Federal Diner at the top end of Helwick St in Wanaka is neatly tucked down the back of an alley. It seems hard to find but it's worth the effort.
Federal Diner borders on industrial urban cool with a touch of cowboy hip, yet somehow still retains the relaxed environment for which Wanaka is known.
During the day this popular cafe churns an awesome espresso (from its retro blue Wega machine) with piles of fantastic golden cheese scones, mounds of dark chocolate brownie and jars of crisp biscotti to tempt.
The breakfast/lunch menu has plenty to choose from and you will be impressed how quickly your food arrives at the table (based on the American diner short-order cook).
On weekend evenings, the cafe transforms into a great relaxed restaurant, with good food and a solid selection of beverages. Be sure to check it out when you're next in Wanaka. If in doubt, follow a local.
• STICKY DATE PUDDING
Ingredients
170g dates, stoned and chopped
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
300ml boiling water
60g unsalted butter
cup sugar, caster or brown
2 eggs
170g self-raising flour tsp pure vanilla
Sauce
400g brown sugar
1 cup thick cream
250g unsalted butter
1 vanilla bean
Method
Preheat oven to 180degC and butter an 18cm square cake tin.
Mix dates, bicarbonate of soda and boiling water in bowl and leave to stand.
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time and beat well.
Fold in flour, then stir in date mixture and vanilla.
Pour into a prepared tin and bake for 30-40 minutes until cooked through when tested with a skewer.
Sauce
Mix all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.
Pour a little sauce over warm pudding and return to oven for a few minutes.
To serve: cut pudding and add warm sauce.
• CHEESE SCONES
Makes 23
Ingredients
1kg grated tasty cheese
2 cartons buttermilk
1.2kg self-raising flour
1 tsp saltpinch of cayenne pepp
Method
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together the cheese, buttermilk, salt and cayenne pepper.
Sift in the flour and fold in, but don't overmix or they will not be fluffy.
Bake at 180degC for 15 minutes or until golden.
