Millbrook Resort is a beautiful and luxurious place. G F and I unlikely can afford to stay at such nice resort and felt bad to impose on Lewis and Ann but they have none of it. They told us that we have saved them from what to be a horror filled holiday. Their car, the dark silver Mercedes ML350 SUV has more than just a simple case of the car won’t start. The local garage in Queenstown called Lewis and said that they can’t fix the problem and has to be sent to Christchurch, the nearest place with the fully equipped service centre which is about 500km away. Driving there alone will take almost 7 hours. Besides, we both have almost similar itinerary and we get on well so the stay is the least Lewis and Ann can do for us. We are happy to have Lewis and Ann with us too.
Soon it was late afternoon and we discussed what to do about dinner. I suggested we go down to Arrowtown as I know of a fine restaurant there. If I recalled correctly, it was featured in Cuisine magazine sometime back. Lewis and Ann agreed with the choice. G F likes the idea as she would like to explore Arrowtown more especially in the evening. So we all went back to our own room for shower and a change of clothes. Everyone is excited to go out and explore Arrowtown. Earlier, I have checked out what Millbrook has to offer. Millbrook is just a short drive from Arrowtown and about twenty minutes drive to Queenstown. It has 18-hole championship golf course, world class spa facility, four dining venues, health and fitness centre that includes a swimming pool and very comprehensive guest services. It would be a nice place to explore together with Gina.
The clock is showing 6pm by the time we were all ready to go out for dinner. The weather is so nice and cool. The spring is definitely here though the temperature can be close to summer at times. We walked to the main building and to the car park. We found our silver Ford Territory SUV amongst the rows of cars. I unlocked the car and we all got in. As usual, Lewis is riding shotgun with me in the front while G F and Ann sit in the back. I started the car and the engine coughed to life upon starting. The 4.0L in-line 6 cylinders engine settled into rhythm and we slowly backed out of the parking bay. I made the turn out of the resort and heads towards Arrowtown. We soon arrived at our destination, The Postmaster’s House Restaurant which is located at 54, Buckingham Street, Arrowtown. We found an empty parking bay just nearby and alighted from the SUV. Luckily the place is not packed and we managed to get a table. The interior of the wooden house hasn’t changed much since it was rebuilt in 1907. Tables are set up
in small rooms on either side of a center hall. High ceilinged rooms are decorated in quiet tones of cafe au lait and white and masses of rubrosum lilies.
Lewis decided to order the slow braised Cardrona Merino Lamb with a celeriac and potato dauphinoise while Ann has the Burmese Duck and Jungle Rabbit Curries. Being a fan of curries herself, G F wants to try the curries too which Ann is delighted to share since she can’t finished it all by herself. I decided to order the wild Fiordland venison with braised beetroot and goats cream garnish. The service was cozy and unfussy. Just like the food. The Postmaster’s House has learned to make the ingredients the star. We had a selection of cold cuts from the deli section and some bread and rolls. Lewis ordered a bottle of Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir which is well known in this region. Soon, the main course is served and everyone agreed that the dinner was excellent. For dessert, we ordered Oeufs a la neige (our floating island) came with a drizzle of caramel and warm chocolate cake which was served with banana ice cream. It is the perfect end to the meal. We decided to forgo the coffee and tea to go for a walk outside. The weather is perfect. There is a touch of wind which seems cold at first but was just nice considering we are pretty warm form the hearty meal and drinks. We walked along the river bed and enjoyed the sound of water flowing by. The place is so quiet at night that it seems we are the only souls in the area. Quite eerie yet the place gives out a sense of serenity. The lights form the restaurants and the street lamps shine through to light up the walkway path. The wind blowing makes the leaves rustling on the branches. It is such a romantic walk for all. We decided to head back to the resort as it is getting a bit chilly.
We got into our Ford Territory SUV. We can still see that the restaurant is still busy with patrons. We drove out and headed towards the resort. We soon arrived at the resort and found a parking bay near the entrance. We walked back to the cottage and just slammed ourselves onto the comfy sofa settee in the living room. We all have a hearty laughter and enjoyed the evening. Ann suggested coffee and tea which everyone agreed. G F and Ann went to make the hot drinks while Lewis and I stay put in the sofa. Lewis suggested a game for the evening and I asked what kind of game. Lewis said, “What about strip blackjack?” I was a bit surprised but like the idea. “Don’t know if G F likes it,” I replied. Lewis said that he got that covered. I am puzzled. Turned out Lewis and Ann wanted us to join in the game and Ann volunteered to convinced G F to participate. When the ladies came out with the hot drinks, Ann with a wink said, “Let’s play blackjack with a twist.” G F just smiled coyly at me and I knew she has agreed to play in the game. Lewis jumped, “All right. I’ll go get the cards.” This is going to be an interesting night to say the least.
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