Well, color this jaded Southern California girl (by way of New Jersey) VERY pleasantly shocked and surprised!!
My Kiwi boyfriend and I have been touring the South Island for the past few weeks and ended up here in the very small town of Westport. After driving through torrential rains up the western side of the island for the past few days, we were looking for a respite.
I always mentally scoff when I read that any restaurant outside of the NY/NJ area advertises itself as having authentic Italian food. But this small and unassuming place did just that. And I was craving some pasta after a steady diet of fish and chips, lamb and whitebait.
We walked in and were immediately seated by the bar and had our drink orders taken, which arrived very quickly. I opted for the special, the spaghetti bolognese, while Boyfriend chose the Chicken Piccata.
Let me tell you it was probably the best Bolognese I've had in my entire life. An extremely generous portion, accompanied by a yummy little palate-cleansing side salad, which I also devoured.
Boyfriend was very happy with his dish as well, and we were both members of the "Clean Plate Club!!" I raved about the food to our very kind waiters/bartenders, and they said they would pass the compliments on to the chef.
Who knew that on the wet, wild, western side of the South Island of New Zealand that you can get actual delicious Italian and Italian-inspired food in a tiny one-horse town??
I have been humbled. And my tummy is still full. And I'm still happy. Burp.
Go there. And tell 'em Jenny from the Block sent ya. read more