Lunch at Clarence Bistro

CLARENCE BISTRO
Cuisine: Bistro, Italian influence
Address: 51 Willow Street, Tauranga 
Phone: 07 574 8200
Website 
Drinks: Fully licensed
Reservations: Recommended

In between lockdowns and other interruptions I've been trying to have lunch out somewhere once a week with my son Cohen. Father/son bonding and food - what's not to like? Mainly noodles or dumplings, pho or a bowl of ramen or the Sichuan place on Devonport Road for some dan dan noodles. But last week we went a bit more upmarket and visited Clarence Bistro in the city's old Post Office building.

It really is a lovely spot - they've done the old building proud - and the terrace was full so we were inside in the very nicely set-up bistro. We wanted to check out their "Express Lunch", two courses for $38, three for $45, with three choices each of entrees and mains and a couple of dessert options. There's also the regular al la carte lunch available.

Both of us had a seared venison starter with beetroot and pickled enoki mushrooms, and damn good it was too, the mushrooms lending a really nice zing and texture and both preparations of beetroot impressively intense. The venison itself was spot on, and a Waipara Pinot Noir went very well with it.

To follow, Cohen had Fermented Barley Risotto, which came with Asahi black beer, mustard, pancetta, and mushrooms; I went for the Chicken Saltimbocca with Parmesan gnocchi, Madeira, sage and Parma ham. 

And, again, the chicken was very good, moist and well complimented by a not-too-sweet Madeira sauce and some crispy ham. I asked for a wine recommendation and the Maitre d' suggested a Carmenere which turned out to be a really well-balanced match, not too fruity and with enough body to cope with the flavours while not overpowering the chicken.  

Cohen, meanwhile, said good things about the risotto, despite its largely brown appearance (kale notwithstanding).

Service was attentive, friendly and helpful and with two courses each and three glasses of wine it came to just over $100. We were both happy. (Next time, dessert too I think...)

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BTW, I realise it's a bit naff not naming the wines, but I haven't actually come across either of them before and I've completely forgotten what they were. Sorry. Bad blogger. Will do better.