Living your best lockdown life

Well everything was going swimmingly there for a while but now we're in the lie-at-home-on-the-floor-with-a gin zone again. This too shall pass and we will be together again. Stay positive!

Dejeuner Club
I started up a supper club which turned into a Saturday Dejeuner (lunch) Club. Got three done then the doors slammed shut, so as soon as possible I'll be back in business. This is how they work – students arrive at my place at 10am, gasp over the view then settle down to my two hour cooking demonstration. Favourites so far include walnut and parmesan pesto; winter salad of fennel, oyster mushrooms, roasted hazelnuts & celery; pissaladière (onion, anchovy & olive tart), hapuka roasted in capers, mint, white wine and olive oil and pears poached in Pinot Noir and pepper. A little reading from my latest book ensues, then we sit down to lunch on the floating terrace, drink matched wines and eat all the food I've demonstrated. We end up exchanging ideas and sort of networking. The inspiration came from my cooking classes at my French home in Uzès, and it's just a great way to have fun, learn some new things in the kitchen and meet lovely people. I can't imagine a world without good cooking and lipstick – it's such an easy way to make yourself happy, nourish yourself, and control your appearance. If you feel you're disappearing, put on some red lipstick and come to the Dejeuner Club. NZers are not trapped in the grip of tradition so the menus are culturally mixed and inspired by my travels – the recipes could be Indian, Vietnamese, French, Italian, Spanish or Moroccan. The wine is resolutely New Zealand. Contact me via the Dejeuner Club website page for upcoming dates.

Rarotonga
The next trip to sunny Rarotonga is 3-8 November and I'm really looking forward to it as the people are so hospitable and you can't eat too much ika mata right? My tours are always based on participation, fun, learning, respect for tradition and eating what the locals eat because it's the best way to understand and appreciate another culture – food is the medium. My Rarotonga program concentrates on food, cooking and culture so it's really worthwhile to either arrive a few days earlier or leave a few days later so you can fit in other activities not covered with me. Or more importantly, lie around drinking pina coladas with a flower in your hair, learning as many Rarotongan words as you can. Bring togs, smiles and openness. Our tour in June was adored by my gastronomads who never thought they would be dancing into the night, snorkling or singing in church.

Auckland Long Weekend
This three day blow-out is all about my Auckland – not anyone else's, not the tourism departments, just mine. So there's no sailing, no visits to our beautiful parks and no trip to the zoo. What there is, is food markets, wine and food tasting in my foodie friends home, cocktail and tapas crawl in my hood (Karangahape Rd), fashion showings, book readings, the very funky Convent hotel where it doesn't matter whether you have recovered from Catholicism or not, multicultural restaurants and everything you always wanted to know about Asian ingredients whilst slurping down warm tofu for breakfast (stay open – it's delicious). Rock on up to Auckland and join me or if you live in Auckland and would still like to join us, I offer a cost without accommodation option. The next weekend is 19-22 November, details on the website.

Tomatade recipe
A super-easy recipe and perfect accompaniment for your Zoom drinks on Friday.
100g sun-dried tomatoes
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
50g pine nuts
handful of fresh basil
pinch of sugar
2 sml cloves garlic
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Blend it all together in the food processor till chunky – not too smooth.

Lots of book launches all over NZ in October for my new book 'Shed Couture'. Pre order it here.
Sunday 31 October 12–2pm – Conversation, Canapes and Shed Couture book launch in Wellington – book here
So there you have it... I like to think there's something for everyone. A little lunch chez moi, or a luxurious long weekend in Auckland or for a REAL treat, an exotic escape for some fun in the sun. Book yourself something to look forward to (feels like we need it). One thing is for sure – once we're able to get back to our new normal let's make the most of every minute!

Peta