This was published 9 years ago
Where to eat in Queenstown, New Zealand: Chef Ben Batterbury
Venison Tataki.
Bristol-born Ben Batterbury trained under two Michelin-starred British chefs, Gary Jones, and Simon Crannage at Swinton Park. Batterbury's repertoire at True South Dining Room mingles New Zealand flavours with French and English fusion recipes. He will appear at the Noosa International Food & Wine Festival, May 14-17. See noosafoodandwine.com.au; therees.co.nz.
WHERE`S YOUR FAVOURITE TABLE IN QUEENSTOWN?
I love cooking at home and at friends' houses. It is completely different and I find it very comforting. Casual food shared with friends with no judgement is such a great feeling.
YOUR BIGGEST LOCAL FOOD FIND OF THE PAST YEAR?
This year I have tried more to use the ingredients I can pick myself (foraging). There is an abundance of items in the area. This is something we have used before but am trying to use as much as I can this year.
WHAT IS QUEENSTOWN`S BEST KEPT FOOD SECRET?
Queenstown chef Ben Batterbury.
Everyone focuses on the pinot noir the region is famous for (and it is great of course) but I think Central Otago Riesling is amazing too. But a little secret from me is Yama Express, a sushi bar in the shopping mall food court, serving amazing sushi that both me and my son are addicted to.
FAVOURITE INDULGENCE IN QUEENSTOWN?
Another Japanese: Kappa restaurant is very understated and serves amazing Japanese food. It's my favourite restaurant in town by far. When I go there I want the whole menu and it becomes dangerous financially.
WHATS HOT IN THE AREA RIGHT NOW?
Not Queenstown but in nearby Arrowtown, La Rumbla is a tapas style restaurant quietly ticking away serving great small sharing dishes and an interesting wine list – a pleasure to dine in.
BEST TIME TO VISIT FOOD-WISE?
I always like November. The weather is normally good, the town is a bit quieter and we have great produce starting to appear such as NZ scallops and asparagus.
PLACE TO GO ON A DAY OFF?
Getting into the middle of nowhere on a bike with friends with no phone coverage and no internet is very relaxing for the mind and soul.
WHAT SHOULD A VISITOR AVOID FOOD-WISE IN QUEENSTOWN?
Queenstown has a lot of individual and boutique eateries which are well worth a visit so avoid the familiar franchises.
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