Malando retains its old magic

Press, 8 December 1976, Page 27

Malando retains its old magic

The Malando was the first licensed restaurant in Christchurch—a real restaurant of international standard, being a complete break from the hotel dining-rooms and the cafes which were the only dining out places of the time—and today it still retains its old magic of the late 195Ds. Essentially the Malando has not changed, i It has the same moonscapes on the wall which i bemused the customers nearly 20 years ago; ; these are now a traditional background withi out which the restaurant would not be the | same for the loyal body of diners who go to the Malando first. There lias always been rhythmic dancing ; music—and a Malando trio gently encourages | diners to dance today. The band, plays on all I of the six nights in the week (not Sundays) j that the restaurant is open. One change, perhaps, from the earliest i days is that the Malando has a cocktail bar ! on the first floor for a drink before eating. What lias never changed, though, is the Malando food, and this still keeps the 64 seats occupied every night at 813 Colombo Street, This is a restaurant designed for a night out; and in its restful atmosphere dinners come to stay right through.

It is dinner only at the Malando—no lunches. Bookings are necessary a day or two ahead. But no bookings are being taken for the Christmas or New Year week-ends, when the staff' will have their four-day breaks. Firms are looking to the Malando for their Christmas parties, though, and groups of up to 30 are making their nights there during December. The menu is a la carte. Fruit juices are 60c, appetisers about $2, and soups $l. Entrees average just over $2, and include, snails, scallops, and oysters. Main dishes cost about 36, grills a little less, poultry about 35.50, and sea food much the same except that crayfish goes to 37. Salads include chicken salad at 34.75 and crayfish salad at 36.25. Desserts average about *51.40. A crepe suzette (for two) costs 34.50. Cheesboard for two is $2.50, and laced coffee goes to $2 for. cafe nero. The wine list is extensive—a full range of local and imported wines numbering some 80 choices.