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Christchurch
Reviewed by John
Other
Christchurch Restaurants
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Date/Time:
6/8/06
- Sunday lunch
see most recent review
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Restaurant:
Riccarton
House, Dean's Bush
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Where
to Find:
16 Kahu Rd, Christchurch
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Parking:
In the
Dean's Bush, a short walk to the secluded and historic Riccarton
House
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Service:
I have always been greeted with friendly smiles
from any of the staff whenever I turn up.
Tony and I arrived here for lunch and asked about the chef's speciality.
On being told the duck, I ordered that and Tony had Lamb Shanks.
On arrival we were both disappointed because I considered the duck
underdone with no crispy skin and Tony's was overcooked and very
dry. Presentation was good if you eat with your eyes. The desserts
here a very good (for you ladies) and homemade, also changing all
the time. I consider this visit very unfortunate as I come a lot
and usually very well prepared food. On a previous visit I had a
superb piece of steak (Tony).
Wine List:
The wine list is quite extensive and a wee
bit on pricey side but we had our favourite Appletree.
Value for Money:
For a cafe it is a little expensive but I
would describe the place on the next layer up, more as a bistro.
At the moment Riccarton House is only open in the daytime. But it
is also special occasion venue which opens at night for private
functions. They do also have special nights like Ghost night, Faulty
Towers and mid-Winter Christmas functions on purchase of tickets.
Ambience:
This is my home away
from home. In the winter time they alsways have a genuine open fire.
in the summertime it is great to sit out on the veranda for dining
and drink the odd bottle of wine (refer to the picture of part of
the Gourmet Crew hard at work on the opening page.
Most Recent
Review:
November 2006 - I have been sadly
disappointed with portion size and quality and also reports from
acquaintances who had similar views (to the point of leaving after
their meal and then calling in for Fish and Chips somewhere because
they were still hungry!) and that prices have been creeping up with
each change of menu to
the point the main meal is now in high $20's to low $30's!
The feel good
factor:
The ambience is still
there and the coffee is still good.
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