Finally, I made it to Te Motu The Shed for lunch. On a sunny Sunday my friend Joanne and I weaved our way through the vineyards to find our way to The Shed, located en route to Onetangi, and about 3 minutes from my place in Rocky Bay, Waiheke. Why had it taken me so long to come here to try chef Bronwen Laight’s renowned food? I simply couldn’t get a booking through the summer months. But all that slipped away as we slipped into the somewhat rustic surroundings of The Shed. The menu is full of individual takes on combinations most of us wouldn’t think of and reinforces the inventiveness of chefs in this country.
Here’s what we tried:
Octopus, free-range pork cheek, black-eyed peas
Wairarapa octopus, free-range pork cheek, black-eyed peas, mojo verde and smoked chilli
Carrot Romesco with panelle
Panelle, carrot romesco, olives, kumara crisps, cress
Chicken parfait & pickled shallots
Chicken parfait, quince, pickled shallots, rye sunflower sourdough
Smoked eel, rye-caraway noodles, beetroot
Moko smoked eel, rye-carraway noodles, dill, beetroot, horseradish creme fraiche
Roasted Jerusalem artichoke, Mahoe Farm blue cheese, hazelnuts, mache (pic in background of octopus shot above)
Smoked potatoes with green goddess dressing
Smoked agria potatoes, green goddess dressing
Understated and superb service, a unique vineyard setting, interesting and at times utterly delicious food, fabulous wines. I’d go back for the potatoes (and the pickled shallots) alone!
Te Motu The Shed are currently offering Fish Fridays, evenings only, 2 courses for $45 pp or 3 courses $55 pp.
Te Motu The Shed
76 Onetangi Road
Onetangi, Waiheke Island, Auckland
+64 9 372-6884
http://www.temotu.co.nz/the-shed/
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