The Clarendon

April 10

Tasteful dining by Jo McKenzie-McLean

It was a wet Wednesday evening, but with my parents visiting from Invercargill, we braved the weather to sample the fare of a new restaurant on Oxford Tce, the Clarendon.

"Welcome to the Clarendon. Another lovely summer's day in Christchurch out there, isn't it?" joked the waiter, as he swung the door open and welcomed us inside. The friendly young man then whisked away our jackets and escorted us to our seats.

To my surprise, although the streets were reasonably barren, the restaurant was full. I was relieved I had changed out of my denims - I would have been dressed far too casually.

The drinks menu was extensive, and my parents - who both love their wine - were impressed by the six-page selection. They shared a bottle of Central Otago Devil's Staircase Pinot Gris, $39.50, while my husband had a Three Boys Pilsner, $7.

The menu was also dazzling. My husband and I shared a crispy duck leg entrée ($21.50), which was served over a salad with a red duck sauce, pickled cucumber and Chinese rock sugar. The Szechuan spiced peanuts sprinkled over the dish gave it a lovely nutty taste that left me licking my lips for more.

For a main, I ordered a lamb rack with a basil crust, served on lentils, preserved tomato, and lemon, thyme jus ($34.50). The dish offered many flavours, which danced in my mouth, and the lamb was cooked perfectly.

My husband - who loves a big steak - was well satisfied with his prime Canterbury 300g ribeye, served with horseradish crème, corned beef hash, spinach and confit garlic puree ($35).

My mother's entrée was a platter of toasted ciabatta ($9.50), which we all sampled. It was accompanied by a roasted garlic bulb, Frantoio di Sant'Agata d'Oneglia extra virgin olive oil and tasty purple-coloured olive mash. Mum then opted for the chef's daily special, locally caught, pan-fried gurnard fillet, which she described, through mouthfuls, as "the most succulent, beautifully cooked fish I've tasted".

My father started his meal with a tomato and fennel soup, which he was forced to share with Mum, because it smelt so good. The serving was generous and the fennel gave the soup a lovely zing. For his main he enjoyed pork belly with green apple cider, Ibérico ham wafer, fennel and apple rémoulade, and Augusti Cava vinaigrette ($32). He wouldn't share this dish with anyone.

Too busy catching up, everyone but me forgot to order side dishes of vegetables. I ordered a side of asparagus with almonds and manchego ($7.50). Fortunately, it was large enough to share. Despite forgetting sides, everyone commented on how generous the mains were and all finished with full, but not over-stuffed, bellies.

We couldn't leave without tasting the dessert menu. My husband and I shared a selection of house-made artisan ice creams and sorbets for $16. He preferred the strawberry and coconut-flavoured ice creams, so I was able to devour the chocolate ice cream and mango sorbet. The scoops were topped with mini wafer cones, and sat on a crunchy toffee base. It was a refreshing and cleansing end to a much enjoyed dinner.

The entrées, mains and desserts were not only all full of flavour, generously portioned and cooked to perfection, they were beautifully presented and promptly delivered to our table. The entire meal totalled just under $300.

Where: Corner Worcester St & Oxford Tce.

Hours: Sun-Thurs 10am-11pm; Fri & Sat 10am till late.

Prices: Moderate to expensive.

Wine: Extensive range. Good choice of French wines, bottled boutique beers, premium whiskeys and bourbons, as well as cocktails.

Service: Extremely polite, attentive and quick.

Ambience: Chic, small and intimate.

Amenities: Small, but clean and modern.