Savouring Sydney

Virgil Evetts Don’t get me wrong, I love living in New Zealand. I love the lifestyle, the climate (well, maybe not always) and I love the quality of our local produce. But a few days in Sydney last week reminded … Read more »

The Great Recipe Challenge Continuation

    Irene Field   My recipe challenge has continued. However there was a slight hiccup due to a recent affliction. In Latin this is referred to as “Nunc tincidunt erat ac die de me” – for those of you … Read more »

A Slice of Heaven in Parnell

Sophie Killpack The promise of ‘you’ll love this: it’s foodie heaven’ was enough to draw me eagerly to La Cigale. With high expectations and a rumbling tummy I arrived one soaking Sunday morning, hoping that this French city market would … Read more »

Cookin’ without gas now…

Virgil Evetts Like a lot children, back in the day I was an imp around fire. I just loved burning stuff, and along with a like-minded friend, even volunteered for bin duty at primary school as a means of gaining … Read more »

The Great Recipe Challenge – Part Two

Irene Field With one recipe under my belt, it was time to delve into the unknown, and attempt number two. Last weeks ‘Salsicce e Fagioli’ from the book Tuscan Cookery by Elisabetta Piazzesi was such a success and so simple, … Read more »

Nothing for me. Thanks!

  Virgil Evetts We’ve talked about it for years and have at last come to a family consensus:  no gifts for grownups anymore. Nothing for me, nothing for her, nowt for Mum or Dad, nor in-laws, or friends.  The wee … Read more »

Making a Gingerbread House

  Originating several centuries ago in Germany and made famous by the Brothers Grimm – Gingerbread houses continue to have an irresistible charm to all. While they make look complex they really are not as difficult as they look especially if, like … Read more »

Tackling Angels

  Virgil Evetts I’m not really a cakey sort of guy. Never have been.  Well, there are exceptions: I like a plain sponge, ultra fresh, smelling of butter and duckling-yellow from so many free-range eggs; Black Forest cake too -made … Read more »

Curry Eating Competitions

Most people who I socialise with know about my interest (some would say obsession) with curries. An article in the NZ Herald prompted a few friends to text me with the news that eating curries can kill you. The article … Read more »

When Did Food Become a Sin?

Irene Field Some of you may be aware of the (to be read with hushed breath) ‘Seven Deadly Sins’. To refresh your memory they are: Lust Gluttony Greed Sloth Wrath Envy Pride Lately it has come to my notice that … Read more »

Information on Backyard Chooks

Helen Jackson For years I have procrastinated about keeping hens but have always pushed it aside with concerns of set up, potential odour and hazards.  However as backyard chooks are becoming increasingly popular I have decided to push aside my … Read more »