Category Archives: Food

01.31.24
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Thoughts: 2024 Culinary Challenge

Over the last ten or so years, I have created a routine at the beginning of the year, in which I pick a cuisine that I don’t know, and spend time getting passingly good at cooking it.

Most years I’ve been successful, some years simply not.

For example, I never quite got the hang of making tortillas – and watching Mexican kids and their grandmothers making them effortlessly on YouTube only made everything worse! And instilled a degree of performance anxiety.

I need to revisit tortillas. For sure.

But having another go at Mexican cuisine is not for me in 2024.

My year of Chinese cuisine was fun. I now have a deep love of Asian supermarkets. I love walking the aisles looking at jars and other packaging, trying to work out what is what. A favourite, for example, is fermented red tofu. (Amazing in a twice-cooked pork dish by the way).

So. What to do?

I’ve decided, in acknowledgement of a former favourite colleague (and one of my great losses in leaving my former workplace), to explore Pakistani cuisine. In her words, sooooo much tastier than Indian… we shall see. In the interests of geopolitical peace, I couldn’t possibly comment. Yet.

I have a cookbook to get started with. I’ll be sure to Instagram everything of course. You know if it’s not ‘grammed it didn’t happen. There are rules.

And to mix it up, I’m also saving up for an ice cream maker. I’m intrigued by the idea of making unusual flavoured ice cream or gelato. And to recreate Goodie Gumdrops. This ties in with my need to get good at creating desserts, something I’ve deliberately stayed away from for the last decade. It’s now time. I’m looking at this: https://www.thehomestoreauckland.co.nz/products/cuisinart-ice-cream-gelato-maker-1-5l-built-in-compressor – (I should add that this local store is awesome).

In 2024 I’ll also need to pick up my levels of exercise. For obvious reasons. Desserts? Getting into baking? Eating all the things? Ruh-roh.

What annual challenges do you set for yourself? I’d love to hear your stories!

^SJD

07.16.23
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Thoughts: Birthday Culinary Experiences

It’s been a wee while between posts…

My birthday falls, as it does every year, in June.

This year, rather than take myself out of Auckland to spend time in Raglan or Taupo, it was decided to stay in town, and return some money to the local hospitality industry. Not paying for accomodation allows for indulging in more restaurants than usual.

I figured it would be interesting to make a note of the experiences had.

As I’m slightly OCD, I’ve created a list of Auckland restaurants to visit – it’s an amalgam of a couple of Metro Top 50 lists, plus others I’ve added. I also have a list of Auckland Iconic Eats and dishes I’m working through. And I am compelled to tick off all the things! (I recommend Evernote as the means to record such things).

First up, Amano.
I’ve eaten here before, but in a bit of a rush before a concert. So this visit was a chance to relax into the vibe. And that’s what Amano has. It’s a fabulous venue, the interior design is fabulous. The staff are fabulous.. The ambience of a full restaurant humming with happy diners is palpable. And the food was great. I walked home happy.

Onslow was next. I’ve been wanting to eat at this Josh Emmett restaurant for ages. It was my choice for my actual birthday day. I wanted it to be amazing. We arrived with much anticipation. First impression, nice setup. The staff were outstanding (and got a tip because of their outstanding-ness). It was busy when we arrived. A number of boisterous work groups clearly celebrating successes of the day (Side note: it’s so great to see people winning and then celebrating the wins). This unfortunately is kinda when the wheels started to fall off for me. We were seated in a corner of the restaurant where it felt like all the ambient noise, conversations, and music was directed to. The tiled floors and tiles walls ensured that sound levels were bad. I spent the most frustrating 90 minutes of my life trying to converse and utterly failing. The food was ok, but with the exception of the salmon trolley and the team member presenting it, there’s nothing I can really recall from the meal. No standouts. Sadly, I can’t recommend Onslow and won’t be returning. I hope Josh’s new restaurant is better.

A few days later and for something a little different, we went to the Trip Advisor-rated Sri Pinang on K’Rd. This is an old-school, utterly authentic, Malaysian restaurant. It’s not pretentious. It just delivers fabulous food. Coming off my Onslow experience, the meal at Sri Pinang was just perfect. Simple and appropriate ambience, conversation-capable seating and wonderful flavours that lingered for days. I definitely recommend this place.

Kingi rounded off the birthday restaurants. I’d heard mixed reviews of this Hotel Britomart-located destination. First impressions, I loved the fitout. The decor is really interesting and appealing. Again, the staff were welcoming and very interested. Kingi is a seafood restaurant and I loved everything about it and the food I tried. I will definitely be returning.

I’d also like to add Kol to this blog. This was visited after the birthday explorations, and it deserves a special mention. It’s Sid and Chand Sahrawat’s latest venture and it doesn’t disappoint. Balanced dishes, interesting flavours and fantastic presentation. The restaurant itself is tasteful and the staff are great. Interested and enthusiastic about their diners and their food. Loved it. Would love to return and try the rest of the menu.

I’ve deliberately not mentioned the dishes I tasted. I’ll leave those for you to discover and to experience.

And someone mentioned Restaurant Month is coming up… good times! Shall we, Anna?

^SJD

04.11.20
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Thoughts: Isolation 2020 – 9

So, a few days ago (weeks? I have no idea… I’m really losing track of time), I was challenged on Twitter to make Beef Fudge. Someone had found a recipe that (I believe) originated in 1960’s Montana.

Challenge Accepted.

Note: I’ve reached that point in lockdown/isolation where I’ll do many things to amuse myself.

First I needed to obtain the roast beef required. I have to say, I’ve eaten well this week. This roast has a mustard and pepper rub in case you were wondering. It worked really well!

The recipe also gave me the opportunity to use some kitchen equipment I acquired a couple of years back when I was dabbling in learning the craft of sausage-making. Also, I have a lot more to learn in the craft of sausage-making. But that’s for another time.

Marshmallow Cream isn’t readily available in NZ (unless you go to places like Martha’s Backyard close by). I made a substitute by melting a pack of marshmallows (put them in a mixing bowl, above a pot of boiling water) and adding 2tbsp of syrup. You’d usually use corn syrup but golden syrup works also.

The end result? Actually surprisingly good. It’s fudge, and it’s not the abomination I thought it might be. Of course, this recipe and resulting product reminds me precisely why I don’t do baking. It’s lethal for those wanting to lose weight.

03.30.20
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Thoughts: Isolation 2020 – 5

Hi team,

We’ve made it through the first weekend. Some better than others I am sure.

Forgive this indulgence – It’s a record of my thoughts and observations (and possible a documented decent in madness) that I can look back on when I’m VERY old. I’m doing ok – but didn’t maintain my stepcount as I’d originally planned to. I’m back in to the work-week routine to compensate and catch up.

Of course, I have my walking outfit sorted. It’s a nod to perception and expectations of my fellow CBD-dwellers. Don’t judge!

This weekend, I spent A LOT of time on the couch. Netflix (Penn and Teller, Fool Us binge), finished the 8 Harry Potter movies. Watched Knives Out (I missed this in the theatre. Quite enjoyed it. I did struggle with Daniel Craig’s accent though!).

I loved catching up with my parents (via phone), my teenagers (via text), my close friends (via all manner of methods). This lockdown would be a lot tougher if we didn’t have the technology and infrastructure we have access to.

I spent waaaaay too much time wandering around the No Man’s Sky universe. It’s actually quite meditative and calming – well, that’s my justification for it. I cooked a roast chicken that will feed me for a few days. I made a Thai dry curry paste (to have in stock alongside my Thai green curry paste).

I really need to clean though. Being home all the time does encourage a degree of environmental neglect which actually makes things a little more mentally challenging. I’ve also bought some methylated spirits so I can do a decent surface cleanse, and also bought some oven cleaner. My oven has been annoying me since I moved in. It’s time.

I don’t see many people walking the streets still. The occasional homeless person still sits and waits. The interesting thing is that they’re wearing masks and their signs address Covid-19. So they’re certainly aware of the world around them. They must be doing it tough.

There’s also the occasional fight. The occasional time when the pressure-valve pops. I saw a couple last evening fighting on the footpath – well, by ‘fighting’ I mean I saw a woman beating the crap out of her male partner. Hair-pulling, face-punching. Screaming abuse. He just went to ground. Didn’t respond. Didn’t defend himself. Kept quiet. I don’t know what the outcome was.

And we have more than three weeks to go.

Be kind to each other. Wash your hands.

03.03.19
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Thoughts: Foodie Heaven

Over the last ten years or so I have recreated myself in the kitchen and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. I came from a cooking position of making mashing potato, boiling Westie veges and doing unspeakable things to meat (yes, this is still standard fare in Palmerston North – I know… ;-0 ) to discovering Jamie Oliver.

Jamie opened up a whole new world for me. I guess in a sense he is my Julia.

Anyway, I started to obsess. I adore cookbooks and discovering new cuisines. I love having a functional kitchen but most importantly I love having a full collection of herbs and spices.

In New Zealand we are served well by the large supermarket chains who have shelves full of beautifully packaged products by Greggs, Mrs Rogers and other assorted importers/packers/distributors. This is all well and good, but the reality is that this is a really expensive way to obtain your ingredients. Especially when you need to stock up.

Some years back I was introduced to Mahadeo’s – a foodie heaven hidden away in Eden Terrace – and it’s become a regular stop for me. They specialise in Indian cuisine and all that goes with it. Herbs and spices are presented in bulk bins and are very inexpensive. Do you want Paratha or Naan? It’s there. Methi leaves? They’ve got them. What I really like about this store is its vibe. It’s authenticity. The owners are fantastic people too.

To give you some idea of why you should shop there, I just purchased 21 different types of herbs and spices, ~50g of each, and the total bill was just over $10.00. That’s all. (NZD!!!).

So, if you’re into your food and cooking, and you live for exploring cuisines, I do recommend you explore markets such as Mahadeo’s. These stores are scattered all over the place in the cultural enclaves that have formed over the years. There are many in Auckland, and if you’re reading from other parts of the world, do venture out, explore and discover a world different from the one you’re used to.

02.07.17
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Thoughts: A Weekend in New Plymouth *updated*

Katherine needed to be in New Plymouth for work today so we decided to make a long weekend of it and see what this place has to offer.

I have roots here. My grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and cousins lived here so I remember as a child being bundled into the Holden Kingswood and coming up from Palmerston North to do the visitations. EVERY holiday (it seemed). The weird thing for me is that I have strong memories of certain places – Pukekura Park, the miniature railway enthusiasts club on Gilbert St, the building where Bennetts (?) Bookshop once inhabited (and I was unjustly accused of shoplifting by an undercover store detective – oh the outrage of a 7 year old boy) and yet I have little or no memory of the waterfront.

I wonder if my parents were just doing the family thing and the idea of taking us kids out and exploring was a bit much? Who knows. I might ask them next time I see them…

Ah the reminiscing.

OK. What was I talking about? That’s right: exploring New Plymouth.

First recommendation. Don’t get a hire car. Catch a taxi into town and then get amongst it all on foot. We would have missed so much if we drove everywhere and we would have developed a much different perspective.

We walked along the Coastal Walkway. We hired bikes and rode along the Coastal Walkway. We found pop-up markets, and farmers markets, and were able to get a good feel for this place. People were/are friendly. You couldn’t walk past someone without a smile or a ‘good morning’. People were chatty.

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We walked from the CBD to Paritutu Rock. We climbed Paritutu Rock. I was determined to do this as I don’t recall having every done it in my youth.

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We were taken by the Len Lye centre at the Govett Brewster gallery. I loved the kinetic sculpture on display as well as the other exhibits. Definitely a must-see.

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We managed to see the last evening of the annual Festival of Lights at Pukekura Park. It was cool seeing what they create and nice to see the locals getting out and about.

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One thing that struck me is that there is a pride here. And a definite style. Many shops had fantastic interior fitouts and the eateries looked great and served up equally great food. We didn’t have one bad experience.

A quick review:

Joe’s Garage – as you’d expect. US diner fare in a cool setting. Good coffee.

The Black Harp – Irish pub. Good food, drink, music and sports on the big screen.

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Peggy Gordons – Irish bar. Same deal. Good food, drink, music and sports on the big screen. This one definitely is one for the locals.

Frederics – Bar. Good food, big craft beer selection. More than one type of gin. Nice vibe.

Kathakali – Southern Indian fare. Great vibe. Authentic flavours. I was really impressed by this restaurant.

Monica’s Eatery – we went here for breakfast on two days. Loved the ambience and the food was good. Excellent coffee too.

Manou’s Café – If we had not been walking we would not have found this place. It’s awesome. Rustic. Nautical. Views of the boat ramp and is right on the water. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in town. It’s right next to a hire company where you can obtain SUPs and Kayaks and go explore.

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Prohibition – I loved this burger joint. Everything about the decor and the food was terrific. It would certainly give the best of Auckland burger makers a run for their money.

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And my favourite? Social Kitchen. This was utterly fantastic. It’s meat. It’s social dining and shared plates. It’s flavours. It’s ambience. It’s great music playing. We had their spiced goat (I’ve not eaten goat before) and it was sublime. I like my food and this restaurant ticked all my boxes. It could even be making a run for my ‘favourite ever place to eat’ trophy. It’s that good.

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We realised early on that New Plymouth eateries are popular, probably because they’re excellent. You need to book. Otherwise you won’t get in to the places you’ve been recommended.

We stayed at the State Hotel. It was really nice. The decor was eclectic and the weird thing was you never really saw anybody unless you happened across the cleaning staff. Its central location was perfect for us. Definitely recommended.

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I have really enjoyed my time in New Plymouth. That’s now two of my childhood towns visited in recent weeks, and quite frankly New Plymouth makes Palmerston North look even worse. I’m now not sure why my parents left here and didn’t return.

New Plymouth has so much to offer, and it was nice seeing that even the youth here are excited about their town.

I haven’t mentioned the housing prices – they’re really good – so if you’re considering getting the hell out of Auckland you could do a lot worse.

Not bad, New Plymouth. Not bad at all.

UPDATE:

All flights out of NPL were cancelled yesterday so we had to stay another night. (terrible, I know!!).

The State Hotel was fully booked so we went to the King and Queen Hotel Suites. This place is magical. From the second we arrived we were transported to relaxation. I am so impressed with its decor, vibe and staffing. All top-grade.

I have no hesitation in recommending this as a quality place to stay.

The hospitality group behind much of the redevelopment and establishment of hotels, bars and restaurants in the West End of New Plymouth need to be acknowledged and applauded. Their investment in this town is invaluable.

 

 

 

01.22.17
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Thoughts: Whoa! Studios – Henderson, Auckland

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This is new to Auckland. Very new.

We visited Whoa! Studios to celebrate the birthday of a Mum as it promised good food, wine and lots of great distractions for the kids.

This place is fantastic. Seriously great.

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It was heaving with families despite the weather being a tad unhelpful. Our first distraction was the urban playground – fabulously thought out and executed. The centerpiece being this phenomenal Whoa!Web crochet construction which took two years to create.

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The Grounds:

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We were put up in a private room which had great ambience – perfect for our family group.

The service was superb (they were able to adjust for our needs – i.e. feed the kids first so there is more room for the adults once they vanish) and the kitchen catered for a variety of dietary requirements easily.

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The food was outstanding. We were served Asian-fusion Tapas – from kimchi to kingfish to steak. Absolutely perfectly cooked and the flavours were perfect. My understanding is that there is a strong focus on seasonal ingredients, and as close to local as possible. Apparently the tomatoes we ate were from the garden of an elderly local woman. This is just awesome in my book.

I loved the decor. It’s a beautiful room.

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Then there’s the whole theatre and show experience for the kids. Probably aimed at the under-10’s but Miss 13 enjoyed it. There were layers of humor that would fly over the understanding of children but would entertain the parents.

The lobby and entry to the show is great. It really sets the scene.

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Everything about Whoa! Studios has been thought through and executed to a really high standard. I’m super-impressed.

I have no hesitation in recommending this for a fun family experience. I will definitely return.

11.03.15
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Thoughts: Cooking

  

Sometimes you find a cookbook that inspires. I have to say, I’m a little addicted to printed cookbooks despite having accounts with Jamie Oliver and with Big Oven (both digital platforms are highly recommended) there is something special about leafing through pages of recipes and food photos.

One of my recent obsessions has been to dive into Chinese cuisine. This stems from a life-changing journey four years ago where I visited China on a 12 day tour. 

I have learned to experience destinations through their culture and food. In China I loved walking down the alleys watching locals cook street food, as well as visiting their fine-dining restaurants. 

Anyway, this book is awesome. I obtained it because I’d started to obsess about how to make dumplings. It adds so much more.

Tonight’s effort is Taiwanese Beef Rice. The liquid is basically a stock of ginger, garlic, onion, carrot, soy, oyster sauce, rice wine, caster sugar, vinegar, star anise, five spice and beef stock. 
  
If you guys could smell this… Wow!! 

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

 

 

09.06.15
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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