A PETIT

Press, 12 April 1978, Page 10

A PETIT

For too many years, unfortunately, the idea has held sway in New Zealand that drinking and eating were two separate activities, and that of the two drinking was slightly infra-dig. This attitude is now changing — a fact for which Lion Breweries deserves a great deal of credit. But it is perhaps significant that even now the hotels and taverns emphasising this new trend are all decorated in a severe Victorian style, as if we want to hide our sins behind the shades of our forefathers, that boozey lot. However, the “Cobb and Company” style of “ye olde inn” is for ail that a pleasant change, and makes for more civilised surroundings in which to eat, drink, and be merry. One of the most pleasant hotel bars in this style is the redecorated Dominion Hotel, which serves food in the bar, as well as in the dining room of the house. The food in the bar is in the wayside inn style, with limited variety, but it is good and cheap. The day we chose to eat in the Dominion the menu consisted of roast

beef. Wiener schnitzel, curried chicken, ham steak, spaghetti bolognaise, and cold meat salad. Wine may be ordered by the bottle, of course, and also by the glass: a choice of New Zealand hock, moselle, or burgundy. My roast beef, which was succulent, was served with gravy, hot vegetables (peas and carrots), roast potatoes, and a side salad. There is a choice of sauces and condiments, to which you help yourself according to your taste. Others in our party had the schnitzel, and the curried chicken. The former received a favourable report, and the curried chicken got a rave. Prices for the main meal ranged from $1.35 for spaghetti bolognaise to $2.45 for the ham steak, and represent good value for money. A variety of puddings is available, at around 60c each. The wine by the glass is also 60c. Dinner for three, with a glass of wine each, but without pudding, came to $7.55. The same kind of meals are served at lunch, fresh each day. Unfortunately, the food bar stops serving dinner at 7 p.m.