The General Practitioner

Last night I was lucky enough to be taken out for a delicious birthday dinner. Now, having worked in hospitality for quite a while during my high school years I am not-to-proud to admit that I am rather a restaurant snob. However, the one time when this rather ponsy trait does come in handy is when it comes to restaurant reviews. So here we go...

Popular with the suits of Wellington, the General Practitioner restaurant and bar is possibly one of the most beautiful buildings in the region and was originally the city's first general practice (hence the establishments name).

The menu (inc. specials) is an interesting combination of what most city folk would consider 'unconventional' foods such as venison, crayfish, duck and wild mushrooms; as well as more mainstream food such as grilled chicken and ye olde steak and chips.

Snappy service gave a good first impression and our waitress had a good enough knowledge of wine to be able to recommend a delicious red to match my meal. The Lamb cutlets could have been of better quality, however the olive infused mashed potato and the divine port wine jus made up for them. The duck salad (a special of the day) was served with almonds and feta and was interestingly filling yet light at the same time. The pan fried Hapuka again, left a bit to be desired and tasted very similar to the cheapy fish of the day at the low-priced restaurant down the road. However, most importantly it was fresh, I will give them that. The squid entree was similarly average and although tasted fine, resembled many a dish I have tried at mainstream cheapy restaurants though smaller and more expensive. By far the best meal of the night had to be the sugar cured duck entree. A delicious (albeit small) serving of duck with an irresistible blob of deep fried feta and drizzled with a brandy glazed cherry sauce, this is one you really do not want to miss out on.

My recommendation of 'The GP' as it is commonly referred to, would be: give it a go, but broaden your horizons and don't order any of the 'ordinary' dishes!

The General Practitioner
100 Willis Street
Wellington
Ph: 04 499 6001 (I advise that you book, it gets busy!)

xx
The Lizzie