June, 2021
A long weekend sojourn in Hawkes Bay began with a memorable visit to Napier's fine eatery, Mister D.
Situated among the design and fashion stores on Tennyson St, Mister D is suitably stylish in it's own right, with a beautifully presented 1930s post-earthquake building housing a sizable dining room, bar and kitchen.
Tastefully furnished, splashes of colour highlight the character of the building interior and add a quirky modern feel to the art deco architecture.
"Mister D is a little bit country and a little bit rock & roll."
According to the restaurant's website, the eatery was created by two Hawke’s Bay couples with long backgrounds in hospitality. They set out to create "the kind of place we’ve always wanted to eat in, with fresh, local produce with great service and no fuss".
From cheese balls to octopus, we think they've easily achieved their objective.
It was hard not to be impressed by the range of quality ingredients and combinations, which made it difficult to decide what to order.
The day's special of salmon rillettes, and the crispy roast duck risotto (mmm on wilted spinach with currants and pine nuts) were delicious, paired with a 2018 Smith & Co. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Heaven.
"Call us flavour-obsessed or just plain control freaks. We make our own bread, pasta and pastries daily."
After some resisting (believe that if you wish), we succumbed to their trademark cinnamon sugar doughnuts, offered with a choice of family-friendly custard, jelly and chocolate fillings.
Other options included the R18 syringe-injected Hennessy Cognac Custard, Stolen Dark Rum and Chocolate or 42 Below Manuka Honey Vodka Jelly.
What could possibly go wrong?
Great food, great service and such a great start to a magical weekend in the sunny Hawkes Bay.
Thanks Mister.
