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Online Reviews - Dine Out REVIEW BY David Grindall (1) on 17th November 2008 TOTAL 9.2 On our first day in New Zealand after a day of travelling for many hours, we were introduced to this little gem. Jason Cleverley greeted us as if we were frequent and important guests: helped us, most thoughtfully, with the wine settling on a Tresillian Pinot Noir 2006 (after tasters of others for comparison) which went very well with the duck and succulent beef dishes we enjoyed followed by a most scrumptious chocolate brownie, banana and ice cream dessert. A wonderful place and wonderful experience. All we will have to do to repeat it would be to fly half way around the world - and it would be worth it !
REVIEW BY Josephine Hopkins (1) on 26th September 2008 TOTAL 9.0 Went to Ginger & Garlic for dinner a couple of weeks ago and was very pleasantly surprised. I had bruschetta to start followed by the lamb, done thai style and I have to say that both were extremely good. My only slight criticism is that the restaurant is a little pretentious, but that is only my opinion and doesn't detract from the quality of the food. In fact, the amuse bouche (essentially a spoonful of chicken curry) was so delicious I wanted that for my main course!
TOTAL 9.5 OK, I'm not going to give this place all 10's but it came darn close! We were stood up and were wandering down the main drag and I was hungry and this was the nearest restaurant. (we were going to have fish and chips in the car...) Warmly greeted, seated, amazing views, relaxed atmosphere. Ordered breads for entree, I had steak for main, G had pork, and dessert I had caramello wontons. All I'll say is it was an amazing meal, the best steak i think I've EVER had, and then the pianist started playing. A romantic, beautiful, divine meal. And totally unexpected. Next time I'm in Timaru- will be back! REVIEW BY thager (5) on 28th August 2008 TOTAL 8.4 My wife and I visited this restaurant many times over our three years living in Timaru, and Jason and Kerina never failed to deliver an exceptional dining experience. The menu is inviting and varies seasonally, the dining area is comfortable and warm, the service is top notch, and they have a good selection and knowledge of the wine and food they sell. Nizlopi 23rd October 2007
I had heard good things about this place so I gave it a try last week. To be honest, I was expecting an over the top level of posh that often comes across as patronizing in higher end places, but to my surprise I shouldn’t have had the slightest concern. I had three (potential then and actual now) new clients as guests and from the moment we walked through the door the Manager provided service that I have never seen in NZ! It was a mix of ultra professionalism, but with hints of humour at only the most appropriate times. He very effectively read our moods and altered to suit as the evening progressed. The menu is not crowded or over intellectualized, and the wine list is very well thought out. (Staff knowledge of the wines and their ‘Stories’ was unbelievable!) The manager took our orders all by memory including some tricky alterations. From the beginning with complementary local smoked salmon, the food was simply staggering. I sound like a preacher, but everyone at the table was wowing constantly at presentation, taste, combinations, timing, everything! All this and I haven’t mentioned the views and the grand piano playing. Wow! (Again!) All in all, this was by far my best ever restaurant experience to date in every aspect. I will obviously be returning and restaurant operators could learn a lot from this place!! Phil Caffyn 21st August 2006 This would stand apart as the best restaurant I've ever been to (and I do travel NZ a fair bit). Right from the discretion of the staff to the intimate atmosphere and the qualit yof the food this is exquisite !!! Paula Wells 15th January 2006 Fodors This classy spot is considered one of Timaru's best eateries, and owner Jason Cleverly hopes that every visitor here will get to feel a real touch of New Zealand. In winter there's a nice big fire to warm up by, and in summer there are fabulous sunsets to watch from a window table. The view also overlooks Caroline Bay and the port -- where the chef gets her seafood fresh each day. The seared lamb with roasted kumara, served with a walnut and spinach salad, is a menu standout. AE, DC, MC, V. Wine Dine Service Exceptional – knowledgeable, urbane, witty and unobtrusive. We were served by the maitre d’, Jonathon. The man is a treasure and an asset to the business. He would be at home in any 5-star restaurant anywhere and I do hope the owners know how lucky they are to have him. He’d be poached away in a second in any of the larger cities Presentation Wine List Value for Money Ambience The feel good factor
Timaru Herald - Meridian Business Excelence Awards
Winner of the hospitality award at the Meridian Energy Business Award Recognising business excellence in the hospitality industry has seen Ginger & Garlic tip the scales when it comes to providing top quality service and top customer care in South Canterbury at the recent Meridian Energy Business Excellence Awards. Taking out the hospitality section, young couple Jason Cleverley and Kerina Brown are thrilled with the outcome that shows Ginger & Garlic is on the ball when it comes to top quality food and service. It’s an accomplishment which they hold proud and insist that it would never have been attainable without the continued hard work of their fantastic team. “We also must thank all of our suppliers, we have built our business up relying on the knowledge and support, the high quality service and product from these key business’” Kerina admits, “The only reason we have come this far in just two and a half years is because of the over-whelming support of the local community.” Jason and Kerina bought the Ginger & Garlic Restaurant almost three years ago after searching for hospitality opportunities throughout the South Island. The restaurant itself had been running as Ginger & Garlic for nine years prior and had already obtained a reputation as one of South Canterbury’s top dining destinations. “We have customers coming from all over the country that haven’t been to Timaru for years, but insist on every visit; they must return to Ginger & Garlic. It’s easy to make a difference to a poorly run business, but it’s not so easy to make an impact on an already successful enterprise. We are thrilled with local, national, and international customer response; stating that Ginger & Garlic is now a dining experience that “must be tried.” As well as offering Timaru’s premier views accompanying stunning ambiance, G & G are trying to add that little bit more to your night out. Whether refreshing sorbet between courses, live background music on the ‘Baby Grand’ on weekends; or just a chat with their friendly knowledgeable team. The goal is to cater and adapt to the customers needs. Of course the base to any good restaurant is the food… The ethos throughout Ginger & Garlic is “patron perceived perfection.” Jason says, “We believe that if we introduce passion into every aspect of our business, surround our self with a fantastic team, and of course strive for patron perceived perfection; then we’ll have a winning combination.” “The secret to doing well in any business, whether working for yourself, or someone else, is loving what you do. We have a passion for hospitality, a passion for our restaurant, and passion for Timaru. We can’t go wrong.” Good work guys.
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