Thank you to Jan, Ang and the very attentive staff at the Rock Ferry Cellar Door and Cafe today – Glenys and I had a great time meeting you all and such a delicious lunch too – we will most certainly be back!
The Rock Ferry Cellar Door and Cafe opened in September 2011 and was converted from an earlier home of the owners, Tom and Fiona so it still has that homely feel. We actually visited last year on the day they opened so it was great to come back a year later and see how things have developed.
The simple but interesting menu is seasonally inspired and includes both vegetarian and Gluten Free options. Matched with Rock Ferry’s range of organically grown wines, from both Marlborough and Central Otago shows what can be done using local down-to-earth South Island ingredients.
We were first welcomed by Jan with a complimentary glass of the 2007 Rock Ferry Blanc de Blancs to celebrate our Anniversary and to sip while we perused the menu. The bubbles was lovely with melon, citrus and a nice yeasty brioche nose, with crisp acidity on the palate… it was a nice match with the soup of the day – a creamy Courgette soup with mint and Parmesan accompanied by Basil Pesto Ciabatta.
Glenys chose the Fish of the day which was Terakihi served on a lemon and parmesan risotto topped with a sundried tomato and herb panko crumble and olive tapenade – green salad leaves. A glass of the Rock Ferry 2010 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc was the suggested wine match and it was a great match said Glenys: gooseberries, green tomato stalk, creamy textured with subtle oak and a long finish.
I decided on the roasted fresh water Aoraki Salmon served on a lovely fresh potato salad dressed with an avocado, lime and tomato salsa, and fresh green salad leaves – suggested wine match was the Rock Ferry 2009 Marlborough Chardonnay – The Salmon was cooked perfectly, the salads and salsa were delicious and the Chardonnay with a few years under its belt was a nicely integrated, soft stone-fruit, smooth oak and textural wine.
Jan then guided us through a quick taste of other wines in the range: 2010 Marlborough Pinot Blanc (vanilla and spice) 2009 Central Otago Viognier (honeysuckle, apricot kernel ) which we both really liked, 2009 Central Otago Tempranillo (tamarillos and berries) and lastly the apricot marmaladey (is there a word?) and creme brulee 2009 Marlborough Late Harvest Riesling… I’m going to have to go back and spend some time reviewing the Rock Ferry wines – a sip is not enough for me – I need to taste the whole bottle over a day or too 🙂
Anyway if you haven’t been to Rock Ferry yet, then we can thoroughly recommend that you take a couple of hours out of your busy schedules and head on down to Hammerichs Road for a very nice lunch in a lovely setting – you won’t be disappointed!
To find out more, head on over to their Website, like their Facebook Page or follow them on Twitter.
Open 10.00am to 4.30pm with lunch available from 11.30am to 3.00pm seven days a week. Bookings are recommended for dining.