An occasional column by Rodger on dining in Raglan

We had heard that Zaragoza had started opening in the evenings on Fridays and Saturdays.  So Virginia and I decided to see what new chef Richard was creating at Zaragoza.

Zaragoza in Bow St, Raglan - Image Richard Gallagher

Zaragoza has always had a Spanish theme so it was no surprise to see a tapas menu.  Tapas standards like patas bravas and meat balls are on the menu complemented by treats like boiled eggs stuffed with olives.   Other tapas items included salmon fish cakes and spicy calamari.  The tapas menu is grouped by price so it is possible to have a lower cost meal if that is what you are after. And for those wanting a full meal, the menu also has sirloin steak and chicken on offer followed by desert options.

Tapas Special

The special of the day was a choice of three tapas items and a glass of house wine.  All for $30,  which seemd a veyr good deal, so  we went with the tapas special.   I always think that a test of any chef is how well the calamari is cooked.   At Zaragoza Richard had cooked it superbly in a light batter spiced with chilli.  I had the house red and it was an excellent companion for the tapas.  The tapas servings are a good size so the special  is more than enough for a whole meal.

For dessert I’d recommend the trifle with poached fruit.

Overall on Value for Money I gave Zaragoza a Nine out of Ten for an excellent meal and service.

By 8pm, the restaurant was almost full.  It looks as if you’ll need to book for Friday and Saturday nights at Zaragoza in future.

Zaragoza – Restaurant and Cafe. Open Wednesdays to Sunday, 9am to 6pm and now Friday and Saturday evenings.
23 Bow St, Raglan. Phone: 825 0205

Ocean taking shape at 37 Bow St

Over the last few weeks builder Marty White has been hard at work transforming 37 Bow St for a new food store.  Recently the screens have come down and passersby can see the final stages of Ocean being created.

The word on Bow Street is that Ocean will be a bakery.

Early visitors to the Raglan Creative Market on Sunday 11th Dec

Nestled in Stewart St away from the northerly wind,  Raglan Creative Market was a warm spot on Sunday morning for locals and visitors.  A larger number of stallholders saw the market spreading out around the back of the Old School.  Plenty of crafts and art on sale plus food stalls including a veggie curry.

With a forecast of a rain free day it looks like the market will be busy today!

Vinnies, Raglan

Over Winter, the Raglan Website visitor poll has been asking the question, “In the middle of winter a great bowl of seafood chowder warms your heart. Which cafe has the best seafood chowder/ fish soup?’, so which one is it?”   Three clear favourites have emerged with Vinnies, Harbour View Hotel and Orca Restaurant all receiving a large share of the votes.

While Vinnies is the overall winner, they had stiff competition from Harbour View Hotel, the runner-up.  And Orca’s fish soup is popular for many voters. So a range of places to choose from when it come to chowder/ fish soup in Raglan.  Overall a total of 128 people voted, with 40 seafood chowder lovers voting for Vinnies.   So congratulations to Vinnies and thank you to everybody who voted.

In the middle of winter a great bowl of seafood chowder warms your heart. Which cafe has the best seafood chowder/ fish soup?

• Vinnies (31%, 40 Votes)
• Harbour View (27%, 34 Votes)
• Orca (19%, 24 Votes)
• The Shack (9%, 12 Votes)
• Blacksand (5%, 7 Votes)
• Zaragosa (5%, 7 Votes)
• Marlin (4%, 4 Votes)

Total Voters: 128