The Story behind the Burger
Rabbits were introduced to New Zealand in the 1830s. Drawing inspiration from Central Otago’s rabbit plague of the 1870s and the ongoing damage caused to the Lake Dunstan Trail, we have created this Double Rabbit Pattie Burger to do our bit in aiding the sustainable, humane and ethical reduction of this introduced pest.
Utilising the natural properties of Kawakawa, a Maori medicinal plant known for its healing properties (antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal benefits), our rabbit burger aids in post-cycling recovery. Kawakawa also lends a refreshing menthol flavour to the burger. Sourced from the Otago Peninsula, it pays tribute to the importance Dunedin played as the main gateway for prospecting miners heading to the Central Otago goldfields. During the first month of the goldrush of 1862, over 13,000 men (and some women) descended on the area in search of riches.
Our Scottish Bap Bun laced with Central Otago Tussock from the Lindis area showcases the influence of Scottish settlers on Otago and its main settlement of Dunedin. Scottish-born Nathaniel Chalmers was the first European to explore inland Otago in 1853 with the help of Maori chief Reko (Ngai Tahu). Their journey through Central Otago was supposed to conclude by traversing the Lindis area and through the Waitaki Valley back to the coast. Unfortunately, Chalmers became ill with dysentery and his travel companions decided to dare the dangerous and treacherous Clutha River by raft instead - what a hair-raising journey it was! The use of tussock from the Lindis is a homage to Chalmers’ adventures, as well as a nod to the region's characteristic terrain, which fuelled the spread of the invading rabbit population.
The home-made Asian cherry chutney celebrates Central Otago's stone fruit and the Chinese influence of the gold mining and merchant community. In 1863, Mrs Dawson, the wife of a local gold miner, planted the first orchard at Conroy’s Gully near Alexandra, which became the birthplace of the now famous Dawson Cherry variety. Today, Central Otago produces more than 90% of New Zealand's cherry exports, mainly to Taiwan, followed by China, Thailand, South Korea and Vietnam. In 1865, provincial authorities invited Cantonese Chinese to assist with the gold mining efforts. The first Chinese arrived in Cromwell in 1866 and in 1885, Chinatown was established on Melmore Terrace off Old Cromwell. One important Chinese resident of Cromwell was Won Kee, a merchant, local investor and philanthropist, who worked hard to bring Chinese and Europeans together by hosting many community events to provide intercultural understanding and respect.
Chinese miners also represented another important part of the local community - they were successful market gardeners and grew many fresh products such as herbs and spices that benefitted their health. The tart cherries compote, sourced from my mum’s garden in Bannockburn, adds a wholesome touch to the Rabbit Burger dish and augments the cherry flavour and health benefits of our burger: tart cherries are rich in anti-oxidants, melatonin and antimicrobial activities. They benefit muscle recovery, pain relief from conditions like arthritis and improve visual and neurological health.
A must-have ingredient for any burger is cheese. We have chosen a Danish Havarti cheese which offers a delicate option that perfectly complements the other flavours of the dish. And being a smash burger with two patties means an additional layer of melty cheese. And who doesn't want that? The Danish connection to Central Otago lies in the town of Alexandra, which was named after Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who married Queen Victoria's son, the future King Edward VII.
To round off the Rabbit Burger, we use a home-made Kawakawa & Spruce Mayo. Incorporating the young shoots of Central Otago's pine trees, known as spruce, enhances the menthol taste of Kawakawa. Highlighting the presence of introduced pine trees in Central Otago further adds depth to the dish and another important step in pest control (wilding pines).
Adding another layer of healthy goodness, fresh crunchy salad ensures your meal is well-rounded, satisfying your taste buds and keeping the bunny fed with its favourite little slice of crunch.
What better match for a Rabbit Burger than a carrot juice? Cold-pressed Vitamin C Orange, Carrot & Ginger Juice - paying homage to rabbits' fondness for carrots while also nodding to Central Otago's Chinese goldmining history with the use of ginger, this refreshing juice provides a boost of Vitamin C for overall well-being.
