Culinary dream come true: Lemongrass

Chef Sriamorn Reavill has always wanted to share with people the home cooked food she had growing up in her native Thailand.

Her restaurant, Lemongrass, is the culmination of that dream. Most days and nights she can be found there cooking up traditional Thai dishes, some innovative shared plates and meals, and delicious desserts. It’s a family business. She and husband Paul bought the Loburn property and house, adding the restaurant you will now find tucked into beautiful rural surroundings, including hazelnut and fruit trees. There is al fresco dining where, if you catch it just right, the silence is refreshing, perfect for those balmy Canterbury evenings, or even the cool ones.

As a family business, Sriamorn’s children pitch in too. Aaron and Chelsy can usually be found waiting tables, attending mum in the kitchen, or taking care of front of house duties. Even busy architect Paul can sometimes be found clearing tables or serving drinks. Lemongrass is perfect for any occasion; private functions, casual lunches, romantic dinners, or a special treat for friends and family. It is BYO beer and wine, and there is a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. The menu is replete with all the Thai dishes and flavours you would expect, plus a few surprises. Thai beef salad (pictured), wok fried pork with garlic and chilli, or pan fried salmon.

Demand is high at Lemongrass and bookings are essential. The restaurant is only open when you’ve made a reservation. The full menu is at www.lemongrass.net.nz and you can call Sriamorn on 03 310 3102.