I’ve recently had a quiet week in Queenstown reflecting on my mother’s life, who recently passed away. After a couple of tough weeks, I’ve “filled my cup,” walking, skiing, golfing and induging in great cuisine. I experienced four new things I would like to share with you.
Billy’s at Ayrburn
Ayrburn is a world-class restaurant and bar precinct, near Lake Hayes in Queenstown. Originally a farm, the old farm buildings has been deconstructed and reconstructed, with precision and care. There is the Dairy, selling ice-creams, the Woolshed Restaurant, the Burr Bar and Manure Room, the Bakehouse and most recently, Billy’s.
Billy’s Restaurant is located in the original, homestead on the farm. It honours the regions deep Chinese history, acknowledging the Chinese goldminers who flooded to Arrowtown, Queenstown during the 1860s goldrush. Each room in the homestead tells a story through the exquisite interiors, furniture and iconic art. Like a museum, you need time to drift from one room to another and take it all in.
Attached to the old homestead is the glass conservatory, also part of Billy’s. It increases the dining capacity significantly. Stars from the night sky, lush topiaries and great use of the colour make this modern extension a great addition to the original homestead.
We dined with friends. Our men folk ordered from the authentic and fabulous menu. Each dish came as a surprise, each one flawless. We ate succulent steamed Prawn and Wagyu Beef Dumplings, Kingfish Ceviche, Peking Duck, Fried Rice, Lamb Cutlets and more.
Noodle Bar at Cardrona
New to Cardrona’s Alpine Resort is a Noodle Bar. Located above the retail space, its floor to ceiling windows provide a magnificent view over the slopes with a light and airy vibe.
The Asian inspired menu includes: breakfast, an all-day menu, apres noodles and a kids menu.
On offer, amoung many other dishes were the Miso Mushrooms, Sticky Pork Belly Scramble, Ramen, Salads, Bao Buns and Dumplings.
I ate a delicious salad, of quinoa, edamame, mesclun and teriyaki chicken with a mouth watering ginger soy dressing. It was so good I had it two days in a row, but forgot to photograph it as all I wanted to do was eat it! All the other meals coming out of the kitchen looked fabulous.
Soho at Cardrona
This winter the Soho Basin opened at Cardrona Ski Field. A new 6-seater chairlift opens the basin, offering 150ha of new terrain for intermediate to advanced skiers and riders.
We skied over for a look, but with low snow coverage, we decided to stick to the runs we were comfortable with. However, as the season progresses it will become a great asset to the Cardona Alpine Resort.
Pavilion in Frankton
Pavilion Bar and Kitchens is in Frankton, Queenstown. It’s a new, modern space, warm and inviting with fires, a large pizza ovens, bars and kitchens. It offers a menu from not one, but two kitchens: the Steak and Oyster Co. by Sean Connolly and Ciao Brutto.
It was a Sunday evening when we visited the Pavilion. Sitting close to one of the fires, we could see the snow-capped mountains through large windows. It felt like we were in a ski resort. We enjoyed the Sausage and Mushroom and Pepperoni Pizzas from Ciao Brutto. They describe their pizzas as rough, rustic, and real with delicious ingredients. Piping hot, straight from the wood fired oven, they were right. We didn’t try any of the other food, but they’ve certainly have nailed a good pizza.
The Pavilion also provides take-out meals and hosts many events, so it’s well worth referring to their website to see what’s on.
