An occasional column by Rodger on dining in Raglan

Blacksands Cafe

For the last few months Blacksands’ Cambodian owner Vibolrith-Hem has been transforming the kiwi-style cafe known to Raglan locals as the Sands, into a Cambodian restaurant at night.  The tbales are dressed with rich Cambodian fabrics. The menu is made up of Cambodian favourites like Lok Lak, a beef salad, and Cambodian style Sweet & Sour Fish.  There are also Thai dishes including red, green and yellow curries.

First I had the spring rolls that had been recommended to me by somebody who had tried them a few weeks ago.  I’m not a great fan of spring rolls, but these ones are homemade with pork, prawns and vegetables and are really good.

For my main I had Lok Lak.   This looked good on the plate  and was scrumptuious.  Others in our group had the Cashew Chicken and the Stir Fried Vegetables with Tofu.  All meals come with a side of rice.  From the short wine list I selected a glass of merlot. Service was prompt and courteous.

And for dessert there was a special of deep-fried bananas with vanilla ice cream.

On some nights I’ve heard that Blacksands gets very busy,  so it over summer it would pay to come early or book a table,  but at most times of the year you should be able  to get a table.

Overall on Value for Money I gave Blacksands a Nine out of Ten for an excellent meal and service.

Blacksands Cafe is open seven days for breakfast and lunch from 7.30am.

On Tuesday to Saturday evenings it transforms into a Cambodian restaurant for dinner and takeaways starting from 5pm until late.

The cafe is located on the corner of Wainui Rd and Bow St in Raglan. Phone 07 825 8588.

Doors closed at Zaragoza cafe and restaurant

The tough trading conditions in Raglan have closed another Bow St business.  Zaragoza cafe closed for the day as usual on Sunday 8th April, but failed to open again on Wednesday 11th, the next day it normally would have opened. It has remained closed since then.

Recently the Zaragoza had been receiving very positive feedback such as the 3rd February review on Dineout rating them 8/10 on food and 9/10 on service. It opened for business in late 2008 operating cafe style during the day and with a Spanish tapas format menu at night. With a long shop frontage the closure leaves a long stretch of Bow Street untenanted.

A small sign on the door from owner Cloan Makgill says that Zaragosa is closed and thanks customers who supported the cafe.

Blacksand Cafe - now open in the evening

A few months ago it was The Shack, this weekend it was Blacksand Cafe.  The Saturday edition’s Life & Style supplement of the Waikato Times has been dining out at night in Raglan.  Columnist Louise Belay has been out enjoying the new evening menus available with three additional cafes opening at night.

She found the most surprising transformation to be at Blacksand where the Cambodian owner Vibolrith-Hem is taking over the kitchen at night. Louise enjoyed a special of jumbo-sized Vietnamese-style rice paper rolls stuffed with vermicelli, coriander, prawns and chicken, commenting the waiter was cheerful, friendly and the service was very fast.

Blacksand Cafe is open seven days for breakfast and lunch from 7.30am. Dinner and takeaways start from 5pm until late Tuesday-Saturday. The cafe is located on the corner of Wainui Rd and Bow St in Raglan. Phone 07 825 8588.

3rd prize winner - Liz & Rick’s pesto & yummies

Curator Jean Carbon busy at work on the craft and arts exhibition

The one day Raglan Easter Show on Sunday 8th April was a big hit with entrants, exhibitiors and visitors.  Organised by the Raglan Creative Market team, the warm sunny weather saw a large turnout at the Raglan Old School Arts Centre.  The exhibition of crafts and art work was held in the Community Gallery and curated by Raglan silk artist Jean Carbon.

For entrants in the food category,  the winner was decided by a popular vote for the stall with the best food items available.  The winners were:

1^st prize: Raglan Relish $30

2^nd prize: joint winners: Adi Grace/Estrella & WE love our Direction $10 each

3^rd prize: Liz & Rick’s pesto & yummies $10