THE SUTER CAFE

Ever since opening day, The Suter Gallery Cafe has remained one of the most popular lunch and coffee venues in Nelson, catering to art connoisseurs who are equally discerning about food and drink.

Over the years, the cafe has attracted a series of talented owner-chefs - from Lindy Harward, to Linda Walker and now Katrina Kallil and Nicola Cantrick - all of whom have developed successful side-lines as Nelson society caterers.

These days, the blackboard selection invariably includes Cantrick's signature pork wonton soup, while the counter cabinets overflow with posh tortes, baby pavs, crepes, salads, chicken parmigiano and chic little cornbreads crowned with bacon turbans.  There's a full wine list and the coffee is Havana.

Wrap-around conservatory style windows offer panoramic views of the trees and ponds of Nelson's Queen's Gardens.

Oh, and while you're at it, the art gallery itself might be worth a look.

David Burton
Restaurant critic
Cuisine magazine, The Dominion Post