The streets of Rangiora were deathly quiet, there were no signs of party-goers, prostitutes, pimps, prohibitionists, preachers or even Eliot Ness for that matter, but an air of excitement bubbled away inside us like a vigorously fermenting brew, a mix to match our hungry selves. Was this how Bonnie & Clyde felt before carrying out one of their legendary heists?
We were to dine at Capone’s, one of the towns established restaurants offering white linen tablecloths, genuine serviettes and just that little bit of spit and polish so often yearned for in these uber-casual times, notwithstanding the presence of a couple of weapons of instant demise adorning the walls....Thompson submachine guns perhaps? Whilst this corner of mainland utopia might not be known for cutting edge, spectacular cuisine the hope always is that access to the hinterland’s fresh produce, meat and other edibles would lead to more than a modicum of sensational fare on the plate.
A bottle of Grant Burge cab sauv offered up its sound body of complexity to our expectant palates, its beautiful colouring, abundant blackberry and dark fruit bouquet playing a soothing melody to our willing souls, the still developing tannins and almighty panacean qualities of the cab sauv style aiding and abetting our enjoyment with a natural benevolence.
What better way to follow such a pleasant priming of my gastro engine than to throw myself upon the mercy of a medium-rare beef fillet with a honey mustard vinaigrette all atop a warm vegetable salad and bacon & herb mash? The steak emerged looking as alluring as ever but my initial excitement was irrepressively dampened somewhat on discovering a piece of fillet far from the medium-rare ordered. A $37.00 main needs to be prepared and delivered to the diner in accordance with the diner’s wishes. It is not often I encounter an incorrectly cooked steak in a restaurant, especially on a Saturday night when the master of the kitchen should be at work doing his thing. This was decidedly medium! Did Al Capone feel so crestfallen on being arrested in 1931?
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