Brooklyn Patio & Eatery
53 The Strand, Tauranga
Ph (07) 579 9935
Price range: Sourdough and flat breads are $9.50, while the tasty and varied "small plates to share'' range from $16 to $25. Large plates to share range from $19.50 to $39.50 (the latter for Beef Wellington) and sides range from $8 to $11. Wood-fired pizza are $19.90.
On the menu: It's hard to go wrong with a menu this varied. All dishes are designed to share, which is great if, like me, you have trouble making your mind up. The menu could be likened to tapas but with Japanese, American, Italian and English influences. The food and flavours are unlike anywhere else on the Strand. Vegetarians miss out on the larger dishes but there are 11 smaller dishes, and five gluten-free ones. Cured Meats and Cheese Plates are on offer, plus a selection of homemade desserts that change daily and can be viewed in an open fridge behind the service counter upstairs.
We had: Chorizo and Calamari, sauteed with fresh herbs and cabernet sauvignon vinaigrette; Half Roasted Free Range Chicken, with lemon preserve, manuka honey and truffle oil glaze; and Beef Wellington, eye fillet and mushroom pate, wrapped in puff pastry and served with beef jus, and a side of Grilled Haloumi with roast pepper.
It was hard to choose a favourite. The flavours of the chicken were exquisite, the truffle oil and honey beautifully balancing the lemon. The chicken was moist and perfectly cooked. The Chorizo and Calamari was another example of flavours working brilliantly together.