Winter Dining Hot Spots
Experiencing the best of what’s on offer this season from some of the Southern Lakes region top eateries is easy if you know where to go. Here are some of our faves for winter 2022.
Exquisite Japanese cuisine
Millbrook Resort’s Kobe Cuisine, one of Arrowtown’s most sought after restaurants, has undergone an extensive refurbishment in preparation for its 2022 winter relaunch.
“The exterior includes the installation of a heated, louvre roof which will enable guests to enjoy the stunning scenery all-year round. As part of the interior fit out a gas fire has been installed and there is an updated colour scheme,” says Millbrook marketing assistant Jess Wang.
“An extra bathroom is included and the existing bathroom has had a complete makeover in an attractive black and gold.”
Kobe offers a bold interpretation of authentic Japanese food based around seasonal sharing menus, using fresh local and Japanese ingredients designed to develop flavours and sensations.
“Our chef Yuki San came to New Zealand in 1997 following a career as a sushi chef in Japan,” says Jess. “He has been an integral part of Kobe Cuisine for the past 23 years and has a reputation for his talents and expertise.”
Après ski at JSH
Queenstown’s downtown bar JSH offers stylish décor, a cosy fire and a sophisticated drinks service. This intimate Duke Street venue punches well above its weight with an outstanding line up of premium wines and spirits including fine champagnes and local Pinot Noir. The mixology team expertly craft drinks from 4.00pm every day until late and a cocktail from their selection such as the JSH Swan Sour is the perfect evening kickstart.
“It’s an intoxicating mix of Plymouth Sloe gin with peach liquor, raspberry sugar syrup, lemon juice and egg white and has been a best seller since we launched it over a year ago,” says JSH venue manager Jo Thorp-Olesen.
Mrs Woolly’s at the Head of the Lake
The Headwaters executive chef Pete Gawron has worked with the kitchen team at Mrs Woolly’s in Glenorchy to create a winter café menu filled with fresh, hot and delicious bakery and takeaway foods for the season. This quirky country style store and art gallery is an excellent daytime destination for delicious food, coffee and a range of specialised gifts, clothing and home decor.
The Shed at Cloudy Bay
A visit to the picturesque Cloudy Bay Shed in Cromwell is a highlight where superb food and wine reflect the provenance of Central Otago.
“Winter is the perfect season to sample our intensely evocative Cloudy Bay Te Wahi Pinot Noir together with one of our winter warming dishes,” says Cloudy Bay customer experience manager Meg Soper.
Bookings essential for all wine experiences and vineyard tours theshed@cloudybay.co.nz