Splinters — building a reputation for excellent food

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 3, 11 June 1985, Page 9

Splinters — building a reputation for excellent food

The bottom of a road jeading to a large skifield is an ideal location for a restaurant. But Jacquie Sheard and Sandy Morse, who manage Splinters at the Junction in Ohakune, are more interested in creating a pleasant homely atmosphere than they are in building up a high volume of trade. Jacquie and Sandy came to Ohakune from Hastings in April. In Hastings, both cooked at Vidal's Restaurant and

before that Sandy ran Chez Moi Restaurant in the city. Jacquie has also worked in restaurants in Switzerland and France. A relaxed atmosphere with attentive service is what the girls are aiming to create. Although Splinters is basically a steak house, it is already building a reputation for its excellent food. Entrees include French onion soup, pate and crackers and delicious creamed mushrooms. In addition to its pepper

steak, garlic steak, fillet mignon and fish of the day, Splinters also offers venison on its blackboard a la carte menu. The restaurant is only one of a select few in the region offering venison to its customers. Jacquie claims good venison meat is hard to obtain and it has to be cooked very carefully to make it into a top-class meal. Served with sour cherries the venison at Splinters is a

meal to remember and is one of the reasons the restaurant is building such a fine reputation. Apple pie, strawberry crepe and carrot cake are amongst the choices for dessert. All pastries and cakes are baked by Jacquie and Sandy in the restaurant. Customers can end their evening with coffee and a liqueur, while being pleasantly warmed by a large wood-burner which adds to the restaurant 's rustic charm.

For the more lively patrons there is a piano in the restaurant on which they can demonstrate their musical skills to fellow diners. However, most patrons appear to be happy with the recorded background music

which adds to the homely atmosphere. The restaurant opens at 6pmi and the kitchen closes at 10pm. Jacquie and Sandy plan to open for lunches during the ski season on days when the mountain is closed.