The Fox — Restaurant in Christchurch

DON’T EAT HERE. GOT SALMONELLA FOOD POISONING I went to the Fox and Ferret a couple weeks ago and am still recuperating from my experience. Myself and two friends shared a bottle of wine, tacos, dumplings and I got a cajun chicken sandwich. Food and service were good, however do not be fooled. That night and following 6 days I spent curled up by the toilet. I have an autoimmune disease (lupus), and as my immunity is already suppressed, I track my food intake each and every day. On this particular day the cajun chicken sandwich was my only meal, and every meal leading up to it in the days before were exactly the same as my two roommates. For two days I was unable to keep down my medication, which I desperately need to feel okay with my condition. I then took myself to the nearest medical centre in need of any sort of help. As I recently moved to the country, I am on a student visa, which means medical bills are coming out of my own pocket. After a hefty medical receipt which consisted of the visit itself, tests and medication, the test results stated that I had salmonella food poisoning. I proceeded to reach out to the manager of the restaurant, and was extremely disappointed in her response. She claimed that their chefs knew exactly what they were doing and assumed I was trying to scam the restaurant for their money. I explained to her that although restaurants follow heath guidelines mistakes can occur, and clearly I was a victim of one wrong dish. I sent over my test results and she said it was not “proof” that I got sick from the restaurant... Not too sure how someone can prove the exact minute they got food poisoning, as it does not hit at the time of consumption. She concluded to say that she would comp myself and my friends food and drinks if we wanted to return to the restaurant. I see no resolution to the situation here as I am still recovering from being ill and would not even dare to step into that restaurant ever again. Overall, this establishment has done an awful job at handling customer concerns, and I hope they begin to take their jobs a little...

The Fox, Riccarton – Where Peace and Peas Reign Supreme

While the rest of the country was glued to a screen watching grown men in short shorts wrestle over a ball (the All Blacks test match, if we must), we found ourselves at The Fox on Rotherham Street, tucked quietly away across from Riccarton Mall. It was the only place we could get a booking—but what an accidental masterstroke that turned out to be.

No blaring TV. No sweaty sports fans yelling “offside” without knowing what it means. Just peace, proper plates of food, and service smoother than a Central Otago pinot.

The Vibe: Honestly? Blissfully calm. The rest of Christchurch was apparently too emotionally invested in lineouts to notice that The Fox was serving up a quiet sanctuary with comfortable seating and no threat of being beer-splashed during a try.

The Food: Classic Kiwi fare, beautifully presented and packed with flavour. We weren’t expecting Michelin star showmanship, but it came out looking like it had been plated by someone who actually cares whether your lamb sits next to the kumara, not on it. Taste-wise? Bang on.

The Service: Impeccable. Friendly without being overbearing, attentive without hovering, and not a single person asked us who we were backing in the game. A+...

A massive let down from the Manager at this branch! I usually go to The Palms Fox And Ferret have never had any problems always great food, always great customer service. Recently I decided to take my colleagues from work to the Riccarton restaurant since it was close by. We arrived on a Thursday Evening so not many people dining. probably around 12pm. We got seated by a lady wearing glasses with no sense of hello or greetings just a very smug and angry expression on her face. Just wasn't very welcoming at all. The only interaction we got from her was when she said: "Just pick any seat" and during our time to order we didn't see even a smirk, she seemed very rude, and disinterested in talking or engaging with us. With us being Hospo workers we weren't expecting exceptional service, but at least a bare minumum courtesy. Food was good as always! I came around the next day to ask what her name was, and from what I was told it was, Katy Also found out she was the Manager. Was just very surprised to hear this kind of Service from a 'Manager'. If you're coming here for food you will be in for a treat! but I believe half of a restaurant is customer service and this place did not deliver in that department...