A feeling of warmth in the Sunbeam Lodge

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 1, 28 May 1985, Page 21

A feeling of warmth in the Sunbeam Lodge

There is a feeling of warmth when you first walk into the Sunbeam Restaurant in Foyle Street, Ohakune. Perhaps it's the welcome from hosts Mike and Bonnie Bramley, then the sight of a huge roaring fire in the centre of the room. I'm inclined to believe that it is these and other reasons that make for a pleasant night's dining. You will firstly be shown

to the bar area where Glenn can concoct the cocktail of your choice including six new ones for this season — the most notable being the 'Carrot Cruise Cocktail', a combination of Cointreau, vodka and carrot juice! If cocktails are not your pleasure, then the bar is stocked with every conceivable drink including imported and local beers, wines and spirits. The blackboard menu contains many surprises,

including a vegetarian meal. The night we were there, it was deep fried puppodoums stuffed with stir fried vegetables and served with a spicy tomato sauce. The soup de jour is made with a fresh vegetable base, an example of which is a delicious carrot and orange soup that is often served. The entrees range from deep fried camembert with plum and pork sauce to marinated mussels served with onions and olives.

The main meal choice is varied. I had the rack of lamb served with a rosemary sauce which was delicious. There is also fresh poached South Island salmon in white wine served with a white wine and cream sauce. If steaks are your scene, choice premium export steaks are served with an array of sauces. If you still have room after all that then there is a choice of desserts from the trolley ranging from pavlo-

vas to brandy snaps to the gateau of the day. To complete your meal, a bottomless cup of coffee served with an after dinner mint. Mike and Bonnie Bramley have been the owner/operators at the Sunbeam Lodge for six and a half years, a long time by Ohakune standards. The restaurant is open all year round and from this weekend will be operating seven nights a week from 6.30pm until late! In addition to evening meals, you can call into the

Sunbeam for breakfast from 7.30am every morning, for a continental breakfast or a cooked one such as their tasty home style bacon and eggs. The Sunbeam is the place to go for any occasion, be it wedding anniversary, birthday, promotion or indeed for a quiet night out for no other reason than that. Prices are very reasonable and it is one of those restaurants that you leave with a 'full tummy' having enjoyed the comfortable and warm atmosphere.