A French Italian Adventure with Il Tartufo

Finally a gorgeous evening warm enough to head out to Il Tartufo, a completely fresh new restaurant out at the Flight Park on Malaghans Road near Arrowtown. The French and Italian flag was flying and I knew we would be in good company (as they’re both on my list of favourite food to eat).

A completely magical evening watching the sun spread over the land, the wind whistle across the manicured lawn and a delicious meal and stories to complete the evening.

To begin

A relative newbie on the block this place has been a few things previously but nothing beats simple beautiful food made so well.

We began the evening with a cheese and charcuterie platter. Gorgonzola, Pecorino, Palma ham, Warmed breads and olive oil, prosciutto. Meats and cheeses sourced from Italy and France, selected with the upmost care and made available right there in New Zealand.

A robust Chianti and a delicious Pinot Grigio for my dinner partner and we settled into our spot for the evening.

Stefano is the perfect host telling stories of all the produce and plates along the way. Meats from a small farms in Italy , white truffle from the teeniest village. His family was also there on hand to tell us more stories about the produce, the love that goes into rearing the animals, the care to pick out the best food available for the menu. I loved the passion, the complete love behind the cooking, the preparation, the stories. Oh the stories. The places we’ll go.

A delicious risotto with white truffle for main. Light, creamy, delicious. Nothing too overbearing and plates just the right size. Like Goldilocks and the three bears. Just right. I swept up the last of my risotto with the warmed bread, because I’m English I thought I should bring some of my family tradition into the meal.

And finally to finish, Apricot’s lightly flambéed to perfection with a soft side of banana. Light and delicate and the ultimate way to finish such a simple meal.

Il Tartufo has injected their own traditions and stories into the Flight Park. The views from up there are incredible and make you stop, stare and listen for a while. Relaxing and calm, the way every meal should be. Pausing for stories and laughter throughout each course.