Over the Christmas break we all got away for a short camping holiday. We often go to Purple Peak[http://www.purplepeak.co.nz/]. It’s only 10-15 minutes from Akaroa, but it could be a million kilometres away. There’s no power, no mobile coverage and … Read more
Virgil Evetts Summer is the natural season of the salad. Well priced and flavoursome produce abounds, and the chirpy zing of a good salad is often just what the body craves in the punishing heat.
Virgil Evetts Who can be bothered with the whole galley slave routine this time of year? It’s far too hot to hang about over the stove, and as heat-heckled appetites grow spartan, the food should too.
During January, along with many New Zealanders we plan to head to the beach, enjoy a summer break and do as little as humanly possible. I have been rustling in cupboards searching out insect repellent, hats and picnic rugs. Food for … Read more
Virgil Evetts In the close and cloying heat of the Auckland summer I’m so very grateful for my BBQ. For months on end most of my cooking moves outdoors, while the house remains cool and mercifully free of food odours … Read more
Virgil Evetts December is a huge month on the seasonal food calendar, as far as prices are concerned anyway. Growers of premium produce, such as cherries and various succulent berry fruits, work hard to deliver the lion’s share of their … Read more
Virgil Evetts Although I am loathe to even mention the word before December, Christmas is once again looming on the very near horizon. Ads for Christmas music CDs will soon reach fever pitch, normally tolerable colleagues will turn up … Read more
Virgil Evetts Anyone with half a brain, or somewhere else to be, would be well advised to avoid Auckland most of the time. Hell, I do, and I live here. Oh, the people are nice enough- despite what those … Read more
Virgil Evetts In Season is a new monthly feature, bringing you up to date with the best of local and imported seasonal produce available in the coming month. In Season will be an evolving feature, so we invite your feedback … Read more
Virgil Evetts Last week I talked about my favourite common summer herbs. Among other things I urged caution when tempted by the many plants presented as herbs by garden retailers these days. For most of us garden space is at … Read more
Virgil Evetts When I was small, my mother took a part-time job packing herbs for what was at the time New Zealand’s only boutique herb (and spice) importer, Ma Hellion. The shop was close to my school, so I’d often … Read more
Virgil Evetts This week, after many months of quiet anticipation, I reaped the first luscious rewards of my life as an urban beekeeper – a staggering 10 litres of perfect golden honey. And I’m told this is a very modest … Read more
Virgil Evetts How can John Lennon be 70? Well he can’t be, obviously, but it is at least 70 years since he was born. Maybe it’s because he will forever be frozen as performer in his prime that I find … Read more
Virgil Evetts With the season now lurching towards summer, it’s time to give some thought to the annual backyard tomato crop. Tomatoes are hands-down the number one summer food crop in New Zealand gardens. They are grown not just for … Read more
