Black Beech Tops North Course Ratings Again

Black Beech received the most ratings out of all the 21 participating eateries for its North Course dish throughout November 2023. Their popular dish ‘View Hill Pizza’ featured North Canterbury smoked lamb, local olives, caramelised onions, mozzarella cheese and sundried tomatoes. It was paired with a beverage choice of either ChinChiller Brewing’s ‘Touch my Wenis’ or a Tempranillo from Mount Brown Estates.

Owners Peter and Dani Reilly said they were surprised by the announcement. “We were surprised and very humbled to find out our pizza was the most-rated for the second time running,” said Dani. “We also felt very proud of our team who were fantastic in promoting the dish, and thankful to everyone who rated it.”

Dani thinks their dish’s popularity was due to the quality of the ingredients. “We could not have done this without our North Canterbury co-partners: Oxford Butchery, Terrace Edge Winery and Olive Grove, ChinChiller Brewing and Mount Brown Estates.”

Brew Moon in Amberley placed second this year with their Hallfield Wagyu Hot Dog, followed by No. 31 Restaurant in Hanmer Springs with their Thermal Trail Lamb Rump, and The Office Café in Waikuku who entered Grilled Asparagus & Chèvre on Sourdough.

The North Course is a month-long celebration of North Canterbury food and beverage, where hospitality outlets in Waimakariri and Hurunui are invited to create a dish using at least one locally sourced ingredient, and where possible, pair the dish with a local beverage. Diners are then encouraged to purchase, taste and rate the dishes for a chance to win a luxury prize package.

Organised by Enterprise North Canterbury (ENC), under its MADE NORTH CANTERBURY food and beverage provenance brand, The North Course started in 2022 and has proven significantly more popular in its second year.

“In 2023 we received 547 ratings from diners, which blew last year’s rating figures out of the water,” says Kelly Lynch, ENC’s Digital Marketing Specialist. “We had 21 establishments participating this year, and between them, they used ingredients from 41 North Canterbury producers. A number of our participating establishments are choosing to keep their North Course dish on their menu, due to its popularity.

“We also had three supermarkets get on board, promoting North Canterbury products within their stores alongside specially created North Course recipes from The Modern Mess.

“We love how this event brings together producers, growers, hospitality establishments, retailers and the public in a huge celebration and appreciation of the amazing food and beverage that is made and served here in North Canterbury.”

Plans are currently in place to run The North Course again in 2024.