Award for restaurant

Press, 9 November 1988, Page 30

Award for restaurant

The La Rue Restaurant in Akaroa is owned and operated by Frances and Peter Anderson. The fourth incumbents of the restaurant, they have owned it for six years. Peter is the chef, having trained in England

and previously owned restaurants in Christchurch, the best-known being the now defunct Flamingo in Hereford Street. Frances is the hostess, clerical worker and general helping hand. “I do everything but cook,” she said. Several locals round off

the team, and staff turn over is virtually nil. Recently the restaurant gained a Taste New Zealand Award, one of only six in the Canterbury/ Westland region. This award was made to acknowledge quality of food, quality and friendliness of service, and use of the . New Zealand and local products. The successful restaurants are now being extensively advertised overseas. The Andersons are confident that this will serve to put Aakaroa more prominently on the tourist map. The La Rue is licensed, with a cocktail bar, seats 45 and is currently open Wednesday to Sunday. It becomes a seven day operation in the Christmas holidays. Seafood is a feature of the menu, especially crayfish which is delivered daily from the wharf. Local lamb, pork, beef and venison are also offered. The takeaway bar at the rear of the restaurant has been operated for many years by Polly Rhodes, who specialises in fish cooked to order and delicious hamburgers. As Peter Anderson says, “Akaroa is a delightful place to live, with a great community spirit and exciting future prospects. We are lucky to be here.”