Chris and Faye Port’s attitude on dining is a pretty straightforward one. “The food has to speak for itself”, says Chris. “It’s not about having the most ostentatious setting, the most expensive tableware or the most artistic plating. It’s about providing a memorable experience, exquisite food, and genuine value for money.”
That mindset is perfectly in keeping with the traditional concept of the bistro, a style of restaurant that evolved in Paris and is represented by mouthwatering dishes devoid of any pretentious trappings.
‘Gate to Plate’ is a philosophy that revolves around delivering the freshest ingredients to the table, and it’s a philosophy which Chris and Faye hold dear to their hearts.
‘We own a local farm where we raise our own stock”, says Chris. “We pride ourselves on the creative dishes we produce from our fine cuts of meat, utilising all parts of the animal and constantly featuring new and innovative dishes on our menus”.
The regularly changing seasonal menus are enhanced by a wide range of local and internationally acclaimed wines, chosen specifically to complement the fare on offer.
The new owners have plenty of exciting plans in the pipeline for the Nor’wester, including a Tapas and Wine Bar which will open in the next month. They’ve also introduced a coffee card for regular patrons.
To satisfy the educated palettes of their coffee-loving patrons the Nor’wester has entered into a relationship with Allpress Espresso, a Kiwi-company whose sophisticated specialty roasts are enjoyed around the world.
The revitalised Nor’wester will now be open longer, with an all-new breakfast menu helping them to cater to diners throughout the day. The bistro is now open seven days a week - weekdays from 6.30am till 4pm and weekends from 8.30am until 4pm.
95 Main North Road, Amberley, New Zealand
+64 3 314 9411