The Insider's Guide to New Zealand
Vudu Café & Larder
To say that Michelle Freeman has created a Queenstown institution may be an understatement. Now part of the Queenstown scene for more than 20 years, Vudu has earned its reputation as a firm local favourite. In the early years the decision was made to keep the doors open to serve the small numbers of locals and tourists over the desperately quiet winter months. Loyalty to the café rapidly grew and hasn't waned since. There is no longer such a thing as a quiet season in Queenstown, and from the moment the doors open daily for business, the café is buzzing with life, with all ages coming together over conversation and food that not only looks invitingly delicious, but tastes superb too. Vudu's specialty is baking, which is all made on site apart from the bread. Vudu also specialises in setting up the mind and body for another great day in Queenstown, with nutritional breakfasts such as homemade oat granola with blackcurrants, blackberry chia compote, lemon yoghurt and fresh fruit, washed down with a ‘Greentown' smoothie of apple, spinach, kale, lemon, pineapple and spirulina. There's an outdoor area for watching the passers-by and activities on the lake, or a spot inside where the design is based around Ripples, the wall-sized 1953 Whites Aviation photograph of a sleepy Queenstown nestled within the majestic landscape. This nostalgic piece speaks perfectly to Vudu's ethos – being proud of the area's history and recognising that beauty abounds here, whether that be outside in the landscape, or through the food served inside. 16 Rees Street.
(03) 441 8370, vudu.co.nz