Dawn Picken samples the menu at Greer's Gastro Bar
On the menu Greer's has rolled out its spring menu which includes new additions like scallop salad ($24.90), vegetable stack ($19.90), the porky pig ($21.90) and salmon pizzas ($21.90). You can also try two new starters, Greer's fried chicken ($12.90) and camembert filo ($12.90).
The buzz We booked for 6pmon a Thursday. Several other tables were occupied by groups of friends and another family included a child young enough for the under age 14 menu. We'd brought our two small fries (ages 10 and 12) and felt at home seated near the schist fireplace in the elevated section of the restaurant. Greer's is cosy and historic, featuring large photos of Greerton's development through decades. The menu explains Greer's is named after Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Harpur Greer, the Irish-born infantry commander behind the naming of Greerton.
On the menu Starters: We shared an order of garlic bread ($7.90) and a plate of salt and pepper calamari ($12.90). The garlic bread included four generous, piping hot slices. The salt and pepper calamari is lightly fried and served with side salad and two sauces. It was gone within five minutes. Both kids ordered chicken and chips. The chicken was un-nugget like; the poultry presented in thick white chunks with a skiff of herbed coating. It nested within a large bowl of fries. Icecream sundaes rounded out the kids' meals. Good value at $10.
Mains: My husband ordered the Scotch fillet ($30.90), a 250g cut with choice of fried egg or prawns. He opted for blue cheese sauce, and thankfully, prawns - as I was the recipient of two out of three delectable, sizzling seafood morsels. The steak was flavourful, easily cut with a butter knife and accompanied by fries and salad. I ordered a new menu item - scallop salad ($24.90), with scallops poached in lemon cream sauce, served atop rocket, mango and avocado. Tomatoes and cucumbers rounded out the bounty of greens and kaimoana.
Drinks: Greer's has a long drinks list with everything from coffees and juice, to bubbles, beer, ciders and hard alcohol. I walked on the wild side with an aromatic glass of wine - Brancott Estate Gewurtztraminer, while the hubby enjoyed a Monteith's IPA.
Sweets: Pete didn't have room for dessert so I ordered the summer shortbread stack ($12.90) in the interest of research. The tower of homemade shortbread biscuits, whipped cream and berry coulis was just enough to satisfy a sweet tooth without being mammoth or rich. We have our eye on the double chocolate brownie ($13.90) for next time, because, well, brownie. The staff Friendly and prompt. They catered to the kids, brought food promptly and allowed us to eat at a chilled-out pace.
The verdict Depending on where you live, this could be a slam-dunk for your local. There's something here for all appetites.
the details: Greer's Gastro Bar,1334 Cameron Road, Tauranga Phone: 07-577-0130 Hours: Tuesday, 5pm-late, Wednesday to Sunday, 11.30am-late, and open by arrangement on Monday. Online: www.greers.co.nz or facebook.com (search 'Greers Gastro Pub')
