The Old Vicarage 335 Halswell Road
Halswell
Christchurch,
New Zealand
Phone 03 322 1224
Fax 03 322 1248
www.theoldvicarage.co.nz
Email enquiries@tov.co.nz
It was one of those last minute spur of the moment things. We decided to go out and celebrate life - 50th b-day and pay review and - urm - nah - since when do we need a reason to go out??? Anyhow we decided to "treat" ourselves for a meal out and booked a place for 2 at the Old Vicarage! Now for those who do not know - it is literally this - a old vicarage (where once a Anglican Church Minister used to live) and is by NZ standards a OLD building (some 140 years or so). Lovely setting - with large gardens and and (as was in the old days) many 'bedrooms' and other rooms which now function as dining rooms. We ended up in the "Library" which was well stocked and does indeed have Books to read. It made for a cosy intimate dinner - especially as the only other table in the Library room booked there did not fill up 'till we got to dessert!!
Anyhow - we had the garlic bread - as always - and were impressed. It arrived in double quick time - was hot enough to be enjoyed - but no so hot that you got burned eating it. Plenty of garlic flavor with a sprinkling of herbs. As you can see from the picture it is a French baguette cut into 5 pieces which was ample - again - just the right amount. The impressive part was that the UNDER-side was also buttered up - not many places do both sides!! The arrangement was simple and yet effective. It may well have scored a perfect 20 out of 20 (which would be a first) but for the fact we are yet undecided if a wooden platter in a high quality / priced place is a appropriate serving tool - instead of perhaps a rectangular porcelain plate . . . | Presentation | 4 out of 5 |
| Quantity | 5 out of 5 |
| Taste: | 5 out of 5 |
| Quality | 5 out of 5 |
| Overall score: | 19 (out of poss 20) |
