As we have taken up residence in this charming town, it would be remiss of me not to give it a mention here.
For some background, Arrowtown, on the banks of the Arrow River, is built around an old gold mining settlement. Yes, the Arrow River is still delivering golden nuggets to lucky punters and I can't deny seeing dollar signs whilst gazing into the water. The town itself is exactly the sort of town I love to be in- small but not yokel, surrounded by natural beauty (although where in NZ isn't?) and the main street is lined with quaint, gold rush era facades. There is much more character here than the neighbouring towns including Queenstown, however it helps to have the amenities and pulse of QT nearby.
But the best part (always the best part) is the food. Not only are the cafes, restaurants and bars numerous for such a small town, but they are of a very high quality.
Two of our faves:
Chop Shop Food Merchants. We have already frequented this place enough to have become a regular. Exactly the sort of cafe that we would love to open. Amazing coffee, quirky decor- like bike chain lamp fittings and stuffed monkeys, and an ever changing specials board to keep you interested. The staff are super enthusiastic too which makes you feel well looked after. The menu is mainly brunch- eggs/ salmon/ bacon- but never done in the way you would expect.
Discovery: Turkish Eggs - ?? - Never heard of them but it is poached eggs with toast sitting in a spiced yogurt type dip with some chilli flavouring. If you don't mind it a bit oily, this is a really interesting dish.
But the best part (always the best part) is the food. Not only are the cafes, restaurants and bars numerous for such a small town, but they are of a very high quality.
Two of our faves:
Chop Shop Food Merchants. We have already frequented this place enough to have become a regular. Exactly the sort of cafe that we would love to open. Amazing coffee, quirky decor- like bike chain lamp fittings and stuffed monkeys, and an ever changing specials board to keep you interested. The staff are super enthusiastic too which makes you feel well looked after. The menu is mainly brunch- eggs/ salmon/ bacon- but never done in the way you would expect.
Discovery: Turkish Eggs - ?? - Never heard of them but it is poached eggs with toast sitting in a spiced yogurt type dip with some chilli flavouring. If you don't mind it a bit oily, this is a really interesting dish.
The Fork and Tap. The new local. The kind of pub that is cozy yet not uncomfortable- you don't feel like an intruder walking in. Fire for ambiance (and warmth). Rotating beers on tap- many being brewed locally. Friendly staff. Of course good food too. The beetroot salad was light but filling- my sort of meal.
We have yet to check out many of the other establishments. We've been recommended the Blue Door and La Rumbla. We don't need an excuse really- we will definitely be checking these places out soon!
*We do not get sponsored in any way. We will only ever write genuine reviews on companies and hospitality we have dealt with personally.
We have yet to check out many of the other establishments. We've been recommended the Blue Door and La Rumbla. We don't need an excuse really- we will definitely be checking these places out soon!
*We do not get sponsored in any way. We will only ever write genuine reviews on companies and hospitality we have dealt with personally.