08/03/2018 - Teller #027 The Samurai

Wellington is actually bigger than all previous cities in New Zealand. It is also the capital. Unfortunately, the accommodation was not the best! I should have spent more time searching here. Especially something a bit further out would have been better, as after checking in, I spent an hour trying to find a cheap parking space for the next two days! It's not easy in the city center.

However, I learned something: In Wellington, all parking spaces in the city center have sensors. When you buy a parking ticket, you have to enter the parking space number at the machine and then book and pay for the corresponding number of hours. If the time runs out and the car is not moved, the parking management assistant-operational manager receives a notification and can come by and distribute a ticket. They also receive a notification if someone is parked on a space and has not paid. At least that's what a local explained to me. Actually a very German idea ;-)

So I was looking for a restaurant for dinner. You can't always trust TripAdvisor in NZ. Many of the top 10 places are cheap restaurants that have been highly praised. You have to look more closely.

But once again, I relied on my instincts. While strolling through the side streets, my preferred hunting ground, I also passed by 'The Samurai'. It is located right next to the seemingly best Asian restaurant in Wellington.

At first glance, I really liked the place. However, at that time, it was empty and the hipster bartender looked a bit bored behind the counter. So I continued my rounds and treated myself to an inspirational craft beer in a pub.

I didn't feel like having Asian, Mexican, burgers, German or anything like that. I had settled on Italian. So, I turned back. On the way to the pub, I passed by a hip Italian place.

But there was chaos going on here. Italian was not an option!

Strangely enough, I passed by 'The Samurai' again, got hooked on the menu, discovered Coq au vin and went inside.

A very small place, bar counter, refrigerated display case with the dishes they serve, and about 20 seats. A manageable but very interesting menu. Very influenced by French cuisine!

A place to my liking!

The aforementioned hipster bartender was also the waiter, chef, and above all, a perfect and very knowledgeable host all in one person. A one-man show!

I opted for the lentil rice salad with goat cheese and a lemon-mint dressing and then the Coq au vin as the main course.

Everything was very delicious. The man knows his craft. The wine recommendation, all French wines, was perfectly matched to the food! Bravo!

For dessert, I opted for a drinkable version, an after-dinner cocktail.

They recommended something like a Martinez cocktail with a sweet local vermouth.

Perfect! Exactly the sweetness I needed after the meal!

Conclusion: If I ever open a restaurant, it should be something like 'The Samurai'. Small, a few seats, a one-man show, a few but very good dishes and drinks.

A truly perfect introduction to the North Island.