Martin James CO-OWNER AND CHEF, WAI WATERFRONT RESTAURANT Why is it important to you to showcase exotic and local ingredients? Taste and flavour are the ultimate goals, so we source our ingredients carefully. It is important to showcase local produce, as people travelling to New Zealand from other countries should be given the opportunity to taste the amazing bounty of the South Island. What would you consider to be your signature dish? One dish that has been on the degustation menu for several years is a quail carbonara: hand-rolled spaghetti, braised quail, Marsala and Sicilian olives, wrapped in Parma ham and finished with a quail’s yolk. How do you view Queenstown’s fine dining scene? Queenstown is a great place to dine as there are so many restaurants offering different cuisines and styles of dining. Wai’s philosophy is one of fine dining with a relaxed atmosphere. We take our food and service very seriously and are professional at all times; however, a meal is something to be enjoyed, and conversation and laughter are essential. What is your favourite local ingredient to cook with? We get some great rabbit out of Bendigo, near Cromwell. The whitebait from the West Coast is second to none and we also get some great groper from Fiordland. Being in Central Otago we are in the middle of one of the world’s finest wine growing regions and it is always a privilege to cook food that is complemented by a fantastic local pinot noir.
PIER 19 Steamer Wharf, Beach Street, Queenstown Tel: +64 3 442 4006
as sophisticated. Head chef Gwen Harvie has created a fine menu with locally sourced produce that is superbly accompanied by an equally impressive wine list.
This unpretentious restaurant takes no short-cuts by offering a contemporary cuisine that is both generous and refined. Situated on the beautiful Steamer Wharf, Pier 19 offers alfresco dining during the warmer months, with magnificent views all year round.
WAI WATERFRONT RESTAURANT Ground Floor, Steamer Wharf Beach Street, Queenstown Tel: +64 3 442 5969
SOLERA VINO 25 Beach Street, Queenstown Tel: +64 3 442 6082
Brush up on your high school French as you step into this cosy and inviting restaurant. The two French restaurant owners are known to zip around serving classic bistro-style food such as rabbit casserole and confit of duck served with six spices, thyme and honey. Make sure you also try Solera Vino’s much-loved onion soup. THE BUNKER Cow Lane, Queenstown Tel: +64 3 441 8030
WINNIES 7-9 The Mall, Queenstown Tel: +64 3 442 8635
How can you go past Winnies? Mention comfort food in Queenstown and it’s the first name you’ll hear. It may not be flashy, but Winnies sure does a great pizza. Of course there are old favourites like Hawaiian pizza, but there are also unique pizza toppings like Thai curry chicken, with roasted peanuts, coconut and crispy noodles. w
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The hidden location, fireplace and brown leather armchairs will make you feel as though you have stepped into your own private club, and the food is just
The care that co-owner and chef Martin James has taken to source exotic and local ingredients is evident in the exquisite dishes offered at Wai Waterfront. Specialising in seafood, Wai Waterfront tempts diners with dishes like pan seared Kingfish, served on a bed of New Zealand asparagus, topped off with a soft boiled quail’s egg.
NEW ZEALAND SOUTH ISLAND
© Wai Waterfront Restaurant
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