Where to Dine on Fathers Day 2012

Fathers’ day 2012 is on Sunday the 2nd of September. It’s hard work being a dad (I should know because I am one), so why not take him out for lunch or dinner to say thanks.

I looked at some Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch restaurants and cafes with the following criteria in mind:

1. Are they kid friendly?
2. Do they serve beer?
3. Do they serve hearty meals? (none of this health-food stuff)

On Victoria Street in Auckland’s CBD, is Tony’s Lord Nelson Restaurant. At over 35 years in the business, they are one of Auckland’s most established restaurants. This Fathers’ day dads will get a special chocolate with their meal. Last year, because of the Rugby World Cup, the chocolates were shaped like rugby balls; this year who knows?  

Prices range from $20 to $30 per meal and include hearty dishes like Pork spare ribs, Spaghetti Bolognese and the Fish of the day.

At Pacific Square in Manukau City, is O’Ryans Bar and Restaurant. With a 63-inch plasma TV integrated into a fire place, I’d say this place definitely qualifies as a place to take Dad.

At 8000 square feet, including a 2500 square foot deck, they are the biggest Irish bar in the North Island.  They serve a mix of Irish and Indian food and, on Fathers’ day, they will be offering a special of garlic bread, a main (chicken, steak or lamb) and dessert for $33. On top of that, your first drink (wine, beer or RTD) will be only $5.

Further south, in Wellington, within the Rydges Hotel, is The Portlander. They have a different take on the grill-house concept and say they’re about “Superb cuts of meat, prepared to perfection and finished in style.” I think Dad’ll like that. This Fathers’ day they will be offering the “Ultimate buffet for fathers,” for $39. The menu isn’t set yet, but if you check out their regular menu you’ll see that they have some mouth-watering dishes: Orange and cardamom pork spare ribs and Tempura prawns with ponzu sauce are a couple of examples. Kids under 12 get their meals free and kids over 12 only pay $2 for every year of their age.

 If there ever was a place to take Dad on Fathers’ day, it would have to be the West Coast Bar and Grill  in Papanui Christchurch. Fathers will get a free “Good Bastards beer” (a West coast draft, dark or lager) and if you buy a meal and beer, you’ll also get a free copy of the “Good bastards” book, which was written by the bar’s owner. They have a delicious menu which includes Blaketown Wharf fish and chips and Fox Glacier Flats gourmet burgers, with prices averaging at just over $20.

Editorial by Liam MacAndrew

17 August 2012