City classic gets a makeover
Dish of the week
There’s a new kid on the block in Chews Lane. Hudson is a huge new establishment housed in the historic Colonial Carrying Company building on the corner of Chews and Victoria streets. It truly has everything under one roof – from casual breakfast and lunch, through to dinner and drinks. Stop for a beef brisket sandwich, a stack of pancakes, or a smoked mussel pate.
Come drinks time, manager Ciaran Duffy says their shtick is ‘‘beer, wine, whiskey and gin’’.
It certainly shows in the three main bar areas that showcase the lot. The bar in the entrance is big enough for an impressive 16-tap lineup of freehouse pours, alongside a stellar wine list.
Around the corner, tucked in beside the charcuterie, pickle and sourdough bar is the gin bar. Expect to be dazzled at a lineup of 70 gins.
The Hudson has removed all signs of the previous tenants (Muse and C3), going for a lighter wood, paired with forest green and beautiful marble .
Upstairs is moodier – a haze of velvet and dark wood is home to the whiskey bar, where you can sample an impressive selection that spans the highlands and islands of Scotland, alongside ryes and bourbons from the US, and Japanese drops.
56 Victoria St, Te Aro grilled sourdough, or a generous helping of homemade gnocchi.
Owners Alice Hill and Leith Wix spent years working in catering in Arrowtown, before returning to Wellington and opening their ideal neighbourhood spot in the seaside suburb. Arcimboldi’s simple food done well is a welcome addition to the Dundas St shops, just in time for the sun.
24 Dundas St, Seatoun The Left Bank Viva Mexico of old is no more. New ownership is out to change Wellington’s perceptions of Mexican food.
Disposing of old recipes to start afresh, the minimal menu focuses on showcasing Mexican Toast is never just toast at Fix and Fogg. It’s practically a pudding sitting on top of a slice toast.
This week’s special is no exception. Back by popular, consistent, nagging demand from the regular toast window crowd, the Fix and Fogg Black Forest Toast brings together its Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter with freeze-dried cherries and raspberries.
Topped with a pile of crumbled Bonnie Goods Peanut Brownie Biscuits, slathered in raspberry syrup and finished with a handful of chocolate shards – it’s easy to see why it’s making a comeback.
Get your hands on a slice (or two) from the Eva St window, this week only. To celebrate the festive season, the window will also be open on Sunday for the next few weeks.
ingredients not found anywhere else in Aotearoa.
Tacos, sharing plates and daily specials shine with originality, and you’ll spot housemade hot sauce on every table. Look for dishes that feature incredible cascabel chillies (named ‘‘rattle chillies’’ for the distinct sound they make when shaken), the fragrant dried chipotle, or Mexican hot chocolate. And don’t leave without one of their zesty, smoky mezcal margaritas.
Owners Rodrigo Quirarte and Luis Guajardo have their hearts set on providing neighbourhood food collaborations or dinners with hospitality friends up and down Cuba St.
‘‘We’re in love with our menu,’’ Rodrigo says, ‘‘and will always keep working on it.’’
‘‘This is a real family reunion for us.’’
Left Bank, Cuba St