A night at Whitianga

When we reached Whitianga it was almost time for dinner! (thanks to the rain, dad drove slower, and that made me felt more relaxed) 

But we've decided to checked into a motel first before it gets too dark. We were recommended to check out Beachside Resort and the manager Bruce gave us a special price at only $100.- a night (for the five of us and its usually at $99.- for a couple but because it's winter/low season + recommended by his friend, we have special price)

The room is modern, clean and warm. It fits 4 adults so he had to blow up another extra bed for us without charging extra costs.

So we unpacked and settled down, deciding on where to eat again.

J must have found a packing on the towels and thought they're chocolates (the last motel we stayed, had chocolates on the bed)
He opened it and had a small bite and realized it wasn't chocolate! Poor boy...must be very hungry.

Because Whitianga is much smaller than Tauranga, there are not a lot of restaurants and shops around, so choosing a restaurant wasn't that difficult.

We went to check out 'Salt' - fine dining restaurant & bar. It is situated right by the water of the Whitianga Marina. Too bad it was already dark when we reached there.

Mom and I ordered - Market fish with sauteed local paua, Japanese mushroom, spring onions, chilli, coriander & white miso broth - $33.-. It was a good dish. The fish is fried on the skin side, making it crispy then put in the oven and back to the pan for final round. It goes very well with the miso broth.

Dad & L ordered - 90 day grain fed eye fillet with roasted shallots, hand cut chips & bearnaise sauce - $34.-. Dad & L claimed that it's the best eye fillet they've ever tasted! So...there you go..comments from 2 meat lover.

J's entree as his main - Ragout of wild rabbit with homemade papadelle and grana padano - $18.-

J didn't really liked his dish because it was rabbit (I should not have told him it's rabbit). He couldn't finish it so husband and I licked the plate clean..It was delicious!
Service as a bit slow, we waited 30 minutes to be fed but the waiter was friendly.

Beachside Resort
20 Eyre Street,
Whitianga
Coromandel Peninsula
07-867 1356
 
Salt Bar & Restaurant
1 Blacksmith Lane
Whitianga, NZ
07-866 5818

(to be continue...)