Paulina’s Restaurant recently marked its third anniversary with a celebratory Latin rhythm and flavours weekend at the Clyde eatery.

“It was a wonderful way to bring everyone together to experience some delicious Latin inspired food along with folk singing and dance performances by Pasion Salsa Cromwell – a dance school based in Central Otago,” says Paulina.

Paulina’s dream to have her own restaurant started with her professional career as a chef in her home country Chile and later working in lodges around the world.

“The journey has been amazing and it’s a privilege to have opened my own family style restaurant here in Clyde and to be working with our remarkable hospitality team,” says Paulina. “Our food is always evolving but the core ingredients remain true to our philosophy of using the best meat and seafood available with locally sourced organic produce served in a refreshing and vibrant style.”

Paulina’s has developed a steady following amongst locals and visitors to the region for its exotic flavoured dishes.

“Some dishes are inspired by my family and what I grew up with. For example, we recently trialled my Auntie’s recipe for Caribbean style black beans, slow cooked free-range pork with fresh herbs and pork jus which is delicious.”

The restaurant is again participating in the Eat.Taste.Central event that celebrates food and wine from Central Otago from September 20 until October 28.

“I have created a main dish of slow cooked Provenance Lamb Shanks marinated in Central Otago Pinot Noir served with potatoes, parsley and rocket grown in my garden,” says Paulina. “Our chef Samuel Farr has done the dessert of honey, vanilla and thyme goat’s milk Panna Cotta, using locally produced ingredients like Raggedy Range goat’s milk, Beehive Boys honey and feijoas from McIntosh Orchards.”

Private functions such as birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas functions are welcome with the restaurant able to cater for large groups.

“Spring is a busy in the lead up to Christmas and it’s a lovely time of year to enjoy cocktails outside in the courtyard, sample new Central Otago vintages and try the new and enticing dishes on the menu,” says Paulina.