate is bright and flavoursome with layers of tropical passionfruit and ripe grapefruit with a long, luscious finish.
$ 15
Buy online: www.seifried.co.nz Or at wine retail stores
Waimea Pinot Noir Rose 2021 Ripe warm raspberry, cherry, and jasmine floral aromas lead to vibrant fresh strawberries and brambles on the palate - with a silky, yet juicy mouthfeel and elegant finish.
$ 23
Buy online: www.waimeaestates.co.nz Or visit: Gravity Winery and Cellar Door, 243 Old Coach Road, Mahana 7173 Blackenbrook Pinot Blanc 2021 Packed with white peach, jasmine and spice flavours. Multi-layered with an incredible texture, beautifully complemented by a touch of sweetness and a juicy acidity.
$ 29
Buy online: www.blackenbrook.co.nz
Moutere Hills Sarau Chardonnay 2019 “Pale gold, it is full-bodied and vigorous, with concentrated, ripe, citrus and stone-fruit flavours, showing good complexity, fresh acidity, and obvious cellaring potential.” -Michael Cooper
$ 65
Buy online: www.mouterehills.co.nz Or visit: Forsters Moutere Hills, 42 Eggers Road, Upper Moutere 7173 Flaxmore Moutere Chardonnay 2020 An elegant Chardonnay with crushed stone-fruit notes, a hint of citrus and gentle oak barrel influence. Mouthfilling texture, fine acidity and delicious long finish!
$ 29
Buy online: www.flaxmore.co.nz Or visit: Flaxmore Vineyards, 24 Flaxmore Road, RD2, Upper Moutere, Nelson 7175
Kina Beach Vineyard Rosé 2019 A dry rosé made from pinot noir grapes. Showing both fruity and savoury aromas, this characterful rosé is your perfect match for a summer lunch with friends.
$ 20
Buy online: www.kinabeach.co.nz Or visit: Kina Beach Vineyard, 21 Dee Road, Tasman 7173
Heaphy Pinot Noir 2020 New Release! A bright Pinot Noir reflecting another successful vintage. Ripe berries with a hint of spice and soft tannins.
$ 30
Buy at Heaphy Cellar Door & North Eatery,4 Sunrise Road, Upper Moutere, Tasman.
Look out for the green sticker in stores today or buy direct from your local cellar door.
Find out more at tastenelsonwines.nz/love-local
Attracting rave reviews since opening last December, Brick Eatery at Monaco has added a bright new dimension to the Nelson dining scene.
Owner operator Shaun Gregory owes his involvement in hospitality to his mother. When he announced at age sixteen that he wanted a motorbike she suggested he went out and got himself a job to pay for it. A career in hospitality followed that has taken him around the world, most recently managing venues in Sydney and on Hamilton Island. Several years working here in top local establishments followed until Shaun saw the restaurant space at Monaco Village become available. “I was immediately excited at the possibilities for a great indoor/outdoor dining establishment,” he says. “Most of the places I have worked have been by the sea and I love the relaxed feel it brings to the dining experience too.” A period of hard work followed transforming the venue into a light, airy and welcoming space complete with fire pit ovens. “I wanted to offer Nelsonians something a little different,” Shaun explains. “There is something raw and back to basics about this way of cooking with the heat providing intense and delicious flavours.” Shaun describes head chef, New Zealand Tongan, Touvai “Tee” Poloniati as a big guy with a gentle soul and the ability to create delicious intricate, elegant dishes using mainly local ingredients. Born in South Auckland, he followed his dream and travelled the world, gaining his chef skills in some of the finest restaurants. Almost everything is made on site including popular sourdough bread and butter and ricotta from local cream. “It is wonderful to have such a calm, happy kitchen,” says Shaun. “I have terrific staff and every day is a pleasure. Tee is very experienced with plant-based recipes too which makes for some really fascinating dishes such as the Wild Mushroom Crackers and Charred Cos complete with fresh corn, charred mandarin and miso which our customers love.”
Open for lunch and dinner, there are many menu options to choose from. The Whole Duck dish, flavoured with bee pollen, lavender and spices is very popular as are the mussels smoked in the fire’s embers, exuding gentle flavours from woods such as Manuka and Pohutakawa. The attention to detail is exquisite and each dish can be enhanced by a choice from the carefully selected beverage list that includes many local offerings. The menu at Brick Eatery changes with the seasons and reflects the ingredients available. Some goodies are sourced from other parts of the country such as oysters. The kitchen has a “nose-totail” philosophy which means that nothing is wasted. The recent addition of an outside rotisserie is proving a popular option for weddings and events. Shaun’s and Tee’s passion for food and excellent service shines through everything they do and is best summed up by recent feedback that said the meal “made my taste buds sing with joy.”
30 Quiet Woman Way, Monaco brickeatery.co.nz 03 547 0792 Brickeatery brick.eatery
Sprig + Fern Brewing Co.
It’s not summer in Nelson Tasman unless you’ve spent time at a local Sprig + Fern Tavern enjoying a pint of craft beer or cider. Real beer, real people, really local. Sprig + Fern Milton St, Sprig + Fern Hardy St, Sprig + Fern Tahuna, Sprig + Fern Upper Queen, Sprig + Fern The Meadows Sprig + Fern Brightwater, Sprig + Fern Mapua ,Sprig + Fern Motueka Solander Gourmet Seafood
The very best seafood available in New Zealand and around the world is now easily accessible to you via online order and home delivery. Select from the finest seafood and other gourmet products on offer to ensure that your summer meals and dining experiences are healthy, delicious, and incredibly well priced. Delivering gourmet seafood direct to your door.
sprigandfern.co.nz gourmetseafood.co.nz Mountain Valley Honey
Mountain Valley Honey is locally owned and based in Spring Grove. Their bees naturally forage amongst the valleys of the region resulting in a full-bodied and scrumptiously earthy honey that has become the darling of the range. Red Label Manuka Honey is harvested, packed and distributed locally.
mountainvalleyhoney.co.nz
Atutahi
Native leaf drinks made here in sunny Nelson. Kawakawa, Horopito and Kumarahou leaf combined with NZ’s premium fruit and berries, then lightly carbonated. The taste echoes across centuries. Made with deep respect for the land, through the strength of our whanau and the wellbeing of all. Sugar Free options available. See stockists online The Veggie Guy
Packed with vitamins and nutrients that flush out toxins and keep you hydrated, a big, chilled wedge of watermelon on a hot day is the best treat you can give yourself. Perfect for fruit salads, watermelons are now available at The Veggie Guy. Hop Federation
Hop Federation’s dedication to producing seriously delicious awardwinning ales starts with the way their hops are farmed and it all happens right down the road in Riwaka. It’s quite literally their own team with their hands in the soil.
Visit their tasting room for a range of beers, wines, and cider sales all year round.
