Commodore extending

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33383, 15 November 1973, Page 10

Commodore extending

Christchurch owned, although with a booking link with Flag Inns, Commodore Motor Inn, Ltd, Memorial Avenue, near the airport, has developed a strong restaurant trade since the establishment opened almost two years ago.

, The Commodore opened . its restaurant to the public when it secured a licence in 1 April this year. So popular > is this eating place that it , was booked out for both I Christmas dinner and Christmas tea by September this year, and has had to turn away about 400 since then — and the requests for bookings continue every day. It has groups for lunch and dinner, quite often up to 30 or 40. The largest group comprised 48 ladies. The restaurant seats 58, and extensions are planned for next year. Already the accommodation side is being extended. A new and more sophisticated block of 16 units will bring the total number at the inn to 40 units. Business is booming. The inn started from a bare paddock, and already overseas tourists are staying

there on the recommendation of other overseas tourists. With its view of the mountains, its nearness to the airport without airport noise, and its access to main roads, the inn is declared by some patrons to be the best of its kind in the country. Everything is fresh and new, and the nautical touch gives opportunity for colour and interest in the surroundings. The restaurant manager is Jim Smyth, the hostess Judith Slattery, and the chefs are Derek Spencer and Paul Pawlowicz, both with much experience overseas. There are three permanent waitresses. There is an obvious enthusiasm about the whole operation. “It’s a new company, and all in it are pretty young right through,” said Mr Smyth.

| They all work very long hours, and they all thrive on it. The staff has a personal interest in the comfort of guests because, as one put it, “there is always one on duty with money in the company.” “We set out to give a friendly rather than a formal service,” said Mr Smyth. He also sets out to give a very good table. “We have fresh vegetables; every meal is a good meal.” And as to the licence: “We want to supply the best of wines at reasonable prices.” Some example table prices are: $2 for a quart bottle of Montana White Hermitage, the same for Corbans Liebestraum; and $8.70 for an imported champagne (Moet and Chandon). Breakfast runs from 7.30 to 9.00 at $1.50; lunch, noon to 2 p.m., $2.50; the table d’hote dinner is of six courses, effectively, at $4.50. Dinner starts at 6.30 p.m. and has no formal ending; reason prevails. The restaurant is open for seven days a week. The management likes to see people enjoying themselves. and are ready to provide the aids for a good party. The new accommodation block will open on December 15. The builders are Hornby Construction Company Ltd; and the architect, Neil Armstrong.