A bright morning but clouds appearing and still quite cool. We spent the morning sorting out a few chores and having a relaxing time before heading off for our planned lunch at Riverstone Kitchen which is a few miles north of Oamaru. We visited there last time and thought it was excellent so both were very much looking forward to a special lunch.
We were certainly not disappointed. Both opted for the tasting menu with wines chosen to match and each course seemed to outdo the previous one. We both said it was one of the best restaurant meals we had enjoyed for some time and the finale of Chocolate Nemesis with Blackcurrant ice cream was stupendous! Chef Bevan Smith has a philosophy of using top quality, fresh ingredients prepared very thoughtfully but quite simply cooked. All we can say is that it works brilliantly.
This evening we are off to see the blue penguin colony just along the bay. We had done this last time and both the LLW and I were very keen to go again. Well prepared for the cold (which we experienced last time), the LLW appropriated at least 2 of my fleeces, and off we went. The little blue penguins are very sweet and we saw ~ 60 return from their days fishing (apparently their current favourite dish is salt & pepper squid) and head off for their burrow and nest boxes. This is a conservation project and the colony around the bay has now increased to over 1200 from only 200 or so 20 years ago. This time we were able to walk along the boardwalk after all had returned to shore and there were still a number of penguins hiding under the boardwalk and occasionally having a curious look at us. Nobody is allowed to take photos in the area so, I'm afraid, there are no visual support for my comments.
We were certainly not disappointed. Both opted for the tasting menu with wines chosen to match and each course seemed to outdo the previous one. We both said it was one of the best restaurant meals we had enjoyed for some time and the finale of Chocolate Nemesis with Blackcurrant ice cream was stupendous! Chef Bevan Smith has a philosophy of using top quality, fresh ingredients prepared very thoughtfully but quite simply cooked. All we can say is that it works brilliantly.
This evening we are off to see the blue penguin colony just along the bay. We had done this last time and both the LLW and I were very keen to go again. Well prepared for the cold (which we experienced last time), the LLW appropriated at least 2 of my fleeces, and off we went. The little blue penguins are very sweet and we saw ~ 60 return from their days fishing (apparently their current favourite dish is salt & pepper squid) and head off for their burrow and nest boxes. This is a conservation project and the colony around the bay has now increased to over 1200 from only 200 or so 20 years ago. This time we were able to walk along the boardwalk after all had returned to shore and there were still a number of penguins hiding under the boardwalk and occasionally having a curious look at us. Nobody is allowed to take photos in the area so, I'm afraid, there are no visual support for my comments.
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