Spring special at Sage:

As a big fan of Sage Italian Restaurant in Mission Bay, I was delighted to learn that management has posted a refreshing spring special.

Patrons dining on Tuesday or Sunday evening throughout November will receive a complimentary glass of wine to the value of $12.

Now, I never need an incentive to dine at this classic venue where food and service has always impressed but I do appreciate a bonus. I also know that Sage serves only quality wines so this November extra is a real goody in my book.

I also note that Sage has launched a loyalty club with members in line for many special treats such as a complimentary meal to the value if $95 on their birthday (conditions apply). It’s niceties such as these that do cement customer loyalty and which provide a ‘win-win’ situation all round. Good on you, Sage.

Limousine service:

Celebrity service for the kids is up for grabs during New York New York’s limousine promotion. Families dining out with school age children on Sunday or Tuesday evenings at the popular Howick restaurant and bar go into a weekly draw to provide the kids with a limousine ride to school (conditions apply). And take my word for it, winners are sure to love it. This limo provides the right amount of style to make any youngster feel like a star so make your next family night out a dinner date with New York New York Restaurant & Bar – Sunday or Tuesday evenings – and give the kiddies a chance to win big time.  Grown-ups note – music begins nightly at 9pm.

Festival reminder:

Don’t forget this Sunday’s Wine and Food Festival at the Howick Club in Botany Rd. Organised in conjunction with an art exhibition and craft fair, the day-long event is all about top wines, top beers and top food.

Visitors can  put their feet up under the big marquee, listen to the swinging sounds of the Society Jazzmen and taste to their heart’s content.

All profit goes to the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind Guide Dog Services and there will be a guide dog presence at the festival. A local shuttle service will also run at regular intervals.

Though restricted to Howick Club members, their guests and affiliated members from other clubs, most people will know someone who is a club member or why not ask about joining. And remember, the festival fun runs from 11am-4pm, this Sunday, November 11. Tickets are $15 for entry into all events and includes a free wine glass. For enquiries ph 537-7100.

Old faithful:

I can’t think how many birthdays I’ve celebrated at Windross in Cockle Bay – lots and lots. That’s because I like it lots and I like it for a host of reasons – attractive interior, beachfront location, sunny verandah when days are fine, the calamari and, best of all, hosts who always make me feel valued.

This is one place I cannot go incognito – I’ve come to know Billy and Juliana so well it is impossible to slip in unnoticed.

However, I also know that other regulars appreciate the same ambience and, like hubby and I are drawn to returning because it is local, reliable and consistent – you know what you’re in for.

So when yet another birthday rolled around I put my hand up for a table at Windross. As usual the atmosphere was upbeat and the service, obliging. Knowing the Euro/Italian style menu relatively well, there are dishes we tend to order time and time again and dishes we dismiss as not to our style or taste.

On this occasion we seafood lovers all ordered the generous seafood platter of king prawns, mussels, calamari, scallops and fish pieces in a creamy sauce served with Arborio rice ($32.50)  – just the thing to pick at slowly while we chatted. Moreover, nothing came battered and deep-fried. Thank goodness.

However, it wasn’t really a night for taking too much notice of the food – we were all too busy talking, laughing and generally enjoying each other’s company. Three hours later we left well satisfied with the service, surroundings and meals although it was the conviviality which really won the day.

“Extreme” winners: