Palate (Hamilton)

As I descended to the basement I wasn't sure, was this the place? Maybe I was taking the staff entrance? It was a secret food wonderland hiding behind that door, a secret that I was now in on. I used to be a real "foodie" living in Auckland in our childless, both working days. But alas life has changed and this was the first time we have been out in months. In 2 years all I've tried is chim choo ree and madam woo. Palate surpassed expectations. The duck entree was sublime, the persimmon a beautiful match. My eye fillet was cooked beautifully and was tender and melted in the mouth, no chewyness here! The beef cheek ravioli was a nice extra beef touch, adding to the richness and tenderness. Dessert? We couldn't choose! We had to order 3! That icecream with the donuts, at first bite I was very unsure of the flavour. By the second bite I'd decided the unusual flavour was a perfect accompaniment. Needless to say I made some unusual faces of enjoyment and some awkward moans as I savoured all the flavours that were cooked to perfection. The walk to the car was needed! Thank you Palate, for reminding this stay at home mumma of the wonders that a great dining experience provides. Ps. The server was brilliant at his job.

Came here for lunch on a weekday. Very peaceful environment except when the screaming banshees entered...... ordered the $25 express lunch menu and got an entree and a main. The calamari was amazing, the spices on it lifted the flavour and it was cooked to perfection. Can never go wrong with some pickled daikon. Main was a veal steak don’t eat it often enough to know how it’s meant to be cooked but it tasted great! There was a tangy sweet molasses along with a purée and kumara pieces to die for. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. All in all I’d definitely go back everyday to try the rest of the lunch menu cause it was absolutely worth it!!