Clarence Wine & Tapas

An expansion/side-project/diversion for the folk running the systematically excellent Mavis & Co, Clarence seems to already be a hit.  We fronted up on a Friday, without booking, and made do with seats outside. These were made bearably by it being a pleasant night, and the heaters being powerful.  Weren't after too much, just some things to nibble on and perhaps a glass or two of wine.

Warmed marinated olives, cracked pepper and sage.  Tasty.  

Tempura soft shell crab w/ mushroom ceviche and XO.  Mushroom ceviche is not just a thing, it is a wonderful thing.

Above and below are a tasting platter.  Highlights for me were the crumbed gurnard and the piquante peppers with baby corn, feta and paprika.  (In the top photo, those fried balls are peppers, in the photo below, the gurnard is front right)

Dessert! This was a blue cheese brulee, because why not?  Not sweet at all, and excellent.

A very dark chocolate tart, again not too sweet. Buttermilk and raspberry to take the edge off.

Not everything worked.  There was a pate with prunes on the tasting plate which I didn't think quite hit the right notes, but the things which did, were excellent.  Service was still more like a cafe than a restaurant, which I like, but I could imagine it putting some people off (especially when the food is this good).

http://www.mavis.co.nz/

Babaganush

First night in Hamilton. Fresh off the plane (and a shuttle van trip from Auckland airport).  Staying in a hotel on Grey St, the manager recommends Babaganush for a nice, easy meal.

The restaurant feels comfortable. Quite open plan, and the music is loud, but not overbearing.  Service is friendly and efficient.  I park myself with kindle at a small table, and order some sparkling water. (I know... rebellious)

Quite hungry, which turns out to be a good thing, as I need to try a range of things.  I start with Haloumi entrée, followed by a mixed Iskender.

The haloumi is nicely browned and wonderfully squeaky. Salad on the side is tasty.  I would have preferred more garlic in the yoghurt, or less of the yoghurt, but that was a minor concern. ($11)

Garlic and chilli sauce on the iskender.  Rice is nicely flavoured, and the meat works well with the sauces.  Without them, it would I think have been under-spiced for my taste.  Big serving at a good price for restaurant Turkish. ($18.5)

The restaurant is not too busy, which is nice, so I can sit and read without feeling guilty about taking up their space.  After doing this for a while, I notice that they offer a walnut baklava.  I guess I should try it, right?  (For the public good).  Nice, but different.  All things considered, I think I prefer  more traditional baklava.  This version is healthier than most, I imagine, but that isn't really what I am looking for in baklava.  Not bad, however.  ($12)

I will be going back here.  There are a bunch of things on the menu that I want to try.  Once my partner gets into the country, I will bring her with me.  Easier to sample a range of things when there is more than one person ordering.

Babaganush

379-381 Grey St, Hamilton East

(07) 856 3588

http://www.babaganush.co.nz/index.html