Monthly Archives: September 2015

09.19.15
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Thoughts: Red Wine and Blue Cheese

  
I’m quite the fan of wine, as you probably have figured out, and I adore cheese.

Mmm cheese…  

 
However I have learned that if I consume red wine and blue cheese close to bedtime, I will have dreams. Weird dreams.

My last one was a doozy.

It was in that last sleep cycle before waking.

I dreamt that I was in a room, talking to a couple of people, when Graham Norton strode up to me, said “Oh my GOD, that’s a triple-chin! I must take a selfie with you’.

Shit.

My brain thinks I’m fat. And I should probably drink less. 

  

09.14.15
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Thoughts: The Joy of Food and Wine

Yes. I really like food and wine. And food and wine people.

I posted about The New Zealand School of Food and Wine a week or so back and about their Wine and Food celebration. On Sunday I went along.

And it was AWESOME!!

IMG_1759When you walk into a room and this is your view, you know it’s going to be great!

So many vineyards were represented, all talking their wine and being generous with their tasting.

There were some standouts for me:

Black Estate – Riesling 2014

Dog Point – Vineyard Section 94 Sauvingnon Blanc 2013

Elephant Hill – Le Phant Blanc 2014

Kumeu River – Pinot Gris

Mt Difficulty – Bannockburn Rose 2014

Osawa Wines – Prestige Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Prestige Chardonnay 2013 and their Sticky was delicious.

Trinity Hill – GG Chardonnay 2013

Villa Maria – Keltern Chardonnay 2013, the Attorney Organic Pinot Noir 2013 and the Braided Gravels Organic Merlot 2013 were all outstanding.

And of course my current favorite vineyard, Misha’s. Their High Note Pinot Noir 2013, Starlet Sauvignon Blanc 2013 and the Limelight Riesling 2013 was simply superb. I’m glad I’ve finally managed to try the Riesling.

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I love talking to the winemakers and getting a sense of their passion and craft. One thing I’ve noticed is that Chardonnay is definitely making a strong comeback and some of those I tasted were stunningly good.

Exciting times ahead for wine!

But this event wasn’t just about wine. It was about the wonderful world of food.

I enjoyed sitting in on a 1hr seminar, where chef Philippe Meyer talked about fermentation of food. How to make sauerkraut or kimchi. How to make ginger beer. It was great getting an insight into curing meats. This is something I’ve thought about and have never been brave enough to try. Perhaps now I will.

There was also an artisan food producers showcase.

Some of the exhibitors include:

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Curious Croppers – I’ve never seen tomatoes like this. And they tasted amazing.

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Love Cake – If you suffer from allergies but have a thing for cake then these are the products for you. The baked result doesn’t have a cardboard texture. They taste great! Definitely check out their website for more detailed information.

IMG_1751I’m not usually a fan of oatcakes or crackers etc. but these by Bonnie taste amazing. A little bit of brie on a cake with your coffee and your executive breakfast is done!

IMG_1749Waiwera Spirits were showing off their rums, vodka and gin. I love the idea that they’re developing these products as standalone ‘sippers’. You don’t need mixers with them. Savour them as you would a fine whiskey or tequila. Delicious.

IMG_1750Now these sauces are seriously good. I’d not come across Culley’s before. I do like trying hot sauce and I have friends that are collectors so I paid a little bit of attention. The heat, the flavours, the aftertaste – all were divine. I’ll be purchasing some of these in the near future.

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This brand of Danish crackerbread, Line’s Knaekbrod is also a new discovery for me. It was brilliant talking to the makers. Line was a winner in the 2015 Cuisine Artisan awards and you can see why. Having tried these, I’ve already purchased more from Farro Fresh. It’s so good.

Other discoveries:

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This event really was a fun way to spend a Sunday late-afternoon.

I’ve been giving it some thought. I am loving what this school is creating here, not only with the courses they’re providing, but especially the way they’re supporting local producers of incredibly high-quality food and wine. We are lucky to have them I think.

^sd

 

 

09.12.15
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Thoughts: More Family Issues

As some of you are aware, I really do have a few issues with my NZ family. 

I spend time with my aged parents regularly, and I note that they are the glue that keeps me connected with my siblings because I have reached the point where I don’t really care. 

Every now and then I think to myself that perhaps I should be the bigger person but then I’m reminded that when I was struggling they simply weren’t there for me.

I have felt incredibly isolated and as such have made a bit more effort with connection to my biological family.

Here’s a story. My older sister left a birthday gift for me with my parents (who forgot where it was). My birthday was June, it’s now September.

Now, I don’t want to be too scathing but here it is:

  
Yes, that is a book from my sister trying to save my soul. 

They included this too:

  

Yes, that is a Thai Airways business class pack that they were given on their last trip.

Clearly they thought that ‘Simon would like this on his journey to Hell’.

I’m a bit grumpy.

09.06.15
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Thoughts: Father’s Day 2015

And another Father’s Day is done and dusted.

I’m always a bit leery of this annual day of recognition. The build-up usually annoys me – I hate the gratuitous advertising ahead of the day as I think it detracts somewhat from the importance of the Day itself.

I use this day as a day of reflection and consideration. It’s been over six years now since my marriage ended, and I have been focussed that the decisions of my past don’t impact on the relationship I have with my kids.

And you know what? I think I’m doing OK.

My kids actually want to spend time with me. It’s not grudginly enforced. They want to create cards for me. They love joking with me.

Today’s efforts included cards: “Happy Farters Day”… or referencing Destiny – mu current gaming obsession. They gave me Star Wars diescast models. Awesome!


I picked them up and we went hunting for food. I like avoiding the regular places such as McDonalds or mall foodcourts, and I also like supporting locals. We parked at Ponsonby Central, and ended up at the Street Food Collective in Lot 3 (off Ponsonby Road, behind the Golden Dawn. Miss Moonshines is there as well). Many food options and the kids decided on tacos from The Lucky Taco.

Of course, I made them order, pay, and collect. The tacos were great (I do recommend them if it helps). Then I got the kids to order our hot drinks. I have realised that they’re a little under-experienced with regards to commercial transacting! And yes, I’m always up for teching them stuff.

Further fun was had down at Wynyard Quarter – great icecream and lots of things to do.


All up a great day. Summed up by something Master 12 wrote in his card to me: “You must be doing something right”. I think I am.

AidanFD2015 CaitlinFD2015

09.04.15
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Thoughts: Fathers Day Advertising

So it’s that time of year when I do my best to avoid mainstream media. 

I like Fathers Day. It’s a day of reflection where  my kids make an effort and I reassess how I’m doing given my solo-Dad status. So far, so good.

But this Day of the year is spoiled for me by retail advertising. All the brands spend big bucks trying to sell their shit.

Hannah’s selling “Dads’ Favorite Bramds – such as Pulp”.  Wet and Forget  telling you to buy Dad a real gift : a 7l sprayer. Farmers with their underwear. Hardware stores with their hammers.

It’s depressing really. How about a brand message telling the kids to put some fucking thought into things. Like, don’t buy Dad something he will buy for himself when he needs it, spend some fucking time with him.

It’s the lead up to Days like this when my contempt for Brands, Brand Managers and Ad Agencies hits peak. 

We have talented people working in these fields but they’re producing crap. Nauseating crap.

Mothers Day advertising is different. Show Mum you love her. Jewellery. Spa pampering. Good shit. Not the same ‘practical gift’ messaging that Fathers Day gets. 

You try buying Mum face cream or an ironing board and see how far THAT gets you.

09.01.15
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Thoughts: the New Zealand School of Food and Wine

NZSFW

I had the opportunity to visit the New Zealand School of Food & Wine this week.

I have wandered past their front door in Customs St West on several occasions, always on my way to various meetings, always having a brief ‘I wonder what they do’ moment each time.

And now I know. And it’s pretty cool!!

Given my increasing love of all things food, wine and hospitality, being in their office felt… it felt like coming home. These are my people!

They run culinary, wine, coffee and hospitality courses for people wanting to start their career, and also short courses for people who want to add to their cooking knowledge. And the best thing is that they have practical components on-site at local restaurants. They don’t leave their students hanging with a qualification.

In the week of 13-15 September they are presenting a Wine and Food Celebration on site.

Sessions include ‘Discovering your Palate’ (Celia Hay – working out why you like certain foods and how they influence pairing wine with food), ‘Taste with a Master (Bob Campbell MW talking wine), ‘Italian Wine Regions’ (A tour in your wine glass), an ‘Artisan Food Producers showcase’ and a ‘Coffee Masterclass’.

There will be cooking demonstrations – learning how to ferment foods, how to smoke fish, how to make sourdough bread. You could learn how to create your own doughnut. You can learn about Mexican Street food.

I’m seriously excited.

Find out more and buy your tickets online: event.foodandwine.co.nz.