Dux Dine

The former brewpub Dux de Lux was reviewed by MJ in his 1999 "Pocket Guide" and, more recently, the brewpub has had its beers retired on BA. But apparently the energy and at least one principal of the pub continues on in this farm-to-table restaurant that is a quasi-center within this arts & crafts neighborhood. The restaurant is open for three meals and prides itself on being family friendly... although we adults (which included some young ones) closed the place down that night. As with the brewpub, Dux Dine brews its own beers but offers other locally-brewed bottle... plus wine and ciders.

While Dux Dine has a welcoming Vibe and a Quality menu, the Service was totally distracted. Our guess of an explanation was that if the owner wasn't on vacation that week, he probably was watching a cricket match (which typically takes 6 hours and includes a long session of drinking ale.) The ale I had highlighted the floral hops of NZ, but was not suitable for the meal. .. a largely common theme of my trip to NZ in which the scenery was better than the NZ narrow range of beers in the culinary spectrum.