FAWC: Hand-made pasta value for money

Danny Brown and Wendy Barnett with their hand-made fresh ravioli.

I can't think of anything nicer to eat for lunch on a winter's day than pasta.

It's warming and satisfying and, if you are lucky enough to try Danny Brown's Famous Artisan Pasta at Birdwoods Gallery Cafe, absolutely delicious.

The hand-made fresh ravioli is filled with slow braised shoulder of lamb and vegetables or spinach and ricotta.

The day I visited it was lamb and vegetables served with Origin Earth smoked sheep's cheese and garden leaves.

You haven't tried pasta until you have tasted a home-made version and I have to say this perfectly cooked home-made pasta was up there with the best I have had.

The filling was generous, and so tasty I couldn't wait to bite into the next one.

But I made myself eat slowly so I could savour every mouthful. The sauce had a smoky taste which sat just right with the dish.

I was really impressed and at just $15 this F.A.W.C! by 5 dish created by Birdwoods Gallery's head chef Wendy Barnett and her partner Danny is outstanding value for money.

For all of June, an array of Hawke's Bay's finest restaurants, cafes and bars will be serving special Winter F.A.W.C! menu selections.

Louise Stobart, with her husband Bruce, established Birdwoods 10 years ago. She said she decided to take part in FAWC! by 5 because she wanted to support the organisers, HB Tourism. "They have been so supportive to us and do such a fantastic job I wanted to show my support for them."

Birdwoods is much more than a cafe. The gallery, cafe, sweet shop and sculpture garden are set in beautiful surroundings, minutes from Hastings and Havelock North.

It's a place to sit and relax, enjoy the wonderful view while you eat and drink.

Then take a stroll around the garden and visit the sweet shop on your way out.

It has wonderful ambience along with friendly, helpful staff. It's an amazing place.

One other point of difference at Birdwoods is its coffee. There's not a coffee machine in sight. Here you are served Hawthorne plunger coffee made from fresh roasted beans delivered twice weekly.

I love the way the coffee is presented on a tray with the plunger, sugar cubes, little jugs of milk, serviettes - it's gorgeous - and the coffee tastes darn good.

-Birdwoods Gallery & Sweet Shop, 298 Middle Rd Havelock North. 877 1395 (walk in, no bookings necessary).

www.birdwoodsgallery.co.nz