Kiwi Culinary Capers
Image: Since the WLG Wellington Pop-Up Restaurant is already fully booked, you might be wondering why I’m even talking about it? Well – firstly if you get a wriggle on, there are still some walk-up spots available each night, right up until closing night on Sunday 26th September. I’d suggest you arrive unfashionably early though to ensure that you secure one.
Since the WLG Wellington Pop-Up Restaurant is already fully booked, you might be wondering why I’m even talking about it? Well – firstly if you get a wriggle on, there are still some walk-up spots available each night, right up until closing night on Sunday 26th September. I’d suggest you arrive unfashionably early though to ensure that you secure one.
Secondly, Wellington’s one tasty city, and it has a thriving art and fashion scene too. So if you don’t fancy sculling your body weight in bargain-priced 2008 Escarpment Martinborough Pinot Noir ($7/glass, $29/bottle) at the bar (with the savvy members of the Kings Cross hospitality industry) while you wait for a seat at the cheek-to-jowl tables; just plan a trip over the ditch.
Before my meal here, I was already a confirmed fan of Matterhorn. After dining on the offerings of Shaun Clouston from Logan Brown, a neighbouring restaurant on the eclectically trendy Cuba Street, I’d also recommend adding it to any itinerary you may make. I was a particular fan of his Citrus Cured Regal King Salmon with Wasabi Panna Cotta on the shared entree tasting plate. His Crispy Skin Gurnard with Celeriac Puree, Preserved Lemon and Green Apple Salad was easily the best of the three mains on offer. The whole meal’s a bargain too, with three courses for fewer than thirty bucks! And did I mention the wines were under-priced?
While you wait, take a toddle around the old Bayswater Brasserie site – you’ll find it transformed by photos, chocolates, cookbooks and the produce of Wellington. They’ve even imported the wait staff, so make sure you ask your waiter to explain the ‘fush’. As I left I laughed to hear a gentleman complaining about his heavy bag, so full was it of the tasty Whittaker’s Chocolates decorating the space. He caught my amusement and said: “You think I’m joking?” Well he wasn’t the only one…
WLG Wellington Pop Up Restaurant
32 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross
www.wellingtonnz.com/australian_visitors/what_is_wlg
