Thursday 21 April 2016

Pedro's House of Lamb

Real-time

We have just finished the most delicious takeaway ever. Not only was it delicious, it also fed us for two nights, and if we hadn't been so greedy (and it hadn't tasted so nice), we'd have had lunch (sandwiches) out of the same serving too.

Friends, Amanda & Paul, (who also have a 5th-wheeler), told us about Pedros 'at the bottom of the hill' in Queenstown and how if we did nothing else while in town, we had to try Pedros lamb. The 'hill' is the gorge road that runs from Arthurs Point- where we staying at the moment- down to the shopping centre in Queenstown.

So after a day out shopping and doing errands I called into Pedros on the way home to pick up their famous baked lamb shoulder with scalloped potatoes.


Pedro, a Spanish restaurateur had a very popular and iconic restaurant in Christchurch before the 2011 earthquake. Sadly, not only did he loose his restaurant and home in the 'quake, he also lost his son. 

After the 'quake he opened a takeaway where he sold just one dish- his signature slow-cooked Spanish-influenced lamb shoulder and scalloped potatoes. And from there, he hasn't looked back, opening a Queenstown branch not long afterwards. I've heard that he sells out often and some nights can sell over 100 takeaways. Pedros can also deliver. What an awesome concept, especially for busy families or tourists in motorhomes; just add vegetables and you have a lovely roast dinner....or two!


Here's our 'takeaway'-  $45 for the tenderest baked shoulder of lamb, with 'melt in your mouth' meat that fell off the bone, surrounded by tasty juice and tender scalloped potatoes. Aside from the tender meat, the knuckle meat was pure heaven and the crispy skin divine! And with a shoulder or leg of lamb at the supermarket priced between $35 and $55 depending on the size I think it's pretty good value.


So, if you are visiting Christchurch or Queenstown,  I'd highly recommend Pedros. You won't be disappointed. Thanks for the recommendation Amanda, I'm paying it forward.



14 comments:

  1. I have been to Pedro's pop up takeaway caravan in Christchurch. Great size serving and lovely lamb!

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    1. Yes it's lovely isn't it. And now the Christchurch branch will be at the top of our list the next time we're passing through!

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  2. Thanks for the tip - we love NZ lamb. We will be sure to find Pedro's place when we travel "down south" early next year.
    Robin and Jenny, Romany Rambler

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    1. What Kiwi doesn't love lamb! But imagine that, a Spanish chef has perfected it, my saliva glands are going again :)

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  3. We just had our first Pedros takeaway 4 days ago. It's much much better than what I've expected, be it in taste or portion or value or service (Inaki Sanchez served me) or even the shop deco. I love to eat and lamb is my favourite since childhood. I have tasted lamb cooked in various styles in many different countries; I would say Pedros lamb is more impressive than some Michelin 3 star french restaurants! We had it for dinner at Twelve Mile Delta Campground, breakfast the next morning - I know this is not what you're supposed to have in the morning but we couldn't help it ;) we finished the last bit as picnic next to the trig at 6 km up The Remarkables Road. Now if you talk of The Remarkables, I'll think of Pedros lamb:)
    I wanted to go to Pedros since I came across it on Tripadvisor in 2013. At that time the Queenstown branch is non existing and we were always in Christchurch at the wrong time. Glad that we finally had it in Queenstown. It's the best motorhome meal!

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    1. Better than Michelin 3 star, that's high praise indeed Offstone, what a coincidence that you had it nearly at the same time as us. I'm not so sure I'd have it for breakfast though. And did you have it with mint sauce? I definite must for any kiwi lamb.

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  4. Wow Shellie your camera has unlimited potential for blog ability......could you test out the Queenstown nightlife and massage parlours for me...as I know how thorough you are......would be a blog like no other.....and get many new viewers! (lol)
    Nice to see you are now in real time!
    J

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    1. That's what you think Jimu...real-time, that is...I'm just trying to keep everyone in the loop but I am nowhere near finished my catch-up blogs. It's a work in progress, a slow work in progress! And I'm afraid you'll have to do the ground work on Queenstown's night life- I don't go our after dark! :)

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  5. Haha! We were in Queenstown at the same time, just spent four nights camping at Moke Lake. Took a drive out to Arrowtown on Thursday and drove past Pedro's on our way back to camp. Might have to check it out next time we're in Q'town or Chch.

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    1. That's a coincidence! And we were heading to Lake Moke after Queenstown but have changed our plans slightly. We'll be back there later sometime. And you would have driven past us parked up at Shotover Top10!

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  6. Thanks Shellie for the "heads up" on Pedro's Have booked it into our September 2016 visit. Sounds like we will drop the Ferg Burger for Pedros :) Cheers Peter. Melbourne, Oz.

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    1. Hi Peter, thanks for stopping by and commenting, much appreciated. You might just have to add both to your list- afterall you might not return and you only live once!

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  7. As you have now become a "foody"writer of some note,might I suggest you change your blogg pen name to "FRYING KIWI GIRL". Mr Brown

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    1. Haha, fell off my chair laughing at that! Very good. And I thought of you Mr Brown as I peeled off the lovely crisp skin to eat and that knuckle meat was to die for! Eat you heart out! :)

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Thank you for taking the time to leave a message, I love reading them! All comments are personally moderated by me and I will post and answer them as soon as possible, Shellie