Nelson’s hottest winter attractions
The weather may be cold-comfort but there’s plenty of options to put fire, and food, back in your belly.
When the cold of winter first makes itself known each year we tend to hibernate at home until we get used to the chilly temperatures. Then cabin fever starts to take hold and we need to get out of the house and back to enjoying the wonderful things Nelson has to offer.
As we are now well and truly used to that wet, cold weather and the days are starting to get a bit longer, it is time to go out for dinner again. Lots of restaurants and cafes have great deals to tempt you away from the warm fire at home.
Hopgood’s is once again offering its Chef’s Choice set menu on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. This includes an entree, a main and a glass of house wine for $45 - that has to be outstanding value for money at Nelson’s best TASTE OF NELSON restaurant. Every Monday over winter is BYO night so if you have a wine you have been saving for a special occasion or want to enjoy an aged wine from your cellar with great food then this is your chance to do so.
Just a couple of doors up the road at Harry’s, August every Wednesday and Thursday night in August you can buy four courses to share for just $55 a couple, that’s about a 20 per cent discount on normal prices.
The uber-cool Urban Eatery and Oyster Bar has an ever-changing menu. The chefs hunt out new and seasonal ingredients then use their imagination to create exceptionally tasty small plates.
Across the road at Char Bar & Grill on the corner of Hardy and Collingwood streets, Tony has arranged for one of his old winemaking mates from Queenstown to bring his wines to Nelson for a winemaker’s dinner on August 10.
Domenic Mondillo, owner and winemaker at Mondillo wines will be serving his Rose, Riesling, award winning Pinot Noirs and a dessert Riesling, all served with a small plate tasting dinner from the talented chefs in the Char kitchen. Claudio Heye from Domaine Surveyor Thomson will also have some premium single vineyard Pinot Noirs to taste too.
This will be a great chance for an evening with two of Otago’s winemaking characters who will be bringing their passion and knowledge of the area to Nelson. A great chance for you to find out more about the people and region behind some of New Zealand’s finest Pinot Noirs.
If you can’t make it to the winemaker’s dinner you will have another chance to taste the wines from Domaine Surveyor Thomson and Mondillo on Saturday August 12 at Casa del Vino. Both winemakers will be there from 11am-2pm with wines to taste and talk about.
Down on the waterfront, Harbour Light Bistro has a three course lunch all year for $35 per person. So even if you don’t want to go out at night you can enjoy some wonderful food while taking in the stunning views of the Haven on a bright Nelson winter afternoon.
Also on August 10, Wine Nelson are holding their annual dinner at which the Colin Harrison Memorial Trophy will be awarded.
This year I was once again privileged to help judge these awards but with a twist. This year we selected the top three Chardonnay wines from about 25 entered. These were then presented at the Aspire Conference hosted by The Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce where attendees got to vote for their favourite wine. I know who the winner is but I am sworn to secrecy until the awards dinner.
Next up is the biannual Nelson Hospitality Awards on August 21. This is a celebration of excellence in all aspects of hospitality in Nelson; from the best doorman to the best chef and everything in between, including a public choice award.
Once again, I have been lucky enough to judge the best beverage list for these awards. My judging criteria isn’t who has the biggest or most expensive drinks list but which list celebrates Nelson wines, beers and ciders and is appropriate for the venue.
Previous winners have included the Moutere Inn who have an outstanding selection of local wines and beers, and Hot Rock Cafe in Tahunanui who had a list that was highly appropriate for their venue to name just a couple.
I will let you know who this year’s winner is in another column soon after the awards dinner.
To welcome spring , Wine Nelson is hosting their annual New Release Tasting at the Boat House on September 26.
This is a hugely popular event and is your chance to taste wines from almost all of the wineries in the region and talk to the people who make and sell them.
The 2017 vintage may have been effected by mid-harvest rains but I have tasted some outstanding wines from barrels and tanks so I know that when they are released consumers are in for some real treats.
Just check out the Wine Nelson website for more information and to buy your tickets. www.winenelson.co.nz
On a much lighter note this year’s Nelson Arts Festival line-up includes the highly rated Hudson and Hall Live stage show. Hudson and Hall were the original funny man chefs of New Zealand television before moving to the UK.
They created a stellar television career based on cooking, comedy and alcohol, with plenty of booze consumed during the shows as well as in the recipes.
There are plenty of food memories in the stage show, including some taken to the extreme – ‘‘add a little butter’’ really means throw a block of butter in the blender. This is a laugh-out-loud show that will bring back memories for those of us old enough to remember the original show and entertain anyone who loves to cook.
The three performances will sell out very quickly so make sure you get your tickets soon. If you miss out then there are lots of other wonderful shows to choose from. Once again the Arts Festival organisers have put together a stunning festival with something for everyone.
Winter in Nelson is no time to stay at home.
Hospitality venues have heaters too you know, so get out and make the most of the treasures the region has to offer.
It won’t be long before, once again, we get over-run by those holidaymakers that are so important for our economy.
Make the most of the quieter winter months before it gets more difficult to book a seat at your favourite restaurant or cafe.