A taste of...
Bicycle Thief 136 Old Tai Tapu Rd, Kennedys Bush, Christchurch.
We’d heard… The food was delicious and location spot-on.
En route to… The Bicycle Thief out in Kennedys Bush on a stunning spring day, your cares just slide off your shoulders.
It lives (for now) in a charming old house on a delightful country road surrounded by lush greenery.
We decided to sit outside in the sheltered courtyard and were grateful for the hats and sunscreen available to borrow.
My generous serving of salmon hash ($23) was a treat and featured skillet roasted potatoes, hot smoked Akaroa salmon, horseradish, a poached egg, tarragon and cre` me fraıˆche. The horseradish enhanced the subtleties of the salmon and potato.
The star of my dining companion’s avocado dukkah ($20) was disappointing as it wasn’t ripe. It was difficult to cut and, worse, rather tasteless. Without that creamy, rich avocado flavour, the dish – which included toasted wholegrain bread, poached eggs, confit cherry tomato and delicious whipped feta – was a little flat.
While the cappuccino ($5), hit the spot, the hot chocolate ($5.50) was a disappointment, tasting more like hot milk with a hint of powdered cocoa. Both were quite pricey, too.
The Bicycle Thief’s days in this beautiful spot are numbered as owners Lisa and Richard Middleton are looking for a city site to take the business back to its roots.
And I look forward to giving the Thief another go as I’m certain we landed a day where it just wasn’t at its finest.
The service was… Friendly, but not quite attentive enough. When you get it though, it’s good. Be prepared to laze about and shoot the breeze with your companions – it’s definitely a great spot for this. Big kudos for keeping our water supply up, though.
The vibe was… Relaxed. As soon as you enter, it feels homely and warm – I loved the glossy black walls (something I never thought I’d say) as they help create a wonderful mood.
If you go… Sit outside, if the weather allows, and take your time. Go with a group of family or friends as it’s a great place for a catch-up. Try the pizzas – they’re apparently the go-to dishes – and have a cocktail or two.
Rating out of 5: 3.5 –Jo Gilbert