Restaurant Review: Jack Rabbit Slims Restaurant, Christchurch, New Zealand

Great Food with Pulp Fiction Flair!

Anyone who has seen Peter Jackson's three-film adaptation of The Lord Of The Rings knows how beautiful the New Zealand landscape can be. But this down-under country is also home to another movie-related wonder--this time of the culinary kind. Jack Rabbit Slims Restaurant in Christchurch gets its name from the fictional twist-and-shout hotspot where John Travolta and Uma Thurman share a milkshake and a dance routine in Quentin Tarantino's cult flick sensation Pulp Fiction. And just like its Hollywood counterpart, the real-life Jack Rabbit Slims offers up a unique dining experience you won't soon forget. Here's the scoop...

Setting: As you might expect from the Tinsel Town connection, Jack Rabbit Slims Restaurant is exceptionally easy on the eyes. From the colorful movie-poster-covered walls to the 50's-style art deco lamps to the indoor beach bingo umbrellas, this place is pure groovy ambience. The high-ceilinged dining area is quite wide and airy with a converted car garage type feel. Plenty of casual glass tables are scattered about--all topped off with fiesta ware, of course. And while you eat, classic rock and roll hits are piped in to keep your feet tapping. But the real attraction is the 1963 baby blue Chevrolet Bel Air convertible parked right smack in the middle of the room. Why? Because much like John and Uma did in Pulp Fiction, you can actually dine in this car--something I highly recommend you do for the sheer experience of it. In short, the setting is relaxed, fun, and total movie set magic!