Small plates, big flavours

Chef and author of cookbook Cook Me, Sam Parish hunts down the best new small plates in Christchurch to reboot your 2023 eat list.

Well, muy, muy, muy. In the space that once housed Welles Street pub, Muy Muy has done the venue justice by creating a unique dining experience by bringing the colours of Mexico inside to create a trendy buzzing arena for some delicious food and tequila-based cocktails. The fun and colourful interior features pale pink cement-poured booths, high tables with stool seating, long tables for big groups, endless indoor plants, woven basket lights, and a stage at the back for rotating live music. The food is made for sharing and goes perfectly with margaritas. It is a restaurant for the senses; you can hear and taste the passion from the kitchen as colourful plates are sent out by chef Pablo. For small plates, try the picoteos; my favourites were the duck empanadas, pulled spiced meat-filled pastries fried and served with avocado crema. Also try the classics like guac and the corn ribs.

The Majestic, on the ground floor of The Mayfair hotel, is a café that turns into a delicious cocktail lounge at 2.30pm daily. It’s the spot for any time of the day, with breakfast and high tea a must-try. Nick Tatom, previously head chef at Hello Sunday, curated the menu, featuring food that takes itself just the right amount seriously. Try the carrot nuggets. Tender and served with mustard mayo – snack heaven. Add to these a few classics to keep the punters happy, fried chicken etc. I must mention the Yemen cheese cube! All the elements you’d want in a cheese board with the ease of a dukkha studded cream cheese served with fruit-loaded sourdough. Make sure to finish with a pastry! Check the display cabinet for inspiration, and you may even find the Insta-famous ‘majestic’ swan, a choux pastry filled with caramel and vanilla crémeux and garnished with chocolate swan head.

Who doesn’t like to wine down with snacks by the sea? Sumner Social is one of the newer establishments gracing the forefront of sparkly Sumner Bay. Get yourself a table in the sun and order one of the four spritzes – I’m a fan of all, but my top pick would be the negroni – and a mix of small plates, then settle into the sounds of the sea and some great company. These sorts of venues are a must in any coastal town, and the revamped fit-out in this space adds to the sunshine on the esplanade. Food-wise, I love the Asian fusion making its way into the dishes on the menu: baked tofu with chilli soy sauce, classic slow-cooked pork belly with a herb-forward salad and crispy crackling, and crudo salmon with seaweed for wrapping. It might be worth throwing in a bowl of chips and a few tacos, though, because you won’t want to leave anytime soon.