W and I visited on a Saturday night. Fortunately I had made reservation, as the place was buzzing with diners.
Entree
W had the rabbit loin with lentil salad, pear, and balsamic vinegar ($24). This was the first time I had tried rabbit, and was pleasantly surprised how good it was. The rabbit was quite tender and tasted great. The lentil and pear salad was nice too. W was pleased with her choice, and cleared the plate with no trouble.
I had the carpaccio beef fillet, lemon oil, diced onion, anchovies, capers, and Parmagiano Reggiano ($25). The thinly sliced marinated raw beef was tender and quite tasty. I liked the accompanied Parmagiano Reggiano. Although I did find the dish a bit oily and salty. A nice dish, but I liked the rabbit better.
Main
W had the duck confit with braised chicory, pommes puree, and mushroom jus ($40). The duck was very nice, and was tender and full of flavours. The pommes (potato) puree was creamy, although not completely smooth. The chicory was a new vegetable for us, and we were guessing what this was. It was slightly crunchy and slightly bitter, quite nice and different. W also enjoyed this dish, and thought the duck confit was one of the best she's had in Christchurch.
I had the loin of "Lovat" venison, thyme gnocchi, green beans, and red currant jus ($42). I was very happy when my dish arrived. The venison was cooked perfectly, tender and melt in the mouth. It was slightly crunchy on the outside with a natural sweetness coming through. This was further enhanced by the red currant jus. I also loved the thyme gnocchi, which was soft and creamy, and absolutely delicious. Underneath the foam, was a bunch of green beans wrapped in grilled prosciutto. And you can't go wrong with something wrapped in prosciutto! It was a lovely dish that I couldn't get enough of.
Dessert
For dessert, W had the yogurt elderflower mousse, rhubarb, and hazelnut macaron ($16). This dish usually has a hazelnut puff pastry instead of the macaron. The yogurt elderflower mousse was interesting, it was creamy and smooth, although a bit plain in taste. The hazaelnut macaron was okay and not really go with the mousse. We wondered if the puff pastry would suit better.
I ordered the chocolate torte with mango and nectarine coulis ($16), and was very glad I did! I loved the chocolate torte, with rich creamy dark chocolate pate on top of a soft thin layer of pillowy sponge cake. Guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate lovers! The mango, nectarine, and blueberry coulis was gorgeous, with sweet ripe mango and nectarine. This went very well with the chocolate torte. A perfect dish and probably one of the top desserts in Christchurch!
Even though we didn't order this, we were also impressed with the cheese selection ($22). This is served from a temperature controlled trolley that the waitress brings to your table. You can select which cheese you want, and these would then be served with crackers and fruit. Looked amazing, but I'm too much of a dessert lover to order cheese instead!
We also ordered coffees to go with our desserts. W had a latte ($4.20) while I had a decaf flat white ($4.20). Saggio di vino serves illy coffee, which is a bit bitter in taste, and not for everyone.
We had a great dinner at Saggio di vino, and I finally found out what I've been missing! The food was delicious, and the service was wonderful. It was a nice atmosphere, and would be a good place for special occasions.
Saggio di vino is opened daily from 5pm. Reservation is recommended.
Saggio di vino is opened daily from 5pm. Reservation is recommended.
Saggio di vino
179-181 Victoria St
Christchurch
(03) 379 4006
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