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Wellington Open Day – 26 June 2011

Wellington Tourism is on the case in preparation for the Rugby World Cup 2011 and has arranged for the Tourism industry to open it’s doors to locals so we know what the city has to offer visitors and give us extra to shout about in the Coolest Little Capital in the World!

On Sunday June 26 you’ll gain entry to all kinds of great tourist attractions from Zealandia to Carter Observatory for just a gold coin donation.

Attractions are open from 10am-5pm on Sunday June 26 and many are running special tours, some of which may need to be booked in advance, or value-adds especially for Wellington Open Day 2011.

Absolutely, Positively Wellington!  Love it.

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By Paola – June 10, 2011

Plum Cafe, Wellington

On a miserable Monday holiday we decided to head to Cuba Street in Wellington and finally visit Plum Cafe for a late lunch, using our Entertainment Book card which would give us one complimentary main meal.

Friendly waiting staff took our order of the Pan Fried Salmon on potatoes with spinach, anchovies & lemon & caper butter ($19.50) for the Kiwi and Sirloin Steak Sandwich with caramelised onion, beetroot relish, Blue Cheese and chunky fries ($18.50) for me, although I asked them to hold the blue cheese from my order.

We didn’t have to wait too long for our food and instantly the Kiwi had menu envy when he saw my Steak Sandwich, but I wasn’t a happy customer.  Despite asking for no blue cheese there was blue cheese melted on my steak!  It was taken away with an apology, the waiter who took our order came over to apologise and when my plate returned sans blue cheese I received another “sorry about that”…so although a bother, as the Kiwi was half way through is food by the time I got my second plate, at least the staff were sweet about it.

As for the food, the Kiwi’s salmon was nicely cooked and did what it said on the tin, my steak was cooked just the right amount of pink but was sadly stingy on the caramelised onion and there was no flavour from the beetroot relish of note but was a satisfying feed.

The truly sour note came when the Kiwi went to pay the bill and said we had the Entertainment Book card, which per the rules of use you only need to mention you have when you ask for the bill.  A smart mouthed member of staff retorted “We are not taking that today”, when we asked why not the comment came back “the Manager said not to because we are not taking a surcharge today”.

I was furious.  I asked where the notice was to inform customers of this change of rules? “There isn’t one, probably should have but anyway it’s not my fault I am just doing what the Manager said” and when I asked if the Manager was there to speak to to resolve the matter I was told “No, he’s not here”.

So, I have taken David’s card, the Manager, and he is about to get an email from me asking for my $18.50 back. The Kiwi has contacted the Entertainment Book, as on checking the rules, it seems Plum Cafe is not sticking to them – they can refuse to accept the card on certain stated Public Holidays but today is not one of them.  Either you chose to market your business through the Entertainment Book or not – make up your mind David!

Plum Cafe, 103 Cuba Street, Wellington

Update – 8 June ’11: Got an email from Plum’s Managing Director about arranging a refund.  When he replied to my second email he apologised for the confusion.

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By Paola – June 6, 2011

Rimutaka Forest Park, near Wellington

The NZ Queen’s Birthday Weekend holiday was to be overshadowed by bad weather so we took advantage of the only decent day to head out of the city for the Rimutaka Forest Park.

We headed to the Catchpool and Orongorongo Valley entrance to be surprised  by the number of pleasant picnic areas, tracks to walk as well as lots of huts to book ensuring quite the outdoors experience to suit all.

Nikau Palm Grove

Foolishly, we set off for a track thinking we knew where we were going having a map in our backpack from the website and having checked the information map in the car park.  Alas we didn’t take the time to check how many exits from the car park there were and soon realised we were on the wrong track!  Pah. Anyway, we walked through a Nikau Palm Grove and then 500m later found ourselves in a Beech forest – such a contrast in such a short distance!

We walked for a pleasant couple of hours and will be back, probably more in spring, to make the most of some of the longer routes available to explore – making sure we use the right track this time!

Ferns

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By Paola – June 6, 2011

Ti Kouka Cafe, Wellington – The Return

Back in December the Kiwi and I popped in to Ti Kouka Cafe for lunch and left feeling rather disappointed, as you may have read in my blog.  Chef/owner Shepherd Elliot got in touch after reading my review, saying “Thank you very much for the feed back. We are very sorry you had a bad experience dining at Ti Kouka.  We are looking at rectifying the issues and would like to invite you back to have a meal on the house, so you can experience what we are trying to achieve.”

I was impressed that he’d taken my comments on board and looked to rectify the issues raised, what more could I ask? As an independent reviewer I want to experience what regular customers will experience as opposed to the known critics who experience the best food and service to ensure a good review.  I didn’t want to make an announced return, so we agreed I would return anonymously at an undetermined time, which ended being around 5 months later!

We got a friendly welcome and were seated in the main dining room which benefits from a wall of windows facing Willis Street.  Dishes coming out of the kitchen were looking good and the Kiwi choose the Special of the day of Beef cheeks on celeriac mash with brussell sprouts, quince paste and pesto ($20) and I couldn’t help but order the Grilled Haloumi ($16) to compare the difference from our first visit!

Special of the Day

Beef cheeks and pesto

I had a bite of the Kiwi’s Beef and immediately got menu envy!  The beef was melt in the mouth tender, the pesto was a clean, crisp awakening to the palate – fabulous, I couldn’t fault it!  Grilled Haloumi with slow roasted tomato, warm bread, hummus and watercress was an improvement on my Haloumi experience in December with three pieces of Haloumi, lovely fresh watercress and a smooth hummus.  But looking at the dishes coming out I think I would prefer the Pulled Pork Roll ($12) or the Sticky beef burger ($15) as they looked delicious! …. next time!

I noticed two ladies had to call a waitress to take their order and the waitress apologised for their wait then the waitress who seated the ladies arrived shortly thereafter with some truffles by way of apology for keeping them waiting – nice touch.

I’m not mad on the interior design of the place, the mis-matching furniture and carpet are a weird combo (although probably helps noise absorption) and they may miss out on the business lunch market as a result.

The food was good and I look forward to trying out more on the menu.  The willingness of Shepherd Elliot and his brother to take on board comments and make changes shows a great attitude which will make Ti Kouka a success!  Well done, guys and thank you.

Ti Kouka Cafe, Upstairs, 76 Willis Street, Wellington, New Zealand

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By Paola – June 1, 2011

Customer incentive gone wrong

I love great customer service, who doesn’t?  Overall, in New Zealand I feel the standard of customer service is pretty high. It’s rare to walk into a store/shop and not be acknowledged and asked if you require assistance.  In fact, it took a bit of time for me to get used to it as I found it a little overwhelming initially and if I don’t get that service now I walk out of the store!

Recently, though, I experienced customer service which has backfired.  I finally found a hairdresser I liked – he is from the UK, shares my disdain for thinning scissors, had some good ideas (although sometimes a bit bossy) and cut my hair well.  The salon is in the building where my office is so convenient and although expensive I receive a discount which is offered to occupants of the building, so whilst not making it cheap ($105) it certainly helps!

When I first popped in to Buoy to enquire about an appointment the receptionist told me that after five appointments I would receive a free haircut – I thought that helped justify the initial outlay of 5 x $105 a cut, so I booked.

I just filled my appointment card and enquired, as the appointment card suggested, about receiving my re-booking incentive.  The receptionist (different from the lady I first met) swanned off then returned and launched into information about a product he seemed to be giving me.  I asked him why he was telling me all of this and he said this was my incentive gift!

First of all, each time I have had my hair cut by the wonderful Peter he has used different products on my hair and given me the run down on why it’s beneficial to use it, etc. and I am pretty sure I can confidently state that this product given to me as an ‘incentive’ has NEVER been one of the products used, …oh and it only costs $35, and I am pretty sure the products used on my hair in the salon cost way more than that.

And, hang on…

Ok, thanks for the product you have never previously used on my hair but now important for me to use, BUT…. I was told the incentive was a complimentary hair cut.

With a wrinkled nose the response came back “Oh NO. Not. At. ALL“.  This news was bad enough, without the turned up nose and the ‘are you mad’ look I was given.

So much for incentive, I am insulted!  Give me a product you actually previously used on my hair in the past 5 visits, or give me a discount to my next appt but don’t treat me like an idiot who needs to be pacified.

That’s not customer service, that’s just patronising!

I am so irritated that I am off to try another salon, another one with stylists from the UK who hopefully share my disdain for thinning scissors.

Thanks for incentive, Buoy!

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By Paola – May 25, 2011

Café Villa, Ngaio, Wellington

Café Villa does what it says on the tin, it’s a Café in a Villa in the heart of Ngaio village with a great selection of Café food.  We popped in for brunch, using a Grabone voucher we bought a few weeks ago, with the Kiwi anticipating his Lambs fry before we even walked through the door!

Lambs Fry

I ordered French Toast with Bacon and Fruit ($17.50) and a generous plate of food arrived, all delicious and successfully hit the spot and washed down with a fabulous flat white courtesy of Supreme coffee beans.  The Kiwi’s Lambs fry ($18) with it’s bacon, onions and port cream sauce, was enjoyed.

French Toast

On a previous visit I loved the Eggs bene with ham, so Café Villa has proved consistent as a good, local cafe that hits the spot for the price point.  My only wee gripe would be that a wee bit of decor/re-vamping may be in order, but with good food and coffee I will be back!

Café Villa, 61 Ottawa Road, Ngaio, Wellington.

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By Paola – May 23, 2011

“Wellywood” Sign?

You have GOT to be kidding?!

Wellington was dubbed “coolest little capital in the world” by Lonely Planet a few months ago, but we are about to lose that moniker, I fear, if Wellington International Airport gets its way to erect a giant “Wellywood” sign on a Miramar hillside.

To see what I am talking about, check out TVNZ’s article here.

Wellywood.  Yup, it’s a moniker given to Wellington which refers to the successful film production business which runs from the Miramar peninsula of the city, thanks mainly to Sir Peter Jackson and his creative teams.  It’s a cute, cheeky term and that’s fine… until you decide to take it seriously and slap a ruddy great huge sign on the side of the hill a la Hollywood!

BAH!

Instead of Wellington promoting it’s cultural and creative side, it will look like we are behind the times, lacking unique creativity and following other’s ideas instead of being creative on our own merit.

STOP THE MADNESS!  Ugh.

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By Paola – May 21, 2011

Zibibbo Restaurant & Bar, Wellington

Surprise!  There is a beautiful bar on the ground floor of Zibibbo.  I had no idea! But we had no time, it was after 8.30pm and we were hungry so we dashed upstairs to the cosy dining room to be greeted by a complete lack of service.  Great.

Unfortunately placed at the top of the staircase at the cash desk a waiter was sorting out a bill with two gents, and there was a problem so he didn’t make any eye contact with us at all, but we didn’t feel we could brush past the gents standing at the desk – a quick glance and a “I will be with you in a moment” would have done to improve our impression.  After some dithering about, involving 3 staff, we were finally seated at our table of 4 – phew, that was hard work!

There seemed to be a lot of staff but not much in the way of good, efficient service, so I was irritated before I even ordered, then we made eye contact with one waitress, “You ready to order?”, Yes we are, “I’ll get someone to take your order”.  Em, how about YOU do it since you are right here?…tut.

Popular choice was Confit Duck with Smoked Bacon Lentils and Celeriac Mash ($34), and one order of Rotisserie Lamb Loin with Roasted Potatoes, Savoy Cabbage and Salsa Verde ($34).  We were strongly encouraged to order some entrees and when we didn’t the waitress seemed a bit sniffy about it AND my old favourite, would you like some veg with your meals?  Why, don’t you provide me with a complete meal at $34 a plate??! Grrrr, my old bug-bear is back.

Confit Duck

The confit duck had some nice crispy skin in the middle (I would have preferred a bit more crispyness, thanks) and the smoked bacon lentils were nice but perhaps on the scarce side and the celeriac mash was pleasant.  We all thought it was nice, but nothing to rave about.  The Lamb looked lovely and we decided that may have been the better choice.

The Kiwi and I were facing the kitchen and watching the plates coming out.  The Tapas Platter for two starter looks fabulous and should we return we will give that a go.

Messy Crumble Plate The dessert menu really didn’t hit the spot for us, but it had been a long day and I had been holding out for a dessert, it was too late to try somewhere else so I had the Apple and Feijoa Crumble with a yummy vanilla ice cream.  The balance of fruit was lovely, but the crumble was more of a sawdust and frankly my own version is better.  Disappointing, but serves me right for having something I make myself.  The Dark Chocolate and Cherry Mousse was given the thumbs up by our friends, so it seems I should have gone with that.

The ambience is great, but I felt the service missed the mark and the food was fine but nothing to rave about particularly for the price point.  We had the Entertainment Book card so the discount made it a fair price.

I can’t wait to visit the bar as it looked great but as for the restaurant, … I am not in any hurry to return when there are so many options in Wellington yet to try, which is a shame as I would like to feel otherwise about Zibibbo.

Zibibbo, Old Police Station, 25-29 Taranaki Street, Wellington, New Zealand

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By Paola – May 15, 2011

Boutereys Restaurant, Nelson, NZ

Visiting Nelson with my parents, we thought we would take the opportunity to have a lovely dinner at Boutereys Restaurant located in Richmond, on the outskirts of Nelson.  As previous winners of the Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Best Smart Dining we thought we were onto a winner.

The restaurant is a lovely, crisp space and despite all the hard surfaces the acoustics allow you to have a conversation with your fellow diners easily.  Staff are attentive, although my Mother felt that pushy would have been more accurate, but we were so busy chatting I think the waiting staff had to visit the table a few times to remind us we need to order to be fed, so I feel attentive is a fair description.

Pork The food?  With a strong mission to use local, fresh and seasonal produce we were looking forward to our meals, which you can expect to pay around $35 per main course.  Of course, and as you will know my pet hate, you have to pay extra for seasonal vegies because apparently for $35 you shouldn’t expect to be served a complete dish!

Disappointing.  All four of us felt our varied dishes, which included fish, steak and pork, didn’t meet our expectations and even felt the dishes were under seasoned (so help the Chef if he was to appear on Masterchef New Zealand!).  Really not much more I can say, other than for around $35 a piece we were sorely disappointed.

Delightful DessertDessert? Another story – all of us loved our desserts and they certainly met our expectations and even exceeded them!

Perhaps the season’s summer selection of produce isn’t Boutereys’ strong suit, but I don’t feel I will want to return to find out if another season is their strong one as a good dessert a good restaurant does not make.

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By Paola – March 19, 2011

Coromandel Beaches

Cathedral Cove

One thing you are not short on when visiting the Coromandel is beautiful beaches.  So many, so little time!  Must dos are, of course, Cathedral Cove although with so many thinking the same thing it loses it’s Wow factor when you reach the end of the 30 min walk to a crowded beach and look through the arch to see a beautiful white beach covered in kayaks!  Next time I intend to go very early or late in the day.  Don’t forget to visit Hahei beach before or after you hit Cathedral Cove, yet another lovely beach!

Hot water beach is an experience not to be missed.  A fabulous beach, it can be forgotten what a great expanse of beach there is when focus is the hot water fissures.  Bring a spade, or hire one there, and dig your own “spa” and see how long you can cope with the heat!

Wonderful Whangapoua

We thought to head to New Chums Beach, having heard it being rated one of the top beaches in the world, but we reached Whangapoua beach and thought that it wasn’t shabby at all and spent a wonderful day enjoying the white sand and beautiful water and watching the surfers along the way.  Bliss! Love the Coromandel!

Hahei Beach

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By Paola – January 31, 2011