THE word ambrosia is Greek for "food of the gods" so I was excited to head along to Ambrosia Restaurant & Bar in Eat Streat to have my tastebuds tantalised. And that they were.
Chef Kris Beehre opened Ambrosia in 2009, a year after moving to Rotorua. Kris says he istrying to achieve a contemporary mash-up of flavours from around the world. Job done.
The food is a fusion of wild New Zealand flavours, from your classic steak and chips to more adventurous mutton bird wontons, to Italian pasta dishes and French inspired escargot.
The range is wide, serving breakfast staples through to 3pm, a big range of bar snacks, platters, breads, open sandwiches, burgers and a large seafood collection. I ordered the lamb kebabs, which melted in my mouth. They were served on a bed of salad and hummus, with a sprinkling of dukkah and two toasted pita slices. Delicious.
The prices are very reasonable for the size of the meals. My lamb kebabs were $14. They also offer four daily lunch specials ranging from $12 to $15, one of those being changed every month. Meals start from $10 and range through to $25 for a hearty helping of steak and chips.
The drinks menu is extensive, with draught beers and ciders, soft drinks and juices, cocktails, top shelf, hot beverages, and a huge selection of quality wine. Very impressive for the wine connoisseur, and all were reasonably priced.
The service was very friendly. The two waitresses were approachable and knew the menu and specials well. There was a bit of a wait for my meal but the lamb was so beautifully cooked that I almost didn't mind.
Overall I enjoyed my experience at Ambrosia and would like to try more.
