Market Place proves fresh is best
With daylight saving providing longer, warmer evenings, now is the perfect time to branch out from wintry roast dinners and discover fresh, seasonal menus for those balmy nights out.
Market Place Restaurant, tucked away on the first floor of Crowne Plaza Christchurch, is a best kept secret of Christchurch food lovers.
Named after the very view you’ll enjoy while dining – Victoria Square, where Christchurch’s city markets were historically held – locals today still know that fresh, delicious produce is guaranteed in this spot.
Executive chef Hamish Watt is especially excited to showcase locally sourced fare.
‘‘I’m working with nearby cheese and olive oil suppliers, amongst others, and aiming to soon have a dish or two where everything is sourced within a 50-kilometre radius of the hotel,’’ he says.
‘‘Our spring menu is filled with asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, courgette flowers, spring lamb and lovely fresh fish.’’
If you’re someone who gets ‘‘order envy’’ or simply finds it hard to decide between dishes on a menu this good, getting a group together for the ‘‘Trust The Chef’’ option may be the key to your perfect night out.
For $65 per person, Hamish will send out all his favourites, sharing style, from entrees to desserts and everything in between. Leaving hungry will not be an option.
The ‘‘fresh, local, seasonal’’ ethos of Market Place is evident before the first course is even served – simply pick up the beverage menu, filled with familiar names of regional breweries and vineyards a short drive away, and see for yourself.
Similarly, the small but perfectly formed cocktail list shines a light on seasonal fruit. The Market Place mojito infused with fresh tamarillo is a must try!
Market Place Restaurant & Bar is open daily for breakfast 6.30am-10am and for dinner 5pm-late at the Crowne Plaza, on the corner of Colombo St and Armagh St, central Christchurch. Phone 03 741 2829 or to view menus and book online, visit christchurch.crowneplaza.com.