On Friday Night we had a lovely evening dining at Dejeuner Restaurant and upon
entering the premises on Broadway Avenue we were greeted with warm friendly
smiles and a cosy candle-lit atmosphere. The Grand Old building that houses the
restaurant was built and owned by one of the founding fathers of the city, a
distinguished doctor by profession, the dining room at the front once
functioned as the doctors surgery.

Despite its name meaning "lunch" in French, Dejeuner became and exclusive
evening restaurant, multi award winning for over two decades and remained the
longest running 'owner operated' restaurant in the Manawatu.

Opening 5 Nights Tuesday to Saturday there is also the option of group bookings
by arrangement for breakfast, lunch and brunch, as well as a Private dining
room that can accommodate 14.

Our evening started off with being offered wine and beverages, slices of
traditional load bread with butter were bought out and then onto one of our
delightfully presented entrees - Crab Ravioli of sautéed onions, crème fraiche
and crab meat poached and served with a tasty Marie Rose sauce with a petite
salad and garnished with caper berries.

The second was Seared Scallops in a delicious lemongrass foam topped with
salad, a favourite amongst diners and has certainly earnt its reputation.

The first main meal consisted of an impressive 'Past Of The Day' dish -
Spaghetti Carbonara with plenty of mushrooms and bacon served with cheese puff
pastry sticks on top and also a salad with a tantalising home-made Vinaigrette
to wet the taste buds. The second was a very generous serving of succulent,
tender Braised Lamb Shanks (meat falling off the bone) resting on a bed of baby
gourmet potatoes, balsamic jus and confit garlic, I have to say the flavours
were brilliant!

Then just when we thought we couldn't fit anything else in we were tempted by a
scoop of home-made white chocolate and slivered almond ice-cream topped with a
red berry couli - this is to die for! Its part of a trio dessert featured on
the menu usually with sorbets.

Overall we had a wonderful pleasant evening, everything was presented very well
and tasted equally as great. As time moved on more people came in from the cold
to dine in the cosy atmosphere chatting and enjoying the company of friends - I
wouldn't hesitate in recommending Dejeuner for a great evening out.