Wine tastings added at The Option
When a restaurant has roots as unique as at The Option Bistro & Wines, the dining experience is always going to stand out.
Occupying a sunny corner at the edge of the Styx Mill Country Club, The Option is a cafe by day, a restaurant by night and a wine lover’s paradise at all times.
Owners Sabina and Sergiu Toader were media executives in Romania before coming to New Zealand and by transplanting their taste for the finer things of cosmopolitan Europe they have given Christchurch one of its most captivating eateries.
The flair of European cuisine and world-leading wines is evident firstly in the vibrant styling of The Option.
Decked out in bold purple and white, the venue has a breezy feel during the day when Hummingbird coffee and home-style cabinet foods are served alongside a lunch menu featuring well-priced tapas and platters for sharing.
A swankier edge emerges at night for the ‘‘white tablecloth’’ dinner service.
Escargot and caviar feature in a nod to tradition but overall the tone is relaxed, designed to let people explore upscale dishes without the stiffness of fine dining. Sabina and Sergiu are gregarious hosts, after all.
Recently, Sergiu extended his passion for wine with private tastings for groups.
A certified wine specialist, he has built a collection at The Option that spans many of the best vintage and noble wines from New Zealand and around the world.
These are not wines you can find in your next door supermarket, as Sabina points out.
‘‘Every wine tells a story and Sergiu loves to share these because it opens up a new world of taste and perception. It’s a fantastic way to entertain friends and can be done as a pre-dinner event.
‘‘We’re trying to give an experience here, not just food and drink,’’ she says.
Wine tastings start at $60 per person and include three different wines selected by Sergiu. Nibbles can be customised by request.
The Option regularly holds special events, including a ‘‘business breakfast’’ with a guest speaker on the last Thursday of each month.
The most popular, however, are the monthly ‘‘culture nights’’ wherein live music, entertainment and a set menu inspired by the respective culture are delivered with plenty of fun and pizzazz.
This Saturday, a ‘‘French Night’’ to mark Bastille Day is planned with cancan dancers and music, French wine at a discount, and a special four-course menu.
Seating is limited and bookings are required. But with room for 60 people at seating indoors and out, The Option Bistro & Wines is a popular and versatile functions site.
Private cocktail parties, high teas and casual get-togethers are regularly hosted. No hire fee applies and a courtesy van is available.
● The Option Bistro & Wines is open every day at 158 Hussey Rd, Northwood, with Sunday and Monday nights reserved for larger group bookings. Phone 03
323 5455 or visit theoption.co.nz.