Stopping at the Bistro (at The Falls Retreat)

THE FALLS RETREAT Bistro
Cuisine: Fresh seasonal bistro
Address: 25 Waitawheta Rd, Waikino 
Phone: 07-863 8770
Website 
Drinks: Fully licensed
Reservations: Recommended

I've never been there at night, or stayed in their cottages or done any of their cooking or gardening workshops, but if I'm driving from Tauranga up to Auckland through the Karangahake Gorge I always try and time the trip so I can stop for lunch at the Bistro at The Falls Retreat. It's tucked half way through, just across an old bridge.

Over about the past decade owners Brad King and Emma Walters have created a magical little spot, a restaurant and function venue, with accommodation and extensive vegetable gardens, where they can practice their paddock to plate ethos, reminding everyone how good food can taste when it is absolutely fresh and made with love and from scratch.

Last week on a visit to Auckland with a friend we stopped for a quick bite. This brief description does the place no justice as we only had one plate of food each and both chose the same thing. I find that's what happens when the fish of the day is John Dory. If that's on the menu I just say "Yes!". So did Russell.

Fish - John Dory with potato, leek chive & lemon croquette, white anchovy & preserved lemon aioli, a radish, cherry tomato, strawberry& mungbean fragrant herb salad with Nahm Jim dressing and Furikake quinoa crunch $35

What can I say? The fish was sensational, the potato cake perfect, the two sauces excellent (the anchovy just brought a very subtle saltiness to proceedings) and the salad... WOW! The salad was out of this world, reminding us yet again the difference between fresh little vegetables plucked straight from the earth and... well, everything else.

I could mention that there is a small and very well-chosen wine list, and that the Bistro makes its own sodas and other things. And does very popular pizzas and superb platters. But what really makes them stand out is that freshly foraged food. It not only tastes incredible but pretty much makes you feel healthier even as you eat it! Do yourselves a favour - if you haven't been here, take a drive and treat yourselves - you will be amazed. 

NOTE: Since this review the Bistro at Falls Retreat has changed its dining format. You'd be best to check their website to see what they are currently doing...