The Waitaki Plains’ Riverstone Kitchen draws food-lovers from throughout the country to sample the best of the Otago region. The restaurant was the joint winner of the Best Casual Dining Regional award in the 2011 Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year Awards, with judges saying, “We love the vision of owners Bevan and Monique Smith. They’ve taken a good look at their location and community then created a local eatery that delivers hearty, flavourful food in friendly surrounds.”

Chef Bevan (pictured above with wife Monique) has just published Riverstone Kitchen: Recipes From a Chef’s Garden. It’s full of simple, delicious and beautifully photographed recipes arranged in seasonal order. The following are a taste of some of our favourites…

Herb & Pork Rillettes
Salad of Organic Chicken, Chinese Cabbage, Honey & Sesame
Pan-Fried Sole with Wet Polenta, Garlic, Chilli & Basil
Sweet Corn Fritters with Roast Tomatoes, Spinach & Bacon
Chocolate Hazelnut Meringue with Frangelico Cream