Alchemy Cafe and Wine Bar

 

Overall Result (based on 15 reviews)

 

REVIEW BY Gordon Findlay (13) on 26th December 2009

Went for dinner on christmas eve. This turned out to be a very mixed bag. We started with a bread and dips/spreads platter which had two types of bread: a little nice foccacia and a lot of plain white bread which was way past its best - I'd have said stale but my wife was slightly more charitable.
The mains are few, but quite good overall. My fish dish was brill on a warm potato and vegetable salad, topped with a poached egg. The egg was hard, and given that the dish was described in terms of egg yolk running through the fish and salad, that spoiled it for me. The potatoes and vegetables were nicely done, with a nice mix of flavours thanks to some pameean cheese, a nice oil and olives, The brill itself was a nice piece of fish spoiled by overcooking The stuffed chicken breast was very nice. Portions were just the right size. The place was really not busy, so inattention rather than time pressure is responsible for the errors.
Desserts were both interesting and tasty. My chocolate and walnut mousse was light and tasty, accompanied by poached oranges which were a nice touch. My wife had a Gran Marnier brulee, which was also very good.
The service was attentive and knowledgable; the menu short but the wine list both long and interesting.

 

REVIEW BY Slurp [DineSmart Admin] on 14th August 2009

I had the Monteiths Wildfood menu - rabbit thigh served with a kumara surfboard on a seafood soup sea - bugs bunny goes to the beach theme which was quite well delivered by the engaging waitress and the presentation. If you have been checking out some Rita ANgus or Seraphine Pick in the gallery - it really isnt a bad idea to have a drink, coffe oor meal in ALchemy. I never seem to be served enough rabbit ... really if you are going to offer rustic and rare tastes on the menu you cant risk skimping - but maybe I am a protein hog..

 

REVIEW BY richiesgirlnz (2) on 13th July 2009

The food and service here is always top level! The staff are attentive yet leave you to your conversations. Always a favourite place for me and do not hesitate to reccomend it.

 

REVIEW BY Miss_Teek_Kool (14) on 25th June 2009

Me and my partner had a little period where we would go here quite frequently for caesar salad and creme brulee. We sat inside near the window which is great, with lots of things to admire and stare at outside between conversation. I must give great credit to the waiter we had, he was very understanding and professional as well as non intrusive. Thank you to you...he had red hair and glasses if one would like more specifics. first and foremost...now the reason i like Alchemy caeser salads...anchovies. They are definitely not afraid to put the anchovies in the caeser which i love!!! (although i realise it isnt everbodys cup of tea also), the creme brulees...they may be small but they pack one huge flavour hit of cointreau and orange!!! The winelist is okay although maybe a bit too mainstream for my liking, that could be due to its prime location which im sure may attract a lot of tourists but to me...i like out of the ordinary...away from the montana and nobilo personas, though my personal preference, and also semising this too. Thank you

 

REVIEW BY klhopkinson (1) on 19th June 2009

Went and tried the Montieths wild food dish and it was Fantastic! I recomend you try it while you can!!