So I've changed the location of this blog! It now resides on our website, follow for all the latest dishes, ingredients and tales from the team at Mint Dining Room. Regards, Grant.

http://www.mintdining.co.nz/chefs-blog.html

NYE images

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. We have had a nice break and are back to work feeling all fresh. New Years menu this year;

New Years Eve Dinner menu 2011

Salmon tartar and vodka cured gravedlax, served with lime scented tomato gazpacho.

Salad caprese with caper and raisin puree, fresh basil and sherry dressing.
Wine recommendation Kina Beach Rose '10

Smoked rabbit and mushroom terrine, shot of game broth and pear and date chutney.
Wine recommendation Kina Beach Chardonnay '08

Strawberry vanilla and champagne sorbet.

Either
Fillet of venison wrapped in prosciutto, kumara and sage crumble, and mushroom mousaka.
Wine recommendation Kina Beach Pinot Noir '08
or
Baked snapper fillet (catch permitting) warm smoked eel and potato salad, creme fraiche froth and crayfish jus.
Wine recommendation Kina Beach Sauvignon Blanc '11

Iced lemon and basil gratin, with summer fruit salsa and saffron syrup

Hazelnut gallette, macerated cherries and bitter chocolate mousse
Recommendation Lustau Pedro Ximenez San Emelio Sherry

Slips and rivers.

What a lot of rain, caused a whole manner of problems for many people. We were very lucky, no exacuations or damage. We did however have our busiest week on record.

Quite a feat in the midst of such bad weather.

Now we are firmly focused on the Christmas break, and then our New Years Degustation.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Paper work

So, its been a funny week here this week. Too busy some days and quieter others.

But its the weekend, and if the rain holds out we will erect our gate.

The start of our inner city raised bed garden.

But now we are 6 days a week, it will take some real motivation to paint it!

I have Katie spending her nights checking the recipes for the book, and correcting my errors.

I think its starting to come together nicely.

Time will tell.

Happy Birthday

Mint Dining Room passed a milestone on the 1st of December, 2 years since it all began. Thanks to everyone that has dined with us over that time.

Katie baked a cake and it was delicious. Those lucky enough to be here on the night got to try some.