Timaru

This is the second of my unscheduled stops caused by the Christchurch earthquake.

There really isn't much to see in the town. Caroline Bay looks like it's the sort of place that would look good when the sun is shining. Unfortunately its been grey and overcast.

The stand out was the restaurant I had dinner at. It was called 'Steak @ The Customs House', and yes it is a steak restaurant. The three courses I had comprised the best meal I've had in New Zealand – salt & pepper squid, rib eye steak with vegetables and roasted garlic mashed potato and lemon tart with raspberry sorbet.

Sensationally executed.

I had a Central Otago pinot noir with the starter and main course and then a late harvest Riesling with my dessert. Very good matches.

The only thing I couldn't get my head around was the fact that it was so quiet for a Friday night. I turned up at 7.45pm and only about a third of the tables were occupied and nobody came in after me. Maybe everyone wanted to have their food early before the Crusaders v. Brumbies 'Super Rugby' match?