Katz Orange

Katz Orange is a restaurant in central Berlin which is well worth a visit, not only for the quality of the cooking but also for a really good wine list.

Located in a former brewery, built in 1893, and set back from the road in a courtyard, the setting is fantastic. In warm weather there are tables arranged outside, covered by large parasols, which, if the weather permits, should be your choice of seating. The interior of the restaurant is arranged over two floors and is warm and inviting, creating a good atmosphere for a relaxed evening. So dining either inside or outside it’s a win win!

The menu is short and well focused, offering seven or so choices for both appetisers and mains. There are house specialities such as Duroc pork, which has been cooked for 12 hours at low temperature to create a wonderfully tender and flavoursome piece of meat. This is only available for two to share and my photograph doesn’t do it justice, it was superb.

Heirloom tomatoes with date vinegar, pine nuts and croutons
Ceviche of Rottstock Sea Trout with melon and dill
Duroc pork with pickled cauliflower, red and fried onions.

Portions are generous and we didn’t feel that dessert was necessary but there is an interesting choice for those that want it including white chocolate cheesecake and cherry clafoutis.

The wine list here is very good and this always makes choosing difficult but staff are very helpful and more than willing to spend time discussing the possible options. In the end we chose Testalonga El Bandito Skin Contact Orange Wine 2016 from South Africa. Made from Chenin Blanc grapes which the juice has a shortish period of  contact with the skins during vinification to produce a wine of real character. Stone fruits and some savoury spice abound in a wine that is dry and well balanced.

 

Katz Orange, Bergstraße 22, 10115, Berlin.

Open daily but evenings only from 6pm

Website is here

Nordbahnof (S-bahn S1, S2, S25, S26) or Rosenthaler Platz (U-Bahn U8) are the closest public transport train lines.

Chef’s Table Chester

Music Hall Passage is a narrow alley that connects Northgate Street to St. Werburg Street in Chester and can be used as a short cut from the city centre to the Cathehdral. However if you didn’t know it was there you could easily walk past the entrance on Northgate Street. This would be a shame because Music Hall Passage is home to a very fine restaurant indeed. The Chef’s Table is only small with 30 covers and a tiny kitchen from which they produce some very acceptable food indeed.

We visited at lunchtime on a weekday and were able to get a table without a prior reservation but this might not necessarily be the cast in the evening or at weekends. The lunch menu offers 2 courses for £18 or 3 for £22 which is very good value indeed for the quality on offer. Portions were good sized and we didn’t feel that we needed any side dishes for our particular choices. The menu is comprehensive with a good range of dishes, including vegan options. Ingredients are sourced locally as far as is possible.

Slow cooked octopus with chorizo, sweetcorn summer minestrone and haricot beans
Mushroom and avocado on toasted focaccia and served with red onion chutney
Roast stonebass, smoked haddock, Cheshire saffron risotto and a soft poached egg.

The stonebass was the dish of the day, beautiful fish and rich, creamy risotto.

The wine list is short but offers adequate choice to accompany the dishes on offer. We chose a glass of Gran Cerdo Blanco. Gonzalo Grijalba. Unfortunately I forgot to record the vintage but the 2017 is currently available in stores. This is a natural, organic wine with aromas of apricot, peach  and a lovely floral component that make for a very appealing wine. The palate is medium bodied with lovely balance and lingering flavours of stone fruit. It accompanied the stonebass perfectly and is great value for money.

A very nice lunch. I am sure a return visit is likely.

Eating and Drinking in Queenstown

With only four days in Queenstown this list is never going to be extensive but here goes with our personal choices.

Kappa (36 The Mall)

Located on the first floor in an area busy with eating places this Japanese restaurant is an oasis of calm with decor an an ambiance that feels authentic. The food is pretty good too and the prices are reasonable. Excellent Blue Fin Tuna sashimi, soba noodle salad and chicken karaage. There’s a good range of sake available too.

Fergburger (42 Shotover Street)

You may have to queue for half an hour or so no matter what time of day you go but the wait is well worth it for whaT is likely the best burger in Queenstown if not the whole South Island.  Its popularity speaks for itself. Considering the queues and numbers of people service is quick. Fergburger

Fishbone (7 Beach Street)

More than adequate fish and seafood restaurant serving good sized portions of fresh and well cooked fish.The Gurnard with creamed sweetcorn was particularly well received. Fishbone

Fergbaker (40 Shotover Street)

Next door to fergburger and much quieter. Serving an excellent selection of pies (I can recommend the lamb shoulder), sandwiches, pastries and bread. Why can’t every town have a bakery of this quality.

Patagonia (Lakefront)

Not really a restaurant but serving the most delicious ice cream and very acceptable coffee. Flavours include the traditional and the not so such as Basil and orange. They are winners of numerous awards in the New Zealand ice Cream Awards and I can see why. Patagonia

Atlas Beer Cafe (Steamer Wharf)

Not only does this bar/cafe have an excellent range of craft beers but it also does the most amazing rump steak and chips. While I have always believed rump to be a bit on the chewy side I was blown away with this offering. as tender as fillet and as tasty as rib eye. A real winner. Atlas Beer Cafe

The Winery (14 Beach Street)

A range of Enomatic type machines make it possible to taste a vast range of New Zealand wines plus a small number of others from around the world. There is an excellent tasting range of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. A little disappointed that only three Syrah from New Zealand were available to taste. You can buy wine buy the bottle and drink it on the premises for only a small corkage charge. platters of cheeses and salamis are also available if you’re hungry. The Winery