One of the best views in Wanaka must be from up high. I had the opportunity to have dinner in the clouds at The Landing, Ardmore Street. Recently new owners have moved in and rustled up some freshness to the place, to the menu and to the walls. ART alert!
Always known for their high quality plates The Landing Wanaka are instrumental in filling your tum with fresh local produce, good quality wine and not ripping a hole in your wallet. The clever folk there bring new menus to each season and so lucky me got to bundle myself up on a stunning Wanaka evening, head over the hill and try out their ‘Winter’ menu. You know, so you lovely lot know what it’s all about and you can be informed. I’m good like that.
A delicious starter of warmed olives and a sparkling glass of bubbles and I wanted to curl up and stay for the week. I think they might notice me after a while, there, hidden in the corner. But I soldiered on. Next up, Lamb loin cannelloni, caramelised shallots, kale and walnut puree. Oh the walnut puree. Why oh why haven’t I worked out this was in the world before? I wanted to smear it on toast and eat it for breakfast, dinner and supper. I may (I totally did) have run my finger along the edge of the plate so I could get every. last. bit.
I then moved onto the crumbed pork terrine, potato gratin (I can’t move past a gratin can you?), sauerkraut, mustard, jus. Crunchy and just the right amount of saltyness with the sauerkraut. My dinner guest went for the monkfish. Fresh, simple with a delicious split pea puree. All perfectly cooked and right for the cosiness I wanted them to create in my tum. A side of greens to complete the dish. Keeping it healthy for you lot!
And because I was feeling special (I was on my ‘holiday’ in Wanaka) I thought dessert was a must. A warm sticky date pudding and a salted caramel fudge to complete a meal that was simple, fresh and delicious.
The Landing has also had a beautiful paint job where the walls are wonderfully adorned with art work hung against deep luxurious greens and light pinks. It is a soothing, calm space where food and wine are light and are perfectly placed together.
The next time you’re in Wanaka, put your head in the clouds for the evening. And that little person in the corner? That’s me. I’m staying up here forever.
The Landing
Level 1
80 Ardmore Street
Wanaka
03 443 5099
Now I know what to do with all of the walnuts from our tree… Puree here we come!
So delicious!!