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Picture this: You're dressed in your finest, seated at a table surrounded by native bush. The gentle rustling of leaves mingles with distant bird calls, creating nature's own soundtrack. Welcome to our Long Lunch at Crane Road, a hidden gem nestled on a 60-hectare private farm just north of Whangarei.
A Feast to Remember
In December 2023, we hosted a special event that still has us grinning. We crafted a three-course menu that paired beautifully with wines from 144 Islands. It was a day that proved how good food, fine wine, and stunning scenery can bring people together in the most magical way.
Why Long Lunches?
There's something almost rebellious about a long lunch. It's like we're channeling my Aunt Mabel, who'd park herself at the table and not budge until dinner. But this is next level - a deliberate step away from sad desk lunches and rushed meals. Instead, it's an invitation to slow down, to savor not just the food, but the company and the moment.
Crane Road: More Than Just a Venue
We still remember our first visit to Crane Road. As we drove up the winding path, we were sure our GPS had gone haywire. But then the busy world fell away, and we emerged into this stunning 60-acre wonderland. It feels like a secret hideaway, the kind of place that makes you want to linger, breathe deeply, and really appreciate the beauty around you.
A Celebration of Local Flavors
Our December 2023 event was a collaboration with a beautiful venue, a northland winemaker and ourselves prepared with a three-course menu of local produce. We kicked things off with a welcome drink while people took in the venue and the aromas coming from the kitchen. Under the marque of tables, we were on show for people to watch and see the food being cooked right in front of them.
The style of service was an alternative drop, where two different entrees, mains, and desserts were served to the table as a surprise of which you would receive making the lunch exciting and interactive.
The entree was the pine-cured salmon with beetroot, homegrown cucumbers and smoked creme fraiche and the pulled New Zealand lamb shoulder crumbed and deep fried served with carrots, pickles and yoghurt.
For the main course, beef fillet cooked perfectly to medium rare with creamed potato, fresh green beans, caramelised onions and a rich beef sauce and to compare we had the fresh nz snapper on top of a bed of mixed grains and roasted vegetables finished with a shellfish sauce.
And dessert, let's just say this had people asking for the recipes! Our fresh kerikeri strawberries and blueberries matched with lemon verbena and savoury oats or the decadent chocolate tart with vanilla mascarpone and poached pears - these desserts had me undecided which I would prefer.
Looking Ahead: December 2024
The success of last year's event has us excited to announce another long lunch at Crane Road in December 2024. We're already brainstorming new menu ideas and experiences to make it even more special.
If this sounds like your kind of afternoon, I'd recommend getting in touch soon. We'd hate for you to miss out on this unique experience.
Your Invitation to Indulge
Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a food lover, or simply someone who appreciates life's finer things, our long lunch at Crane Road offers something special. It's more than just a meal – it's a chance to step out of the every day, to dress up a little, and to immerse yourself in an experience that engages all your senses.
So why not treat yourself? Ditch the drive-thru and join us for an arvo of eating, drinking, and wondering if that's a leaf in your hair or just a new fascinator. Your taste buds will high-five you, your Instagram will thank you.
Get in touch and secure your spot for an afternoon of culinary delights, stunning scenery, and the kind of conversations that only happen when good food, great wine, and beautiful surroundings come together. And if you see me there, come say hi. I'll be the one trying not to spill red wine down my fancy white shirt while attempting to befriend the local birdlife.
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