Paella, please! – Curator’s House
Where flavour transports you to the streets of Spain, authentic paella and tapas are among some of the can’t-miss dishes from this Botanic Gardens-facing restaurant.
A menu built upon Spanish gastronomy from its founder the late Javier Garcia, and fusing innovation from head chef Victoria ‘Vikki’ Liptrot, Curator’s House is where tradition and modernity in food meet. Better yet, it’s run by three women.
Honouring a ‘garden to kitchen, kitchen to table’ concept, Vikki exercises her skills as a qualified organic gardener, coupled with what she learned when training under British celebrity chef and restaurater Rick Stein, food arrives fresh and full of flavour.
Overlooking their own vegetable garden and the Botanic Gardens’ greenery, the ambience at Curator’s House is just as wholesome as the menu. As for the must-try meals? The kitchen is known for its signature seafood paella, packed with Australian banana prawns and Cloudy Bay clams, slow-cooked (and fall-off-the-bone) Canterbury lamb shoulder, and a beautiful range of tapas, which include delicious croquetas made using Javier’s grandmother’s recipe.
“Our family tradition is Spanish cuisine cooked and served with care and love, from our family to yours,” says co-founder Jackie Garcia-Knight.
From special occasion dining in their private dining rooms, dropping in for a quick drink, or enjoying their mid-winter special this July and August, Curator’s House – complete with an open winter fireplace and exceptionally heartwarming service – guarantees a good time.
Visit at 7 Rolleston Avenue (diagonal from Lumière Cinemas and The Arts Centre) or call 03 379 2252 to book.
