Divine inspiration for hospo venue
A new Queenstown bistro opens this week and promises to be much more than just a standard brunch spot.
Odd Saint, in the former Halo café building on Earl Street, is the third new venue opened this year by rising local hospo giants Future Hospitality Group.
And after delivering cocktail bar Little Mez and Scandinavian-inspired ice lounge Queenstown Ice Bar, the owners James Ace and Bert Haines, along with co-owners Matt Tobin and wife Jamie Orr-Tobin, have upped the ante again.
“We’re long-term locals who love hospo and eat and drink out a lot,” says James. “Queenstown has plenty of great cafés but we felt there was an opportunity to push the boundaries beyond standard staples.
“So, we decided to be a little bit brave, a little bit cheeky and bring a menu to the table that’s a little bit odd!”
The eclectic menu delivers ‘global soul food’ and features dishes such as Hangtown Fry, a nod to California gold mining days, alongside a version of the classic Kiwi big breakfast.
A tasty Clau’s spiced granola is also on offer, as well as Po’Boys, a Louisiana meat or fried seafood sandwich, or Duck Fried Rice.
Executive chef Matt Tobin’s inspiration comes not only from his travels but his Midwest US background, delivering what he calls a “finer diner” menu with an elevated twist.
A custom bright yellow La Marzocco will provide the caffeine hit, with coffee supplied Auckland roasters Eighthirty, while New Zealand-owned Webster’s loose-leaf teas are also on the menu.
And the drinks list features local wins and beers, accompanied by international drops and reimagined cocktails.
Each cocktail is a creative play on the Odd Saint name and location, inspiring drinks like Bibiana’s Cure (a bloody Mary), and a coffee-based sangria fittingly named Drogo’s.
The bistro’s unusual name pays homage to its location alongside St Peter’s Church, in a sunny north-facing spot that’s surrounded by the trees and botanicals.
It’s been a popular café spot for 20 years but has been fully renovated by Future Bars, designed by Studio Collective to create a light and bright bistro-style interior that is vibrant and welcoming.
Studio Collective’s creative director Jennifer Warring says the space needed to cater for a quick ‘drop in’ for brunch, a long lunch, and relaxed trading throughout the day.
“Odd Saint has a vintage vibe with a mid-century modern allure seen in elements like the burnt red finger tiles forming the curved bar top and frosted, brass globe pendants highlighting the bar and servery,” she says.
There’s lush outdoor garden seating, for those long afternoon tipples in the sun, and as an added bonus it’s also dog friendly.
The venue, staffed by friendly food-centric personalities, will open from 7am to 3pm with plans to expand into evening service next year. It seats 60 people comfortably inside and the outside dining area caters for approximately another 50.
Earlier this year the company took home the Excellence in People and Culture award at the 2022 Hospitality NZ Awards and its lakeside bar Little Blackwood won New Zealand’s Best Bar. It also operates Minus 5° ICE Bar and Mexican-inspired restaurant Margo’s.
