It is time for another post in the occasional series about eating out. It was my birthday on Saturday as I mentioned in my last post, and to celebrate we headed out to Noble Rot Wine Bar for dinner. The last time we ate there was in January, so it was good to return.
As we started to peruse the menus, we were treated to a glass of sparkling wine from Marlborough as a thank you for the support we have given Noble Rot over the past year with all our wine orders. It was such a lovely gesture, and on my birthday too (though they didn’t know that).
I started the meal with six Pacific rock oysters as a proper birthday treat. Karl opted for a charcuterie plate, that came piled high with bread and pickles as accompaniments. We both enjoyed a half glass of Kumeu River Chardonnay with our first course.
For the main even, I opted for the smoked pork belly, not my usual choice, but it just sounded good and I felt like something hearty for a winter evening. It came with a pork and fennel tortellini, chorizo beurre blanc, spinach and mushrooms. Karl had the Wakanui aged beef eye fillet served with pommes Anna, and a aubergine, courgette, tomato and red onion relish which got rave reviews. We enjoyed a glass of Obsidian Syrah from Waiheke Island with our main dishes.
To finish with, we had our usual espresso coffees with dark chocolate and Fra Angelico truffles which were divine. All in all, a lovely evening, lovely food, great service and a perfect birthday treat.
Note: the headline picture at the top of the post was taken during the day a few weeks ago – it was dark when we got there!
Also entered in Natalie the Explorer’s Weekend Coffee Share – well, there is a cup of coffee in one of the pictures!
You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram@thistleandkiwis. As for Twitter….am totally inactive these days. If you want to get in touch, email me on thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com
Thistles and Kiwis 
What a splendid way to celebrate your birthday! I am hoping to celebrate mine two months late IF my Cape Town family are able to join us for a few days – already their flight has been cancelled. What else can Covid throw at us! You have written a beautiful review about your meal.
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Oh I really hope you can get together with your family soon. We were lucky and had a lovely time.
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Sounds divine. A perfect way to celebrate 😊
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That looks like such a fabulous evening! I had oysters together with whisky when we visited Ardbeg distillery a couple of years ago. Oysters and peated whisky go very well together, how were they together with wine?
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Oh oysters are perfect with a good glass of wine! I remember what must be an old wives tale that you shouldn’t drink whisky while eating oysters. Obviously not true!
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Haha, I’ve never heard that one! Well at least we’re still alive. 🤪
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Beautiful place!
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Happy belated birthday! I’m glad you had a lovely time dining out. Thank you for contributing to #weekendcoffeeshare
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Thank you!
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The food looks amazing although I’ve never liked oysters..I think it’s a texture thing. Happy late birtday
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Thank you!
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Happy birthday (belated) and what a lovely, special meal for your birthday. Especially getting the glass of sparkling wine from Marlborough as a surprise when you arrived.
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Thank you! Yes it was a nice treat.
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Lovely celebration, best wishes!
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Oh, what a birthday treat! As we would say in Maine, the finest kind.
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Belated Happy Birthday.
Exquisite dining 🙂
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Thank you!
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