h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Living in Christchurch myself I can think of far better places to eat than a smorgasbord place like Valentine's or Hoon Hay 88. Having never been to the latter I cannot pass judgement on it, but if it is anything like Valentine's I will avoid it like the plague. Valentine's is tacky, has no atmosphere, and the margarine sculptures completely put me off my food. It seems the only reason anyone would want to go there is to stuff their faces with food, as it is impossible to have any kind of social interaction with people who are constantly leaving the table to get more of said food. It is much better to eat in a restaurant with a menu, where you are served by a waiter, and with nice breaks between courses to facilitate conversation. With so much food on offer at places like Valentine's it is easy to overeat and end up feeling very sick. Especially when the food is of such a low quality. I believe Valentine's only has one vegetarian alternative which is bad news for non-carnivores like myself. A a poor student I enjoy a good feed as much as anyone but I don't think one should sacrifice quality for quantity. One of my favourite places to eat in Christchurch is the Dux de Lux. Also in the Arts Centre is Le Cafe, which does not boast an extensive menu but the food is great and the atmosphere unbeatable. Blue Jean Cuisine is also good, and won't break the bank. There are plenty of neat little places around Christchurch just waiting to be discovered.

My favorite meals in Christchurch?

I stopped by that fine vegetarian place that featured taro balls in some sort of sauce...one of the finest meals I've had in years.

I then headed to Death By Chocolate to gawp at the desserts. Even in my wildest chocoholic fantasies, I couldn't have gotten through their piece de resistance, a trencher of chocolates that literally covered the table.

"Weight Watchers is raiding this place tomorrow night", a heavy set man whispered to me as he was leaving the restaurant.

Generally the food in New Zealand is superior to the food I've had anywhere else. It tastes cleaner because it IS. The Kiwi Guidesters are fortunate to live in such a lovely country. Christchurch definitely was my favorite city...wish I'd bought something to live in there...

Cheers

Fred the Incontinent Hamster

That was some good advice.I lived in Chch for 3 years from 98 to 2001 and took the chance to sample as many eating establishments as possible.I actually worked at Michaels restaurant on High st and Asko on the corner of salisbury.For atmosphere,Michael's is probably the best in Chch if you want a romantic dinner with your girlfriend.The food is good if a little stodgy and eighties style.Asko has good soup in winter and there steak and pizzas are excellent value.
If money is tight then head to the hari krishna restaurant on Colombo where you can satisfy yourself with plain but healthy food for about $5.For good coffee and great filled bagels go to the Globe cafe on high st which has loads of copies of "The Press" and mags to read on cold august days when you've already seen all the movies at Hoyts.There is a nice little swiss cafe on NewRegent st with good food and coffee.
Places to avoid in Chch are Drexels,Mcdonalds,KFC,Burgerking,Robert Harris and that tripe-awful 24 hour place on moorhouse ave whose name eludes me.happy eating!

That was some good advice.I lived in Chch for 3 years from 98 to 2001 and took the chance to sample as many eating establishments as possible.I actually worked at Michaels restaurant on High st and Asko on the corner of salisbury.For atmosphere,Michael's is probably the best in Chch if you want a romantic dinner with your girlfriend.The food is good if a little stodgy and eighties style.Asko has good soup in winter and their steak and pizzas are excellent value.
If money is tight then head to the hari krishna restaurant on Colombo where you can satisfy yourself with plain but healthy food for about $5.For good coffee and great filled bagels go to the Globe cafe on high st which has loads of copies of "The Press" and mags to read on cold august days when you've already seen all the movies at Hoyts.There is a nice little swiss cafe on NewRegent st with good food and coffee.
Places to avoid in Chch are Drexels,Mcdonalds,KFC,Burgerking,Robert Harris and that tripe-awful 24 hour place on moorhouse ave whose name eludes me.happy eating!