On My Plate – September

Denise Irvine has been eating out on the west coast, at Kāwhia and Raglan, as well as enjoying some local favourites.

 Sands of Kāwhia

Saturday family outing with my sister and two nieces, visiting some places in our hearts, and lunch at the flash new Sands of Kāwhia hotel in the town’s main street: pan-fried fish and chips, Mediterranean salad with extra grilled chicken, and grilled ciabatta with dips of hummus, olive tapenade and whipped feta. Generous food, neatly plated, friendly service, and the excellent fish and chips was the winner. Sands also does breakfast and dinner, with straightforward menus covering surf, turf, savoury and sweet. Plus some cabinet food. Check opening hours, and take the road less travelled to this tucked away harbourside hotel. 136 Jervois St, Kāwhia, sandofkawhia.co.nz

ULO’S Kitchen

Same coast, different town, this time Raglan, and dinner at ULO’S Kitchen, the quirky, family-run Japanese fusion eatery off the main street. Love this place for its happy vibe and brimming bowls of fresh ingredients with beautifully judged flavours. I had the Mayoracha with salmon, rice, salad, and spicy sriracha sauce, and our table shared crème brulee (detouring to Europe) with crunchy handmade sesame biscuits. Bang Bang salad and Dan Dan udon noodles also recommended from the mains list. It’s all good. Open for dinner and takeaways Thurs-Sat but bookings essential.  6 Wallis St, Raglan, ph: 0221317028 or via Facebook

Alpino, Cambridge

A long-time favourite, and at lunch recently the standout was the octopus carpaccio, finely sliced and served with perfect partners of capers and salsa verde. It was melt-in-the-mouth delicious. Tempting to lick the plate but fortunately there was grilled ciabatta to mop up anything left behind. Open seven days for lunch and dinner.  43 Victoria St (old post office) Cambridge, alpino.co.nz

Two oldies but goodies:

Nami Japanese Restaurant: the agedashi tofu is always a must, deep-fried (very briefly) so it is light as a feather, and served with tempura sauce. Also try the light and crunchy mixed tempura and some of the special sushi. Lovely fresh plates and impeccable attention to detail. Dine in and takeaway, 20 Hood St, Hamilton, namijapaneserestaurant.co.nz for more details.

Caffé Centrale

On a chilly night after the movies I warmed up over the best bowl of Italian classic Penne alla Puttanesca: penne pasta with the magic partners of capers, garlic, oregano, olives, anchovies, chilli and tomato sauce. Plus a glass of robust Montepulciano d’Abruzzo on the side. A taste of Italy in Hamilton, and chef Marco Scarpa’s pasta dishes are the real deal. Open seven days for dinner. 10 Alma St, Hamilton, caffecentrale.co.nz