Lone Star: Tops - that's our family's verdict

Lone Star Tauranga Photo by George Novak

Lone Star
The Strand, Tauranga
Bar: 7 Days, 3pm until late
Cafe: Mon to Thurs: 5.30pm until late; Fri to Sun: 5pm until late.
Ph 571 4111 AFTER

A temporary stint on Devonport Rd, the popular family eatery Lone Star is back in pride of place on The Strand. The restaurant's building has undergone a fitout of almost $1 million and is spacious, modern and welcoming. We went during school holidays - in the early evening every table was full. The design suits many types of diners, from couples to large groups and there are more intimate bench-seating areas for parties.

As far as a place to dine with children goes - and I have tried many - Lone Star always comes out tops for me. First, because of the children's menu because there is something on there to please even the most fussy diners; the children's meals include coleslaw, chips or mashed potato, a drink and a mudslide icecream dessert.

Second, for the attentive service. Anyone who dines with young children knows they have the attention span of a goldfish so speed of service for the littlies is always welcome. The Lone Star waiting staff have this nailed, bringing out crayons and drinks straight away (plus wine for the parents), and on request bringing the adults their starters at the same time as the children's meals, so they don't have to wait too long.

Another of Lone Star's strengths is that despite catering well for children, it is just as good for adults. At some child-friendly places adults must suffer under neon lights against a backrop of cartoon wallpaper - but not at Lone Star.

The adult menu didn't disappoint, either. Dad had a huge bowl of mussels to start, which we all helped mop up with some garlic bread. He followed up with "Shank Williams" lamb shanks (three of them), slowly braised with mushrooms, onions, tomato and red wine, and served with mash.

The kids had the Road Runner Special, tender strips of chicken breast coated in breadcrumbs and Nipper's Fish 'n' Chips. I know they enjoyed them from clean plates and at $12.50 for the two courses and drink they are great value. I had the salmon special, which was buttery fresh, with potato salad and cauliflower mash. A great lighter option and, feeling virtuous, I followed it with my favourite: creme brulee. As we had two birthdays in our party, staff bought out a mini cake for each.

A special family treat, attentive friendly service, good value food for all tastes and ages, and swish new setting, Lone Star is a local dining experience we'll repeat.