New Zealand: Christchurch Sunday Market

 Sunday Lunch

Staying at Carol's for a couple of weeks, it was inevitable we would fall into certain routines, one of which was visiting the farmers' markets that are held every weekend. Here are some pics from our weekly outings.

 French Fare

Cupcakes

New Zealand: Rotorua & Wellington

 Caper's Cafe

If you stay at the YHA Rotorua, you'll get not only a clean and pleasantly family-friendly environment  in which to rest your weary head and feet, but also a drinks voucher at the local pub and a coffee voucher at a popular Rotorua joint, Capers Cafe.

Gourmet Offerings

Here it was my Mum and I had our aromatic cuppas as we sat by the window and watched the world, or the town, go by. We weren't hungry at the time, but if you should find yourself in the neighborhood I highly recommend you give this place a shot, if my shots above isn't enough, the mad lunchtime crowd will gladly attest to the quality of food they offer here.

Dinner Burrito

 The other perk about staying at the YHA, a sandwich press! I made my first burrito there, had it before, not sure Mum had before then. She liked it. Gave it 2 thumbs up. ;)

Welly Feed

Our last port of call in the South Island was Wellington, and wherever our paths take us (in NZ, at least) steak follows. Here you have thick cut, succulent and juicy medium rare steaks with 2 salads: pasta and Greek, and 2 soups: cream of mushroom and a clear veg broth. Have Mum, will travel and be fed well. 

New Zealand: Maori Feast

Traditional Hangi

Here's another gem, on our trip up to Rotorua on the South Island, I managed to coerce my dear old Mum into joining a Maori adventure, complete with a tour of Tamaki Maori Village followed by dinner and a performance in the manner of their culture. But really, it was the Hangi I was after.

A traditional Maori method of cooking, the Hangi is like a barbie, only cooked underground. Yessirree, dig a hole in the ground, fill it with hot coats/rocks, place your foil-wrapped food amongst the heat, cover with more smoldering coals, cover for several hours for the slow heat to work its magic. 

From The Earth To Your Table

 

Going Going Gone

New Zealand: Kaikora

 Lone Seafood Stand

If I had to pick my favorite spot on Earth, Kaikora, New Zealand may very well be it. Standing along the edge of the road, looking out to the South Pacific Ocean, strong, cold sea breeze in my face, seals and walruses perched on a rock to my right, sunning themselves. To my far left, the majestic snow capped Kaikora Ranges peaking in the clouds and behind me, more mountains where wild sheep graze. Simply magical.

What A Barbie!

Lunch By The Ocean

New Zealand: Cooking At Carol's

 Cherries From Carol's

Here's a blast from the past, gastronomic pictorials from a trip my Mum and I took a couple of years ago to Christchurch, visiting my cousin Carol.

In her backyard, a 3-storey tall cherry tree, bombarded daily by pesky birds. We'd net off the tree to deter the feathered opportunists, and pick what we can eat. Better us than them.

New Zealand's Finest

Meals at Carol's were simple affairs. That's not to say they weren't made with attention and care, and often great fuss and fun. Simplicity is subjective. Some days it would be a meat and 3 veg affair, case in point New Zealand sirloin, lamb sausages, homegrown roast tomato salad and baked potatoes. I also cooked my first roast beef there, complete with kamura aka sweet potatoes once again harvested from Carol's backyard. 

Zucchini Cake & Muffins

Pavlova With Fresh Berries & Kiwis

We spent Christmas there that summer. Like Australia, they have summers in December and winters in June, and that's not the only thing they share in common with Down Under. They both claim to have created the pavlova: a heavenly light concoction of airy meringue filled with whipped cream and fresh seasonal fruits. And since it was here in New Zealand I first tasted the pav, they have my vote on this one. So simple, so good. A white Christmas indeed.