Rye - American Kitchen and Spirits
19 Wharf St, Tauranga
Ph (07) 5714138, open Tuesday-Sunday from 4pm
Fully licensed
Website: www.facebook.com/ryeamericankitchenandspirits
On the menu:
A variety of options are well laid-out without an abundance of pages to read. It offers sweet and savoury options, along with the odd curveball dish for
those looking for something a little different. It also caters for vegetarians, and many dishes are gluten-free.
The buzz:
We arrived at 6 pm and there was only one other table but within 30 minutes the place was filled with groups of all sizes and people mingling at the bar. It didn't seem to get overly noisy, which can often be the case in a busy restaurant of this size.
I'll have:
Entree of gumbo with paddle crab, okra, chorizo and tomato, $17. It was a bit bland. I had expected it to have a little more kick. For main I choose cobb salad with grilled chicken, bacon, asparagus, roast tomatoes, boiled egg, gruyere cheese and ranch dressing $21. I don't normally order salads at restaurants but this is one was a standout and I would defiantly go back for it again. My dessert was a key lime pie, $12. It was delicious and a nice fresh way to finish my meal.
He'll have:
Entree of spinach, artichoke and parmesan dip with house-made kettle fries $12. This is one of those things you know you shouldn't really eat but nothing is going to get in the way of you finishing every last bit. It's a much lighter version of the cheese dips you tend to see in Mexican restaurants. His main was one of those curveball items: buttermilk fried chicken with Belgian waffles, bourbon maple syrup and slaw (you could opt to have it with gravy and mash instead) $28. The chicken was nicely spiced and generously portioned and the waffles were good, too. However, I think next time he would opt for the gravy and mash side. His dessert pick was New Orleans beignets with chocolate sauce, $12, which are delicious sweet little fried doughnuts.
Value for money:
Rye offers good value for money with all mains $21-$32; our three-course meal was only $102, not including drinks. Portion sizes where huge so it was an effort to get through all three courses.
To drink:
Rye offers an extensive cocktail list featuring much more than the stock standard list you would normally be presented with. These cocktails aren't just a mix poured into a glass. They have been perfectly crafted and beautifully styled with tasteful garnishing and glassware. Make their bar area your next stop for an after-work drink. Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages are also available.
The staff:
The staff were attentive and organised; our waiter was happy to make suggestions when questioned about drinks and menu items.
The verdict:
Rye is a very welcome addition to the Tauranga food scene. It offers a new style of cuisine which is desperately needed and also sets the bar high with the quality of the service and decor. We will be paying them another visit soon.