Madly Interesting March News

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I'm thrilled to report my Hawkes Bay culinary staycation was a wild success. Staying at Cape Kidnappers lodge was a joy from beginning to end. NZ luxury lodges have a staff tone like nowhere else in the world – polite, friendly, relaxed and competent without being obsequious... it is their greatest secret weapon. Head chef James Honoré was wonderful with refined food, fun cooking classes and beautiful breakfasts every day. Our favourite culinary activity was the cheese masterclass with international cheese master Juliet Harbutt at her stunning home in the middle of the Black Barn vineyard. I was blessed with ten fabulous gastronomads who got up at dawn to visit the gannet colony, hooned around the vineyards on bicycles and danced the last night away.

Dates for my international tours are on my website – but who knows when we're going anywhere. The first tour I have coming up when a bubble opens between us is to Rarotonga. There are also tours planned and ready to go for South Australia and Western Australia.

Rarotonga

Does your heart beat a little quicker when you think of roast suckling pig, exotic frangipani and perfect beaches? Escape winter to New Zealand’s favourite island – Rarotonga – drive around it in 45 minutes. No traffic lights, no McDonald’s and no building taller than the highest coconut tree. We will have cooking lessons, visit plantations, go crayfish hunting, learn how to make a tivaevae (polynesian quilt), how to do traditional carving, visit hidden ancient taro fields, talk to local healers and check out how to grow vanilla. The climate in June will be perfect – not too hot and not much rain. This is a five night tour at the four star Pacific Resort Rarotonga in the best rooms right on the water’s edge.

If you think this sounds like you, then get in touch as we are now taking expressions of interest for June – when that bubble pops Rarotonga will be very busy.

Rarotonga Culinary Adventure in a nutshell:

  • When – 2 to 7 June 2021

  • Where – Pacific Resort Rarotonga

  • Cost – NZ $4,500 per person (based on twin share)

  • Maximum of 12 guests

  • Full details on the website

Upcoming events


In the meantime I'll be out and about around NZ, cooking, eating, drinking and laughing – hope to see you at one of the events below:

  • Tuesday 23 March 6pm – Basque cooking class at Main Course, Auckland – book here

  • Wednesday 31 March 6pm – fundraising event for Montessori Children's House Wanaka – contact annemarie.love@mchw.co.nz

  • Friday 16 April 6pm – Puglian (southern Italy) cooking class Main Course, Auckland – book here

  • Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 May – cooking demonstrations at The Great NZ Food Show, Hamilton – book here

  • Sunday 9 May – cooking demonstrations, Tauranga Home Show – book here

  • Friday 21 May 6.30pm – French Christmas Supper Fundraiser, Tauranga – contact kristy@goodchangestore.com

  • Wednesday 26 May 6pm – dinner and speaking event Riverside Kitchen Christchurch – book here

Keep a lookout for my travel stories in Scout travel magazine – my last story was on Auckland's oldest suburb – Mt Albert. My next one's on Rotorua. Be standing very by for my book on fashion and clothing 'Shed Couture' coming out in October. In the meantime keep your lipstick red, your shoes shined and remember that age only matters if you are a cheese.