Napier‘s sister city Hastings also has a lot to offer, particularly for foodies.
Markets: The Hastings Farmers Market takes place at the Hawkes Bay A&P Showgrounds every Sunday morning. It’s pretty handy that this event happens so I don’t have to drive all around the region collecting the different fresh produce items my parents and grandparents have got me on to over the years. My must visit stalls to visit for a stock up on fresh goodies are 114 Avocados, Te Mata Mushrooms, Scotts Strawberries and Hohepa Hawkes Bay for Cheese, with a pause for a Gelato to keep me going.
Coffee Fix: Each of Bay Espresso‘s cafe’s seems to have a different feel about it yet importantly all serve their own locally roasted coffee.
Lunch: Several family birthdays and a 50th wedding anniversary have been celebrated at Vidal’s restaurant.
Currently they offer a reasonably priced set lunch menu with two courses. Choices of Main were Salmon, Beef or Chicken and for desert Affogato and Semifreddo. Alternatively for something lighter their platters go beautifully with their wine.
They’ve taken out ‘Winery of the Year’ amongst a whole heap of other awards at the Hawkes Bay A&P Wine Awards over the years.
One thing to be aware of – the bottle of Pinot Gris we purchased was $42 in restaurant, $16 in the Cellar shop ($14.40 with 10% discount given for dining there) and $9.99 in both Countdown and New World on special that weekend.
Next Time: I will be sure to visit Pipi Cafe in Havelock North for a Pizza and Margarita. I’m a regular consumer of their pizza bases and need to visit them in person to compare topping choices.
