Virgil Evetts Despite my grumblings about the very average level of service found in the local hospitality industry, I have had some truly excellent service here, a lot that was simply poor, but only a very slim minority that was really … Read more
I went to the supermarket a couple of weeks ago. The Port Chalmers’ branch of New World to be precise. I like New World’s because, somehow, I always know where things are to be found…except one. I also like the … Read more
Virgil Evetts I’m usually the champion of buying local, seasonal produce, but in the depths of winter, when the choices are pretty slim (there are only so many apples, pears and mandarins a boy can eat) I allow myself to … Read more
I’ve been indulging in more than a little bovine excess of late. Pity my poor arteries. For various reasons, many of my Best Beloveds colleagues have been abandoning their posts lately , so she’s been out every other night … Read more
Michal Haines I’m not a particularly dessert orientated person. If cheese was to miraculously appear on the table after dinner, I’ll be the first in but chocolate, sweets and puddings I am happy to pass up…unless its winter. For some … Read more
Can somebody please explain to me, why, oh why does the hospitality industry persist with their idiotic statutory holiday surcharge carry-on? Don’t get me wrong, I understand their reasoning. I manage a large team of staff in a 7 day operation … Read more
Michal Haines I wonder if the French hated washing the dishes so much that they created the cassoulet. I think maybe in Toulouse, the renown “Capital of Cassoulet” a couple’s argument over who would do the dishes went that little … Read more
Virgil Evetts Back in the good old days of the 90’s, when most television was still scripted and mercifully free of Ryan Seacrest, Sharron Osborne and ball-room dancing, the phrase ‘a very special Blossom…’ was tongue-in-cheek industry jargon, used … Read more
Autumn Eating – Root Vegetables Michal Haines The cold weather brings us an abundance of root vegetables and harvesting them young is a great way to enjoy them. Root vegetables are somewhat overlooked. Maybe it is their rough exterior … Read more
Time to take stock This was supposed to be an article about soup. I certainly started off with soup in mind, but the words have a mind of their own sometimes and seem to have veered off on more of … Read more
Green kiwifruit – cheaper than chips Marion Farrell If there’s one food that’s going against the tide of rising food costs – it’s our green Kiwifruit. I spotted them at my local supermarket for just 89c the other day, that’s … Read more
Autumn Eating – Cooking with Persimmon Michal Haines First Cultivated way back in the eighth century by the Japanese, the persimmon had long been an autumnal delight in China. Resembling a glowing lantern, the leaves of the persimmon mimics its … Read more
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas Marion Farrell When it comes to buying presents I usually turn to edible goodies, the never fail to please option. I mean, who wouldn’t be pleased to receive a box of chocolates or a good bottle … Read more
Readers Recipe Requests Often we go to a Cafe or Restaurant and taste something positively delicious that we would like to make at home. If you have a recipe request that you would like then email me [email protected] with as much … Read more
