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Cook'n with Gas
Address23 Worcester Boulevard Central city Christchurch Region: Canterbury Licence: Fully Licensed Cuisine: New Zealand Add to 'My Restaurants' ContactPhone: 03-377 9166 Fax: 03-377 9106 Website: www.cooknwithgas.co.nz Email: cookin.christchurch@gmail.com
OpenMonday to Saturday from 6p.m. onwards CommentsLocated opposite Court Theatre.
C.H.A.D.S.Canterbury's most outstanding restaurant manager 2008, (Paul Hawker)
C.H.A.D.S. Canterbury's most outstanding restaurant.2006
N.Z. Beef & Lamb Ambassador 2006
N.Z. Beef & Lamb gold plaque 00.01.02.03.04.05.06.07.08.09.10
Meadows Mushrooms-Award of excellence 01.02.03.04.05.06.07
Best service 2004.
C.H.A.D.S. most outstanding Maitre'D of the year 2004.(Bruce Griffiths)
Monteith's wild food challenge- Winner 01, best spirit 03.04
N.Z winelist awards.2003-highly recommended
Stella Artois Cannes film festival display 2002.
Blues Brew & B.B.Q.'s Grand champions 01.02, best cuisine 00.01.02.
N.Z festival Chef of the year 2001 (Hokitika wild foods)Bruce Griffiths
Hooked on seafood-best match Pinot Noir 2002. (Johnny Schwass)
Corbans wine & food challenge-winners 00-01
C.H.A.D.S Sommelier of the year 99( Anthony Latz)
World Junior Chef 1999(Sean Marshall)
New Zealand Approved Food Safety Programme in place.
Bookings are essential to avoid disappointment.
One account per table please. Lunches by arrangement. Menus4188_Menu.pdf 4188_Puddings.pdf 4188_Wine_List.pdf
Overall DineOut Score based on 96 reviews| Total |   | 8.6 | | Food |   | 8.7 | | Dessert |   | 8.6 | | Presentation |   | 8.5 | | Service |   | 9.1 | | Environment |   | 8.1 | | Toilets |   | 7.5 | | Child Friendly | Yes | Add your review to Cook'n with Gas
Review by: CJD [DineOut Admin] (136) on 30th July 2010| Total |   | 8.5 | | Food |   | 9 | | Dessert |   | 8 | | Presentation |   | 8 | | Service |   | 9 | | Environment |   | 8 | | Toilets |  | N/A |
I've been to 'the gas' a few times now and always enjoyed my visit. The environment is different - less white linen, more bistro, and comfortable. Paper tablecloths and bulldog clips may not be your cup of tea, but the food sure will be.
I was dining with a rather eclectic group. There were only 6 of us (we had planned to be more) but we were quite the mix, and this environment suited our group well. All tastes were catered for, in food and drinks.
We arrived, were warmly greeted and soaked up the warmth of the fire while sipping champagne (what an awesome start!) and nibbled on warm olives while were chatted and perused the menu.
I began with the starter of Turkey Mousse, hoping anything with bacon and beetroot would be worthwhile, and it certainly was. A nice firm mousse, almost pâté like, with delicious beetroot 'balls' and crispy ciabatta kept me silent while I munched away. I would have happily eaten this as a main as well, and was a little sad when it ran out on my plate.
For the main I resisted ordering the pork as I have had it here before (I enjoyed it then) and went for the beef instead. Ordered rare, it came out slightly over-rare, but nowhere near medium, so quite acceptable. A good steak should be easy to produce, after all it's just a steak right? My steak on this evening was very good indeed. Considering they are not a 'steak house' they would give the local ones a run for their money in this regard.
Dessert was refused by some, but not by me, and I chose the sticky date pudding. A good solid dessert you can judge the kitchen by. If you can't do a sticky date pud, then there is no hope for you! The gas did not disappoint. Rich without being super-sweet, and with dates! Not just flavour, but texture too. And sticky. Mmmmm. This was another course that kept me quiet.
The coffee came with a 'home made' macaroon that was quite delicious. In fact, the little touches were quite spectacular in their own right - the whitebait were very tasty and even eaten by the non-whitebait eater and the sorbet with citrus vodka was enjoyed by all (especially me).
Bruce was serving us all evening, and was the consummate professional all round. Friendly, generous and personable. My kind of guy. And he knows his beer, his wine, and his food. What more could you want?
By the end of the evening it was confirmed that Cook'n with Gas stays on my recommend list. A consistent performer with reliable delivery. Somewhere I would be happy to have a casual business meeting, take my mum, or have a birthday dinner. Keep it up chaps, I'll continue to sing your praises. Login to vote x4 x0 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: VWL (5) on 23rd April 2010| Total |   | 9.1 | | Food |  | 10 | | Dessert |   | 9 | | Presentation |   | 9 | | Service |   | 9 | | Environment |   | 7 | | Toilets |   | 8 |
I've been here 4 times now - everytime being superb. On my last visit, I had the whitebait entree, which had to be the most delicious whitebait dish I've ever had. Not the bland whitebait pattie you normally get, by any stretch of the imagination. The lamb as main course was equally spectacular - generous size, perfectly cooked, and a great showcase of NZ lamb. Last trip I didn't have dessert, as I was too full. However I have had the crepes on 2 previous occasions, and can highly recommend it, but only if you're not too full. If you had an entree & main, then crepes may not be the best dessert option, unless you feel like exploding! My only slight criticism of the crepes is that they're a little too sweet, and could be offset by a little more Orange zest & Grand Marnier.
THis is a fantastic restaurant - the only thing is that it's quite noisy, so having a conversation, particular if there are a few of you & you're seated in the main dining area, can be tricky. Login to vote x1 x0 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: morphiussep1 (4) on 22nd April 2010| Total |   | 8.2 | | Food |   | 9 | | Dessert |   | 8 | | Presentation |   | 9 | | Service |   | 7 | | Environment |   | 8 | | Toilets |   | 6 |
Avery enjoyable evening, and excellant food for the special occasion of my wifes birthday.
Cook n with gas deserves the well earned food rating.
Its as pity that from a chefs point of view (me)that the well balanced and presented food was slightly spoiled by the little details.
The little piece of grit or dirt in the final bite of the Funghi starter.
The beef fillet cooked medium rare at too high a temperture,
crispy and slightly dry,
Nothing major and certanitly not worth complaining about to the waiter,slight imperfections in a otherwise perfect evening.
Would i return? absolutly.
Give credit wheres it due? Guys i bow down to your skill and talent.
Thank you. Review Feedback by: corker [DineOut VIP] (57) 23rd Apr 2010 Thankyou for the great review and informative feedback. Will be telling the chefs to double-check the cleaning of the vegetables!
The steak is advertised as chargrilled, and the nature of the beast is to be cooked on a very high heat. Get the impression that it was still med-rare from your writing. hope so!
Review Feedback by: morphiussep1 (4) 24th May 2010 After trying a few other dissapointing places around this fair city, the wife and i have decided to make cooking with gas our official special occasion restaurant :}Review Feedback by: corker [DineOut VIP] (57) 25th May 2010 Nice one, Morphiussep1. Thankyou!Login to vote x1 x0 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: bBc (12) on 7th April 2010| Total |   | 8.5 | | Food |   | 8 | | Dessert |   | 9 | | Presentation |   | 8 | | Service |  | 10 | | Environment |   | 8 | | Toilets |   | 7 |
A table for 6 at cooking with gas on a cold Tuesday evening is my idea of a great night out and as it was my partners mothers 65th birthday we had a lovely evening. The service was terrific, extremly knowledgable about their wine list and the huge range of boutique beers they have in stock. We were lucky enough to score their last bottle of 96 reisling which was the wedding wine at our guests wedding.
We started with the recommended mix of breads and garlic bread which was lovely then our mains arrived. At the table we had two pork belly which was a huge meal with crispy crackling and was greatly enjoyed. Mine was the beef fillet with silverside gratin and had a lovely mix of flavours but was slightly on the cool side but savoured none the less and apriciated for the levels of skill to produce. my partner had the lamb which I also sampled but still favoured my own dish. he thought it was just ok and slightly overpriced for what it was. he felt the menu lacked a little something and was not equal to the drinks list. we had a vege plate of quinoa and vegetables for our non meat eaters.
The star of the show was the sticky date pudding ordered by one but shared by all and the belguim hot chocolate to finish.
service was top notch Login to vote x2 x0 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: Bubbles4me (24) on 11th February 2010| Total |   | 9.0 | | Food |   | 9 | | Dessert |  | N/A | | Presentation |  | 10 | | Service |   | 9 | | Environment |   | 8 | | Toilets |  | N/A |
Was very fortuante to dine with my mother at this fabulous restaurant on Monday night (8th Feb 2010).
It was quite possibly one of the best meals I've had in a very long time! Had the pork belly which was out of this world - flavoursome, immaculately presented, great crackling, good sized helping. My mother had the salmon which she declared to be delicious - lovely touch with outside piece of salmon skin grilled to a crisp like segment.
We "washed" this fabulous food down with a very nice Peregrine Pinot Gris.
Service was friendly, informed and attentive.
We were too full for desserts but will definitely be returning again in the near future, hopefully to work our way more thoroughly thru' the menu.
Bonus - restaurant in the Entertainment Book.
So go on....make your way to Cook'n with Gas! Login to vote x4 x0 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: Titch [DineOut VIP] (73) on 7th February 2010| Total |   | 9.0 | | Food |   | 9 | | Dessert |  | 10 | | Presentation |   | 8 | | Service |   | 9 | | Environment |   | 8 | | Toilets |   | 8 |
Rating and previous comments say it clear and loud - Cook'n with Gas is a very special place - and we will back as soon as we can; just hope there is still some of the 40+ year old port left :-) Login to vote x4 x0 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: debbieelliston (32) on 26th January 2010| Total |   | 9.3 | | Food |   | 9 | | Dessert |   | 9 | | Presentation |  | 10 | | Service |  | 10 | | Environment |   | 9 | | Toilets |  | N/A |
We were very lucky to be taken here last Monday 18/1 and what a delicious time was had by all. Eating out should be theatre and entertained we were. From the hotsmoked venison, organic chicken mousse to the oh, to die for festival soup where the shredded vegetable with the pot-roasted rabbit and chorizo soup, comes out to your table and the gorgeous tomato and mushroom bouillon is served over the said rabbit and vegetables, accompanied by a good serving of humour at the table. I told our visitors that the lamb and the duck is pretty special here, so they were more than delighted with my suggestions, but the gas pork belly is rather special indeed too, so much so my husband had food envy, that I had to share. We were completely full, but there was no way we were leaving without trying the gas crepes, which again is theatre, where the plate comes with the cremes and a beatiful candied orange slice, then along comes the flaming crepes. As were were enjoying our dessert, we saw a happy young couple skipping through the front of the restaurant garden, as they were leaving, oh to be young again, we opted for the power waddle when we left. Thoroughly recommended for a great night out! Review Feedback by: CJD [DineOut Admin] (136) 26th Jan 2010 "power waddle" !! Fantastic !!Review Feedback by: Mr Lu [DineOut VIP] (383) 26th Jan 2010 Fabulous review Debbie. It makes me want to book again as I have been secretly harbouring a huge desire to dine at this most excellent culinary temple once again.Review Feedback by: corker [DineOut VIP] (57) 11th Feb 2010 Thanks Debbie, great review. Have a good & busy Valentine's Day!!Login to vote x6 x0 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: longleggedfly (5) on 6th December 2009| Total |   | 9.4 | | Food |  | 10 | | Dessert |   | 9 | | Presentation |  | 10 | | Service |  | 10 | | Environment |   | 8 | | Toilets |   | 7 |
Wow... my partner and I dined here for my birthday recently. We booked a table for two. A great thing about this restaurant is they have two dining rooms, one for the large, noisy groups and one for smaller, generally quiter couples and groups of up to 4. The food was absolutely amazing. The service could not be faulted. We ended up dining our way through a bottle of Whitehaven Pinot Gris, 3 courses each AND a cheeseboard to finish with. By the time we were ready to leave we had been there for literally hours but the time had just slipped away in what has to be the most enjoyable dining experience of my life.
Returning for partners b'day in Jan!! Login to vote x2 x0 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: victor1 (6) on 30th September 2009| Total |   | 9.0 | | Food |   | 9 | | Dessert |   | 9 | | Presentation |   | 9 | | Service |   | 9 | | Environment |   | 9 | | Toilets |   | 8 |
A group dined here a few nights ago - a busy Saturday and the restaurant was fully booked. our table was ready and the friendly waiter Paul greeted us and ensured we were all comfortable. A great menu wonderful food and service and a night enjoyed by all. Some of the group wanted to pick up their plates and lick the last juices off them. Fungi entree - every mushroom type could be tasted and so tender. The pork belly was a treat along with the very tender beef. Desserts were all enjoyed. Good sized servings. Good value. Login to vote x2 x0 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: jonnyfoody1 (3) on 21st July 2009| Total |   | 7.9 | | Food |   | 8 | | Dessert |   | 8 | | Presentation |   | 9 | | Service |   | 8 | | Environment |   | 6 | | Toilets |   | 7 |
went here with a couple of friends from australia as have been told how good it was and it did not disappoint had great food and great local wines to show our nz food at its best thanks guys you have done nz proud ( friends were both great aussie chefs too) Login to vote x0 x0 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: Mwa (3) on 7th July 2009| Total |   | 7.9 | | Food |   | 8 | | Dessert |   | 8 | | Presentation |   | 8 | | Service |   | 9 | | Environment |   | 6 | | Toilets |   | 6 |
Enjoyed a fabulous meal here, service was awesome. LOVED the dessert! Great setting for two, relaxing atmosphere. Would have no hesitation in dining at Cook'n with Gas again. Login to vote x0 x0 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: Simie (19) on 29th June 2009| Total |   | 9.1 | | Food |   | 9 | | Dessert |   | 9 | | Presentation |   | 9 | | Service |  | 10 | | Environment |   | 8 | | Toilets |  | N/A |
Usually when I go out with my husband the restaurant choice is up to me, but he picked this one, and a quick look through the reviews reassured me it should be a good choice. Our lovely English waiter arrived with a concise menu, and we duly ordered. The entrees arrived in a surprisingly fast time. After reading the reviews there were some things I really wanted to try, and the fungae was one of them. Cooked in espresso and with a herb bruscetta and a rocket and muttonbird salad it did not disappoint. Husband had the venison which I was allowed a small taste of, but I'm pretty sure I got the better dish there, it is something I would recommend and definately order again. The pork is something that also seems to rate highly, so husband ordered that and I got the vego plate, partially as I wanted to be sure to have some room left for dessert. Again both dishes were excellent, and both came with a particularly good kumara mash...I would have been happy just to have a big bowl of that! The blue cheese tortellini on the vego plate was very tasty too,
Allowed some settling time before ordering dessert, I noted that the temperature in the restaurant was at an excellent level, which may seem like a minor thing but something I have encountered problems with when dining out on cold Chch evenings before.
For desserts we chose the southern creme as I'm a creme brulee fan, and the paris brest. I also wanted to try the crepes but as there was only two of us that would have seemed greedy (next time!). Dessert was of the same excellent standard and husband declared the caramel sauce with the paris brest was "lick your plate good".
Overall an excellent experience, with the entertainment card the bill was a very reasonable $110 (no alcohol), and I would recommend this restaurant to my friends for really amazing food but with a more laid back service and atmosphere. Login to vote x3 x0 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: Jean Genie (13) on 8th May 2009| Total |   | 8.0 | | Food |   | 8 | | Dessert |  | N/A | | Presentation |   | 8 | | Service |   | 8 | | Environment |   | 8 | | Toilets |  | N/A |
My boyfriend and I finally visited Cook'n with Gas for the first time earlier this year. We really enjoyed it. I loved the cute exterior of the restaurant and inside it had a nice cosy feel and plenty of interesting memorabilia to check out. Luckily I had my back to Muldoon and so wasn't put off my food! We started with the fresh breads with olive oil and aged balsamic, which were really tasty. For mains, my partner opted for the pork belly which apparently tasted as good as it looked (really yum!). I had the prime fillet of beef which was just as impressive. Service was friendly and attentive and portions were generous - neither of us had room to try dessert! Login to vote x1 x0 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: Mr Lu [DineOut VIP] (383) on 23rd April 2009| Total |   | 8.4 | | Food |   | 9 | | Dessert |  | N/A | | Presentation |   | 8 | | Service |   | 8 | | Environment |   | 8 | | Toilets |   | 7 |
It was with rapturous expectation & feelings of near concupiscence that I made my way, finally, to dinner at this acclaimed and so very well respected Christchurch restaurant. As remarkable as it must seem to those who know this inner city location, the one and only free parking space on Worcester Boulevard on this particular evening in April, was directly outside the restaurant. It was a good start!
Once inside the beautiful, gracefully aged old Christchurch villa, although there was not the exuberant greeting that others have alluded to, we managed to find assistance at the little bar and were escorted to our table adjacent to a flickering, warm gas fire set in a charming Victorian cast iron and tile fireplace. In this very atmospheric room I was gently serenaded by my thoughts of old and the days when, as a child, I lived in a not dissimilar dwelling.
Promptly & courteously our waiter brought the comprehensive wine list along with menus to our table and without delay we were the satisfied recipients of cold beer. As I had heartily embraced the best part of three courses at another restaurant earlier in the day, I skipped past the entrees, heading directly to a main of pork, the Classical Gas Belly of Pork to be exact. Culinary craftsmanship was clearly evident in the careful presentation of this meal and I relished the delightful, flavourful gingered bok choy, the exquisite broccoli(brassica) – it really and truly added something in taste & texture to this experience - the whipped kumara mash, the sweet corn salsa, crackling and what is described as the X Factor sauce. I have eaten pork belly on many occasions and at many restaurants over the past year or two but would rate this one in the top 10.
For all of this I will have to admit that I had to go looking for a peppermill & had to purloin one from an adjacent table set for 7 . Often chefs may well argue that their creations don’t need such condimentary additions but the final decision must always be with the customer. If someone wants to sprinkle the contents of a pepper grinder (or salt shaker )on their meal then that is their right, I’d have thought!
This was a well run ship with well trained, friendly and professional staff who clearly have had a lot of experience as this restaurant is full most nights.
Unfortunately for me on this night, I was seated close enough to the kitchen to suffer the squeaking, swinging and banging of the doors through which the staff came and went throughout the evening. If I’d had more than 2 glasses of the Passage Rock Cab Sauv I may well have started thinking I was aboard a creaky old sailing ship. However, this was not a deal breaker as I enjoyed the food, savoured the atmosphere and ambience and my dining companion was also eminently pleased and impressed with all aspects of the evening.
For all of this I do think Cook n With Gas is capable of pulling something more out of the hat, getting a few extra revs out of its engine you might say, and I will be returning soon to give it another chance to knock my socks off as this is what I was expecting and wanting. Review Feedback by: corker [DineOut VIP] (57) 23rd Apr 2009 Thankyou for another eloquent review, Mr. Lu. We were anticipating your incipient reservation with much anticipation, and a small degree of trepidation!Login to vote x3 x2 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: cantab (14) on 14th April 2009| Total |   | 8.1 | | Food |   | 7 | | Dessert |  | 10 | | Presentation |   | 8 | | Service |   | 8 | | Environment |   | 8 | | Toilets |   | 6 |
Dinner for two on a Saturday night. Fully booked sign was outside but the service was at a good pace. I must say what a pleasure it is to see service staff with a sense of humour who actually seem to enjoy working, rather than just being there for a paycheck. Lots of friendly banter between staff and customers made for a relaxing meal!
Fresh breads to start then hubby had the king prawns and whitebait while I had the hunters and gatherers plate (maybe a bit too adventurous for me). The venison was smoked and therefore very rare, pork rilette and I think muttonbird. Not really my cup of tea in the end but more a reflection of my taste buds than the dish itself. Mains were the fillet of beef for hubby and the seafood for me. The salmon was incredibly salty and I did mention it to staff but It is apparantely done in a brine of sugar and salt. The fish was lovely though and the vegetables and orzo(?) cooked beautifully and with nice complementary flavours. Hubby's plate was nearly licked clean so must have been good.
Quite full by now we decided to share a dessert and had the crepes which were brought to the table flaming. On our first mouthfuls both let out involuntary whhoooaas as the sauce hit the spot and then the creams give a beautiful cooling sensation almost straight away. A fantastic balance and the kind of dessert I havn't often seen on a menu. Top marks, I'm awarding it my first ever dessert TEN.
One small gripe on the toilets was the basin seemed to be designed for very short people. I had to stoop to wash my hands and I am certainly not tall.
Some other good points to note however, different vegetables matched and presented with each main rather than the same standard fare for every dish makes a lovely change. The wine list had something for everyone and even a very good selection of beers. Plus you can use your entertainment book to discount your meal and help pay for your taxi home!! Well worth a visit. Review Feedback by: corker [DineOut VIP] (57) 14th Apr 2009 Thankyou for your fair review, & for your feedback. By the way, the height of the basin is that way to comply with wheelchair friendly regulations.Login to vote x0 x0 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: Dessertsfirst (58) on 2nd April 2009| Total |   | 5.2 | | Food |   | 5 | | Dessert |   | 4 | | Presentation |   | 4 | | Service |   | 7 | | Environment |   | 6 | | Toilets |   | 7 |
I too choose to dine after reading the many reviews and choose the restaurant for myself and my partner as our celebration dining choice. It was a friendly welcome and we did enjoy the professional and approachable staff. They explained the menu with the set menu choice which my partner decided to go with. He started wih the fungi which I also tried and they were very very good full of flavour. For my main I had the chicken and it was almost bland and I was disappointed to find small pieces of wings - like chicken nibbles. My partner choose the beef medium rare, it was more medium than m-r. Found it odd with the silverside in it. We just felt both meals lacked flair and flavour and were quite under-whelmed from a restaurant we expected to be Wow'd by. Dessert a chocolate something and again I felt brand and the toffee tasted slightly burnt. The coffee though was hot and perfect. Like the previous review we also felt rushed the meals arrived way too quickly and so did the entree we were in and out in just over an hour. Disappointed for having such high hopes, wont go back unless things really change in the kitchen. Response from Cook'n with Gas Thankyou for your comments. Bistro comes from the Russian word meaning quick, and our service on a Saturday night tends to be fast & furious, however we would always be happy to slow the pace down if asked.
I have tried the chicken dish in question since reading this review, & found it to be anything but bland. It has top quality Kalamata olives, spicy Spanish chorizo , & fresh thyme. The salad is dressed with gremolata- raw garlic, lemon zest, & fresh parsley. It is a saute of half a chicken, & the wings ( semi-boned) are part of the bird.
To be on the medium side of medium-rare is not good, & we would have been happy to serve another beef, had we been asked. The poached silverside is an adjunct to the smoked tomatoes, mushrooms on the dish, not in the beef . There is a mustard-beetroot crush on the beef which is fiery, & full of flavour.
The chocolate lover's plate comprises a chocolate-marsala mascarpone on an espresso soaked sponge in a chocolate shell dusted with Valrhona shell, with dark morello cherries, & raspberry coulis., & double chocolate ice-cream. The toffee garnish is just that - slightly bitter but not burnt ,sugar. Generally a very popular dessert, & you are the first to say it is bland.Login to vote x2 x4 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: nulli secundus [DineOut VIP] (194) on 31st March 2009| Total |   | 7.7 | | Food |   | 8 | | Dessert |   | 8 | | Presentation |   | 7 | | Service |   | 7 | | Environment |   | 8 | | Toilets |   | 7 |
After reading all 79 reviews ( whew ! it took a while ! ) and noting there have only been 3 VIP reviews within the last 12 months of this much vaulted Bistro Restaurant it was at last my time to visit accompanied by Mrs Nulli on her birthday. We had booked some weeks before and had requested the "table window " (after peering through the restaurants windows one afternoon when the place was not open ) My request was granted ,however upon entry we were ushered to another table . The window tables were all 4 diner settings....so our seating was slightly removed . We had such a warm welcome at the door that I did not mention the oversight and it was not a biggie ...but (tich tich ! ) We were hoping our evening would be memorable and relaxing as we had along awaited the opportunity to dine at this award winning restaurant.....we had come to dine,savour the wine and maybe taxi home !!
Our waiter was immediately at our table with a complimentary ":Birthday glass "of Pol Cement French sparkling wine...what a wonderful touch !
We started with some delightful flat bread ,beautifully cooked with sesame seeds abandon on top. My main was was the Belly of Pork sliced with ginger,bok choi on a whipped kumara base with loose sweet corn,broccoli and what was described as X factor sauce . The wine list was expansive offering a great selection .We chose the Tressilian Pinot Gris from West Melton ( we prefer to support local wines if compatable with our meal ) The pear and soft mellow fruit flavours made the wine a pleasurable sup . Agreeing this place is a Bistro catering for all ,I nevertheless found the table cloths with black spring-back clips holding the non-cloths down disconcerting especially as one clip was where my arm should be ( tich tich ) so I took the liberty of unclipping the beast and reclipping it on the side.
Our mains arrived when we were still eating our flat bread (tich tich ) and far too quickly for us . Birthdaygirls seafood was very good without the X factor and my Pork belly good without being great . The whipped kumara had sort of blended with the sauce and I am afraid too mushy for me ( but maybe fine for others ? ) As there was only pepper on the table I requested the salt ,only to be advised that the meal was already salted but if I wished he would bring me the salt . ( tich tich ) I felt like a naughty wee boy requesting something unhealthy !
Our plates were whisked away by the very friendly and exhuberant waiter virtually within a few minutes of us finishing (tich tich ) and we were immediately requested to order dessert . we asked for more time ..but like a terrior, five minutes later he was back .. I asked for another five minutes and we were granted ten !.so we ordered.....We decided on the Flambee Crepe (shared )..with brandy treacle ,it was tops and what's more the words " Happy Birthday " were spelt in chocolate around the rim of the plate ....another very nice touch....BUT THEN...the waiter returned for our plates and WE WERE STILL EATING !!. ( double tich tich ) Our booking was at 7p.m It was only 8.20 p.m !!
We were wishing to have a relaxing evening maybe with more wine and coffees etc but we paid and beat a hasty retreat outside to the Worcester Boulevard. Our night was not what we expected...the food was well prepared and just fine and the two birthday treats a nice surprise but we had the distinct impression the table was required for someone else later in the evening .Not particulary being sybarites nor being louvars that feed on plankton, we nevertheless felt uncomfortable and somewhat disappointed .
As a reviewer I am fully aware that restaurants are on notice every time they open their doors and life is not all about perfection...so I thought long and hard before I wrote what some may think an overly critical review for such a successful,popular and fine Bistro Restaurant ...but reviews are also all about honesty and this review is honest in every way ...sure we will return and I hope you all will visit ...but think twice about an early booking or ask the staff if there is a time limit for this is a very very busy place on a Saturday evening ! Review Feedback by: Bing57 [DineOut VIP] (42) 31st Mar 2009 To corrupt Socrates, the unexamined restaurant is not worth visiting. As always, a thoughtful review. It interests me as to which restaurants actually use these reveiws for continuous improvement and I think Cookin' with Gas is one, Sezn another. This sort of customer feedback is invaluable.Review Feedback by: corker [DineOut VIP] (57) 31st Mar 2009 A well-written & fair review, nullisecundus. Your meal sounded far too rushed, & will be finding out who tried to clear your plates when you were still eating! Many apologies.Login to vote x1 x0 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: grnl (2) on 27th March 2009| Total |   | 8.9 | | Food |   | 9 | | Dessert |   | 9 | | Presentation |   | 9 | | Service |   | 8 | | Environment |  | 10 | | Toilets |  | N/A |
Funky decor, and fun place. I liked the "kicker of sacred cows" attitude of the staff. We took some B&B guests from the USA and they were enchanted with the whole experience! Food was fabulous. Great treatments of classic favorites. I loved the lamb rack matched with Pinot Noir. Frank ditto! Marianna raved over the vegetarian option. Thanks for a great night out! Login to vote x0 x0 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook
Review by: Timh (8) on 6th March 2009| Total |   | 5.4 | | Food |   | 5 | | Dessert |   | 6 | | Presentation |   | 5 | | Service |   | 7 | | Environment |   | 4 | | Toilets |   | 4 |
This is a bistro style restaurant complete with paper covering on the tables. Entrees of mussels and my prawn on whitebait fritter looked promising. The mussels were half shelled and very nice. The prawns- BIG disappointment! The prawns tasted of nothing-very bland and were sitting on an under cooked whitebait fritter with running flour dough mixture in the centre. The waiter was informed of the problem and requested to convey our disappointment to the chef. Oddly enough we received no acknowledgment of our issue from management on the night. Subsequently I have been contacted by the co-owner who explained they recognised the problem with the fritter and were changing their cooking method. The prawns should have had garlic seasoning. If they get it right it will be a good dish.
Mains were lamb, which was very good and the fish consisting of salmon and cod was also good. Just one desert was chosen- chocolate lovers which was quite nice.
We now know the restaurant is bistro style but for evening dinner- needs to slow down the service a little.
Our over all impression was severely tainted by the bad prawn entree. 4 out of 5 dishes were good,service was good, price a little high . Login to vote x1 x0 | Add your feedback to this | Share on Facebook« There are reviews older than 18 months, click here to show them » Add your review to Cook'n with Gas47,846 views
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