When you go anywhere to dine you've been before your view is always coloured by the last experience. That's why we return to favourite haunts with spectacular memories of family, friends, food and laughter.
I returned to a restaurant this month I honestly have not been to for some 12-15 years. The last time I visited Flames Restaurant in Onerahi, it was a gregarious celebration with a LOT of beer. Not a classy evening - it was something raucous.
This visit left me wondering when the place had changed so dramatically. It was a last-minute decision to dine out so we called to make a reservation and 'review the food'. Arriving on a hot afternoon, we were seated immediately and were thrilled with the option of dining on the patio under the shade sail with the breeze gently coming through.
The restaurant was gearing up for a busy evening when I ordered a Pinot Gris. The menu was good - a bit of everything with inspiration from all corners of the globe, vegetarian, gluten or dairy-free options available as well. I spied the Louisiana Prawn, Jason couldn't resist Mexicana Mussels as our starters and the teens ordered garlic bread and chunky fries.
Ratatoulle was on the mains menu so there was much discussion about this; If you have young teens, it's likely they grew up watching Ratatoulle, the movie from 2007 on a DVD. Mine did and the DVD had a segment at the end with a famous chef who demonstrates the making of this simple but revered dish.