THE BEST OF SOUTH CANTERBURY

The foodies of South Canterbury unite to celebrate outstanding food during SCOFF. South Canterbury Outstanding Food Festival’s participating eateries serve up SCOFF specials over the ten days to celebrate local food. Diners SCOFF and win daily prizes. This year’s specials are yet to be announced, but here’s some of the outstanding eateries participating this year. 

SCOFF: 24 Sept to 3 October*

CAFÉ VERDE 

Geraldine 

Café Verde is in the heart of Geraldine, and nestled in a beautiful garden behind the Susan Badcock Studio. You’ll find fabulous pieces from Susan’s father, John Badcock, and other local artists on their walls. They have a reputation for outstanding coffee, their scones and seafood chowder are highly recommended, and even brew their own craft beer under the Abstract label. Start or finish your scoffing by walking the beautiful Geraldine Riverside Nature Trail that meanders past the cafe. 

THE OXFORD 

Timaru 

The Oxford in Timaru has a reputation for class, and last year’s SCOFF special was no exception. The ‘12-hour porter braised short rib with black pudding’, created by chef and owner Mike Doran, championed South Canterbury ingredients. They sourced black garlic from Waimate, beef from Silver Fern Farms, and black pudding from Burger’s Butchery in Timaru. Their 2021 SCOFF special is yet to be announced, but we’re sure it will be all class and proudly local. 

 GERALDINE CHEESE CO 

Geraldine 

Geraldine has a reputation for innovative products; the range is growing all the time. From gin and craft beers to ridiculously (but not pointlessly) hot sauces, condiments, organics, and loads more. But let’s talk cheese. Gaining a reputation for sheep, goat, and deer milk ranges, Geraldine Cheese Co has won multiple NZ Champions of Cheese awards. Find out for yourself by popping in for a tasting at the shop in the Four Peaks Plaza. 

HIGH COUNTRY SALMON 

Twizel 

One of the most popular ingredients in SCOFF last year was, of course, the salmon produced in the glacial waters of the legendary Mackenzie. High Country Salmon is located near Twizel; you can purchase super fresh salmon to take home, catch your own, or dine in at the fabulous café. No visit to Twizel is complete without popping in. There’s a high chance of High Country Salmon in their SCOFF special. 

 SILVERSTREAM HOTEL 

Kimbell 

This historic hotel has been open for 143 years. You’ll find it in Kimbell, which is just past Fairlie en route to Tekapo. New owners Lockie and Caroline Broadfoot gave it a major makeover in 2020, revealing some beautiful heritage features along the way. It’s a must-stop for outstanding food on your Mackenzie roadie, warm up by the fireplace and enjoy a mulled wine, a hot buttered spiced rum or craft beer on tap. 

 THE BARN 

Waimate 

Wallabies – pest or cutie? Whatever your view, they’re tasty! The Barn served the little critters up in burger form for SCOFF 2020 – a delicious combination of wallaby and beef, mixed with Barker’s Spiced Plum sauce and a hint of tabasco. It was outstanding, even for the non-marsupial eater. Outside of SCOFF, you can try the wallaby pie, and enjoy the ‘world famous in South Canterbury’ hospitality 

*Please note: the copy above has been amended - event dates, and information may differ from the content in our print edition.