SCOTCH WINE BAR

IT’S A LEAP OF FAITH to surrender every dining decision to the wait staff and sommelier. But here at Scotch, a quiet energy focusses the young and well-coordinated team unerringly on your dining and wine pleasure. Sit back, we say, and relax right into what is about to unfold within these raw brick walls. Owner Jacob Anderson keeps watch from the bar and glides over at the slightest raise of an eyebrow or any hesitation in the flow of information from his staff. Head chef Mark Diu executes a near-flawless kitchen performance and sommelier Arthur Griffoul has a detailed winery and winemaking knowledge. A splendid team effort, the members judge their degree of interaction with wisdom, so that nothing except the food gets ‘in your face’. Make sure you check the heaving shelves of quality bottles in the shop.

DETAILS 26 Maxwell Rd, Blenheim,

03 579 1176, scotchbar.co.nz

Check website for opening hours, set menu $75pp three courses

IN BRIEF Casual, consummate, engaging gourmet bistro