Bethany's

Type of Dining: Fine Dining

• Affordability: 3
  
• Portion Size: 4
• Flavour: 5
• Service: 5
• Ambiance: 4

The other day as a celebration my partner and I decided to go out for lunch. We wanted something with a touch of class to celebrate the special occasion. We decided on Bethany's.

With a light menu priced around $20 and a mains around $30, Bethany's is moderately priced for restaurants in Palmerston North.

Placed in the superb location under the council building in the square, the restaurant has a superb outlook. The slightly quirky architecture adds to the feel with an upstairs which has truly splendid views.

I ordered the Seafood Pasta at $23 and my partner ordered the Vegetable Tartan at $20. We of course had a couple of glasses of wine to top off the celebrations. My pasta was delicious full of high quality ingredients cooked perfectly. I was thoroughly pleased. My partner devoured the Tartan and so I have no idea what it was like. She assured me it was excellent.

The service was excellent. It is so nice when going out to feel like you are being served and treated. We were regularly checked on and the Manager made sure to touch base with us at least once. The whole experience couldn't have been a better way to celebrate our special occasion.

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Noodles n Dumplings

Type of Dining: Fast Casual

• Affordability: 5
• Portion Size: 5
• Flavour: 4
• Service: 2
• Ambiance: 2

Recently this little culinary hideaway was recommended to me by a friend. I had past the restaurant many times and put it down as one of those very cheap Asian takeaway places that are not really worth visiting. The type that when you visit you feel very uncomfortable about staying in to eat as you are the only ones there and everyone getting takeaways keeps looking at you as if to say whats with these guys?

Today however at the recommendation from the friend I felt it was time for an adventure. As soon as I entered I realised that I had been missing something for a while. At last I know what it felt like for Lucy when she walked through that wardrobe to find a mystical land. On entering one is thrust into a world of flavours, language, smells, and colours that you can surely only beat by travelling to china.

The food was totally authentic. We chose the seafood dumplings and some braised pork on rice. It was delicious. The flavours were devine. It has been a long time since I have come across a chinese restaurant in Palmerston North.

The venue was packed and we were lucky to get a seat. The noise and colour of the place was wonderful. Red and gold galore. My partner and I were one of the few europeans dining in. The portion sizes were extremely large and the prices very reasonable, for a total of $25 for the two of us, we were absolutely stuffed.

For some such an authentic, ethnic experience may not be a first choice for a meal out, but I have to say Noodles 'n Dumplings is definitely worth a visit at least once.

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