Current Issue
FINDING
FLAVOUR NEWSLETTER
MARCH, 2010
Greetings, Fellow Foodies!
The year of the endless summer in Auckland has been a real
treat. This weekend we took in the Lantern Festival, part of
the Chinese New Year Celebrations in Auckland.
Crowds enjoying the food stalls....
Just one of the amazing lanterns
Our first event of the new year, Seasonal Flavour Summer Cooking
Class with Sarah La Touche, on 9 February, added some
delicious Mediterranean treats to our summer entertaining
repertoire. See Recent Events in the
newsletter. Sarah's Autumn Cooking Class is now
scheduled for 25 March. Book
now and don't miss out.
How about an indulgent weekend in Sydney, 30 April-2
May? Book by 15
March while there are still good airfares
available. Get a couple of friends to join you - we only need
three people to run this fantastic weekend experience!
Looking for some tomato recipe ideas? Check out the Recipe
Exchange on our website.
In this Newsletter:
1. Upcoming March Tours, Classes and Events
2. Sydney Foodie Weekend - Book by 15 March!
3. Food Alley Feast Lunch, 18 April
4. Recent Event - Summer Cooking Class with Sarah La Touche
5. Tour and Event Programme Summary -See our Home
Page
1. Upcoming March Tours, Classes and Events
You can still join us on Saturday, 6 March in Wellington
as we explore and taste the foodie delights of our capital city on
our Wellington Foodie Discovery Day Tour. We
will start in the central city before heading out to Petone for the
rest of the day. Tour Cost only $90. Book
Now! Call Lynn on (021) 550-510 or book on
our website.
Explore Auckland on our World in a Day: Eastern Suburbs
Tour on Saturday, 13 March. This popular tour
includes French, Italian, Middle Eastern and Kiwi foodie delights,
lots of tastings and a fabulous Mexican lunch! Tour Cost only
$90. Book Now! Call Lynn on (021) 550-510 or book on
our website.
Sarah La Touche returns to the kitchen on Thursday
25 March for our second Seasonal Flavour Cooking
Class celebrating the bounty of the autumn harvest.
Cost only $90. Book Now! Call Lynn on (021)
550-510 or book on our
website.
Photo: Mexican Lunch on our World in a Day:
Eastern Suburbs Tour
New! Last year we introduced a tour just for
chocolate lovers, and this year we have expanded the tour to
include shopping for Easter foodie goodies. Join us
on Saturday, 27 March (the week before Easter) on this new
Chocolate Lovers and Easter Treats Tour. We will learn
about chocolate, enjoy lots of tastings and shop for other goodies
for Easter. A day of indulgence! Tour cost only
$90. Book Now! Call Lynn on (021) 550-510 or book on
our website.
To complete this foodie month, I will be heading to Melbourne to
attend the Melbourne Food Festival and attend a day of Master
Classes. I will also be doing research for our
proposed Melbourne Foodie Weekend planned for
mid-November, 2010. Interested in this weekend or in our
Sydney Weekends? Call Lynn on (021) 550-510 or email
lynn@findingflavour.co.nz
to find out more.
2. Sydney Foodie Weekend, 30 April - 2 May
- Book by mid-March!
Get a couple of friends to join you on this deliciously
indulgent weekend in Sydney. Our weekend starts late morning
on the Friday in Sydney and finishes mid-afternoon on the Sunday,
so that you can catch an evening flight back to Auckland.
During that time we will eat, drink and shop and have a fabulous
time!
The May weekend is timed to coincide with the outstanding monthly
Good Living Market at Pyrmont, Chef/caterer Judy Leach
will again meet us at the market and then will come to cook us a
very special dinner in our apartment hotel that evening.
During the weekend we will enjoy a walking tour of the Italian
neighbourhood of Haberfield and I will take you to my favourite
discount supplier of homeware, cookware and giftware. We will
eat at both well-known and lesser known restaurants, but I promise
that it will all be delicious!
The cost for accommodation (twin share), wining and dining and
personal guiding by Judy Leach and myself is $1200 per
person. We can help you to arrange flights if required.
Single accommodation supplement applies. Tour group size will be
kept to six fun-loving foodies to maximise the conviviality!
Expressions of interest are welcome, and a minimum of three
confirmed bookings are required by mid-March for the May tour to
proceed. Questions? Call Lynn on (021)
550-510. Request a more detailed
itinerary -email lynn@findingflavour.co.nz
or book on our
website.
3. Food Alley Feast Lunch, Sunday, 18
April
Ever looked into Food Alley on lower Albert
Street but were not sure about entering? Perhaps you are a
regular patron, but stick to your favourite meal or food
stall. This is your chance to spread your foodie wings and
try some delicious new Asian food dishes at one of
Auckland's best food halls specialising in Asian food.
Hosted by the congenial Jean de Bruyne (who hosted last year's
successful Yum Cha Lunch), we will first walk around this food hall
featuring the cuisines of Thailand, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, China,
Malaysia, India and more. Then Jean and I will order a
variety of dishes from the vendors and we will all sit down to
share a delicious lunch together. Cost is only $45. Book
Now! Call Lynn on (021) 550-510 or book on
our website.
4. Recent Event: Seasonal Flavour Summer
Cooking Class with Chef Sarah La Touche, Tuesday, 9 February
"Wow!" "Mmmmm - this is delicious"
Chef Sarah La Touche kicked off our 2010
programme in our Summer Seasonal Flavour Cooking Class
with a repertoire of amazing tastes. Our palates were awakened
with delicious flavours from the Mediterranean region.
Several of the dishes were new to us, but Sara demonstrated
them in her usual relaxed and informative style and made
it easy for us to prepare them at home. The Tavel rose
wine from Maison Vauron complemented the food
perfectly.
Special thanks to Anthea Springford who once again opened her
beautiful home for the class and provided such warm
hospitality.
Photos: Two of the dishes: Grilled Vegetables with
Romesco Sauce (the hit of the evening!) and Charmoula Prawns with
Coriander and Lime
Join us for our Autumn Cooking Class with Sara now
being held on Thursday evening, 25 March. (Note new
date). Book Now!
5. Tour and Event Programme, February-June, 2010
We have so many tours, cooking classes and special lunches to
offer to you.... take a look at our full programme on the
Home Page of our website now!
Web-Site Updates: check our website / for the
latest updates on all our tours, events and cooking classes and to
make bookings.
Minimum Numbers
The operation of all tours and events is subject to minimum
numbers.
Payment and Confirmation
Your booking is confirmed once payment is
received.
New Cancellation Refund Policy for 2010
Cancel more than 14 days before tour:
full refund
Cancel within 14 days: no refund, but you
are welcome to substitute another person in your place
Finding Flavour reserves the right to amend/alter
a tour/event if required.
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter,
please e-mail us with "Unsubscribe" in the subject
line.
FINDING FLAVOUR
NEWSLETTER
JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2010
Greetings, Fellow Foodies!
What a wonderful New Year this has been so far...the weather has
been warm and we have enjoyed lots of time at the beach. It's
the perfect weather for main course salads and alfresco
dining. Add to your summer cooking repertoire at our
first 2010 Seasonal Flavour Summer Cooking Class with Sarah La
Touche, on Tuesday evening, 9 February.
Read more about this and our other upcoming tours and events later
in the newsletter - new and favourite tours, cooking
classes and a weekend in Sydney!
Our 2010 Programme summary features at the end of the newsletter
or check it out on our website Home Page.
In this Newsletter:
1. Seasonal Flavour Summer Cooking Class with Sarah
La Touche
2. Chinese New Year Event Update
3. March Highlights
4. Sydney Foodie Weekend - Book Now!
5. Tour and Event Programme, Feb-June, 2010
1. Seasonal Flavour Summer Cooking Class with Sarah La
Touche, Tuesday evening, 9 February
Chef and food writer Sarah La Touche will inspire us
with a celebration of summer produce in our first Seasonal Flavour
Cooking Class of 2010. Her proposed menu includes escalivada
with romesco sauce, chermoula prawns, and a smoked fish
salad. These will be accompanied by wine from Maison
Vauron. We will enjoy sampling the food together in the
class. You will take away recipes and inspiration for
the rest of the summer season! Class is limited to 10
participants. Book Now! Call Lynn on (021)
550-510 or book on our
website.
2. Chinese New Year Event Update, planned for 20 February
Unfortunately, due to business commitments, Jean de Bruyne
is not able to offer this wonderful day of creating a wealth jar
for the coming year and eating a dinner of traditional Chinese new
year foods. Instead, enjoy the public Chinese New Year events
being held in Auckland, and plan to attend this very special day
with us next year.
3. March Highlights
Our programme really swings into action in March....spend
Saturday, 6 March in Wellington with us as we
explore and taste the foodie delights of our capital city on our
Wellington Foodie Discovery Day Tour. We
will start in the central city before heading out to Petone for the
rest of the day. Tour Cost only $90. Book
Now! Call Lynn on (021) 550-510 or book on
our website.
Explore Auckland on our World in a Day: Eastern Suburbs
Tour on Saturday, 13 March. This popular tour
includes French, Italian, Middle Eastern and Kiwi foodie delights,
lots of tastings and a fabulous Mexican lunch! Tour Cost only
$90. Book Now! Call Lynn on (021) 550-510 or book on
our website.
Sarah La Touche returns to the kitchen on Tuesday, 23 March
for our second Seasonal Flavour Cooking Class celebrating
the bounty of the autumn harvest. Cost only $90.
Book Now! Call Lynn on (021) 550-510 or book on
our website.
New! Last year we introduced a tour just for
chocolate lovers, and this year we have expanded the tour to
include shopping for Easter foodie goodies. Join us
on Saturday, 27 March (the week before Easter) on this new
Chocolate Lovers and Easter Treats Tour. We will learn
about chocolate, enjoy lots of tastings and shop for other goodies
for Easter. A day of indulgence! Tour cost only
$90. Book Now! Call Lynn on (021) 550-510 or book on
our website.
To complete this foodie month, I will be heading to Melbourne to
attend the Melbourne Food Festival and attend a day of Master
Classes. I will also be doing research for our
proposed Melbourne Foodie Weekend planned for
mid-November, 2010. Interested in this weekend or in our
Sydney Weekends? Call Lynn on (021) 550-510 or email
lynn@findingflavour.co.nz
to find out more.
4. Sydney Foodie Weekend, 30 April - 2
May
Our initial "test" weekend in November was such fun, we knew
that we had to offer this weekend on a regular basis. We are
offering this fabulous weekend of foodie exploring, shopping and
eating two times in 2010: the weekend of 30 April-2 May and
again in October.
The May weekend is timed to coincide with the outstanding Good
Living Market at Pyrmont, which only occurs on the first Saturday
of the month. Chef/caterer Judy Leach will again meet us at
the market and then will come to cook us a very special dinner in
our apartment hotel that evening. We will enjoy a walking
tour of the Italian neighbourhood of Haberfield and I will take you
to my favourite discount supplier of homeware, cookware and
giftware. We will eat at both well-known and lesser known
restaurants, but I promise that it will all be delicious!
The cost for accommodation (twin share), wining and dining and
personal guiding by Judy Leach and myself is $1200 per
person. We can help you to arrange flights if required.
Single accommodation supplement applies.
Tour group size will be kept to six fun-loving foodies to
maximise the conviviality! Expressions of interest are
welcome, and a minimum of three confirmed bookings are required by
mid-March for the May tour to proceed. Book
Now! Call Lynn on (021) 550-510 or book on
our website.
5. Tour and Event Programme, February-June,
2010
We have so many tours, cooking classes and special lunches in
mind to offer to you....this will be a great year! Some
highlights include: Seasonal Flavour series of
cooking classes offered by Sarah La Touche,
Sydney Foodies Weekend in May, our World in a Day
tour programme enlarged to include West and South
Auckland, Food Alley Feast and Mexican special
lunches....plus more! Previous clients can look
forward to a special advance offer later in the
year.....The Programme Calendar follows at the end of the
newsletter or take a look at our full
programme on the Home Page of our website
now!
Web-Site Updates: check our website / for the
latest updates on all our tours, events and cooking classes and to
make bookings.
Minimum Numbers
The operation of all tours and events is subject to minimum
numbers.
Payment and Confirmation
Your booking is confirmed once payment is
received.
New Cancellation Refund Policy for 2010
Cancel more than 14 days before tour:
full refund
Cancel within 14 days: no refund, but you
are welcome to substitute another person in your place
Finding Flavour reserves the right to amend/alter
a tour/event if required.
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please
e-mail us with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line.
Finding Flavour Programme
February - June, 2010
Join us on one of our exciting upcoming foodie day tours,
lunches or cooking classes:
Tues 9 Feb
Seasonal Flavour Cooking Class: Summer with Chef
Sarah La Touche
(evening)
Sat 6 March Wellington
Foodie Discovery Day Tour
Sat 13 March World in a Day
Tour: Eastern Suburbs
Thurs 25 March Seasonal Flavour Cooking Class:
Autumn with Chef Sarah La Touche
(evening)
Sat 27 March Chocolate Lovers
and Easter Treats Tour
Sun 18 April "Food Alley
Feast", a discovery lunch of Asian foodie delights in Auckland's
best food hall,
hosted by Jean de Bruyne
Sat 24 April
World in a Day Tour: West Auckland
Fri 30 April -
Sydney Foodies Weekend Tour
Sun 2 May
Sat 29
May
World in a Day Tour: Central Suburbs
Tues 15
June Seasonal
Flavour Cooking Class: Winter with Chef Sarah La Touche
(evening)
Sat 19
June World
in a Day Tour: North Shore
Sun 20
June Mexican
Fiesta Lunch at Mexican Specialties
All tours/events subject to minimum numbers. Finding
Flavour reserves the right to amend/alter any tour/event
FINDING FLAVOUR NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER, 2009
Greetings, Fellow
Foodies! Isn't it
wonderful to see those fresh spring vegetables appearing in the
shops and growing in our gardens (for those of us lucky to have a
little vege patch)? Sarah La Touche inspired us
with a Spring Lunch at our recent Seasonal Flavour Cooking
Class...read more later in the newsletter.
Photo: Asparagus "aux Mimosa"
In this Newsletter:
1. Gardens for Foodies Tour, 29 November....Selling
Fast!
2. Christmas Baking and Treats Tour, 12 December...Book
Now!3. Gift Vouchers...the perfect Christmas gift for
your foodie friends, partner and clients4. Enter the
Contest to win 1 of 10 copies of "Homegrown Tomatoes"
5. Special Offers from Paneton French Bakery and Gretel's
Gingerbread
6. Recent Event: Spring Cooking Class with Sarah
La Touche Congratulations to
Charles Wiffen wines...their Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007
received a 5* rating in the Pinot Noir tastings in the latest issue
of Cuisine. We enjoyed a tasting of several
Charles Wiffen wines at our Cooking
Class. Upcoming Tours and
Events:
1.Gardens for Foodies Tour, Sunday, 29 November - Selling
Fast!
We
are thrilled that again this year we will be visiting the amazing
garden of Lynda Hallinen, gardening guru and Editor of NZ Gardener
Magazine.
We will also visit three vege gardens in the Takapuna/Devonport
area : 2 public gardens (Wilson Centre and Framework Trust) and a
private suburban garden where we will enjoy morning
tea/coffee.
Come prepared to learn, be inspired and enjoy!
Cost of $110 pp includes transportation, garden visit fees, morning
tea/coffee and lunch. Book Now! Phone Lynn at
(09) 372-7344 or (021) 550-510 or book on our website.
This tour sold out quickly last year -
don't miss out!
2.Christmas Baking and Treats Tour -Saturday, 12
DecemberOur annual Christmas Baking and Treats tour is
just what you need to purchase all those Christmas goodies as gifts
or to enjoy over the holidays. This tour is always such fun, with
everyone getting into the Christmas spirit. We
also indulge in a delicious lunch at one of my favourite
restaurants. This is a great tour to enjoy with
friends or workmates. Why not play Santa and
give it as a gift to one of your foodie friends?
Book Now! Phone Lynn at (09) 372-7344 or (021) 550-510 or book on
our website.
3.Gift Vouchers
Thoughts of Christmas beginning to dance through your
head? Your gifts to your foodie friends, family
or clients are sorted with a Gift Voucher for a foodie tour,
cooking class or special lunch from Finding Flavour. You can
nominate the value of the voucher or the event that you wish to
purchase. We can send it to you or direct to the
recipient...the choice is yours! We promise that
this will be a gift that will be warmly received and
enjoyed. Phone Lynn at (09) 372-7344 or (021)
550-510 or book on our website.
Our next Sydney Foodie Weekend would make a perfect
special Christmas present for yourself! Imagine
a weekend of delicious foodie discoveries and indulgences and
shopping! Tell Santa to contact Lynn on (09)
372-7344 or (021) 550-510.
4.Win One of 10 Copies of NZ Gardener's "Homegrown Tomatoes"
publication
The friendly people at NZ Gardener have kindly given
us 10 copies of their new "Homegrown Tomatoes" publication to give
to our readers. Send us your favourite recipe
using fresh tomatoes and be in to win a copy.
Just email your recipe and your contact details to lynn@findingflavour.co.nz
by Friday, 27 November. The winners
will be announced in the December newsletter and their recipes will
be posted onto the Recipe Exchange of our website.
5.Special Offers:
Learn to Make Croissants at Paneton French Bakery and New Service -
Order Products On-LineWe love the bread and pastries
at Paneton....our visit on our French Discovery Tour is always so
delicious. Now you have the opportunity to learn
to make your own croissants at one of their upcoming
classes: 28 November, 5 December and 12 December
(subject to numbers). For more information or to
book email Madeleine@paneton.co.nz
Introducing a new service from Paneton - now you can
have their ready-to-bake specialty breads and frozen ready-to-prove
pastries couriered to you at your home. What a
convenient service - just in time for holiday
entertaining! Prices and order info at info@panetonbakery.co.nz
Make sure that you tell Paneton that you heard about the
classes and the order delivery service from Finding Flavour.
Gretel's Gingerbread - November Christmas Special
We will share the secret of Gretel's Gingerbread with
you. Place your order during November for a delivery closer to Xmas
and you get free delivery within Auckland if
you purchase $50.00 + worth of products or ($5.00 nationwide
delivery fee). Products can be viewed and orders placed on
www.gretelsgingerbread.co.nz Tell Marianne
that Finding Flavour recommended them to you.
6.Recent Event: Seasonal Flavour Spring Cooking
Class with Sarah La Touche, 10 October
The calendar may have said "spring" but the weather definitely said
"winter". Despite the weather, this sold-out class gathered
to prepare for the spring produce that is sure to come!
Special thank you to Anthea Springford who opened her beautiful
home for the class and made us all feel very welcome.
Chef Sarah La Touche had planned a delicious French-style spring
lunch menu for us: Asparagus aux Mimosa; Fish on
Mediterranean Salad; Strawberries with Sabayon. These were
accompanied by wonderful Charles Wiffen Wines: Riesling,
Reserve Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
Sarah had so much information to share, and
the time went all too quickly. Here are a couple of
food images, but feast on them all on our website...
just scroll down past the programme
calendar.
Preparing the asparagus salad Fish
on Mediterranean Salad
We all watched as Sarah made the Sabayon for the dessert...she
hand-whisked the egg mixture in her beautiful copper bowl set over
simmering water.....
Fresh Strawberries with Sabayon....delectable!
Here is a selection of the feedback we
received from the class:
"Easy to follow and understand"
"Wonderful for me, a novice, but seemed great for those with
more experience as well"
"Looking forward to using the recipes ASAP"
"Homely and relaxing. Hostess (Anthea) was delightful."
My favourite comment re cooking classes:
"Have them more often"
We have taken the comments on board,
and we are delighted to tell you that
Sarah La Touche has agreed to present the Seasonal
Flavour series of cooking classes for
2010. She will present 4
classes, following the rhythm of the food
seasons. Watch for the first Seasonal
Flavour cooking class for 2010 early
in February...celebrating the bounty of high
summer.
Web-Site Updates: check our website /
for the latest updates on all our tours, events and cooking classes
and to make bookings.
Minimum Numbers The operation of all tours and
events is subject to minimum numbers.
Cancellation Policy Cancel more
than 7 days before tour: full refund
Cancel within 7 days: no refund,
but you are welcome to substitute another person in your
place
Finding Flavour reserves the right
to amend/alter a tour/event if required.
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter,
please e-mail us with "Unsubscribe" in the subject
line.
FINDING FLAVOUR NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER, 2009
Greetings, Fellow
Foodies!
Just when we thought spring had arrived, we have been blasted with
a reminder of winter weather. Had to revert to
my warming winter meals again! Is it just me, or
did daylight savings start too early this
year??
We will think positive thoughts for our Spring
Cooking Class with Sarah La Touche on Saturday, 10
October. Speaking of positive weather thoughts
for the weekend, venture out to join the Diwali celebrations on the
Auckland Viaduct this coming weekend, 10-11 October, from 12
noon-10pm each day. There will be dozens of food
stalls, clothing and jewellery stalls, plus
more. Make sure that you visit Stall #19, where
Pratima Nand, our guide on our fantastic recent Indian Food and
Diwali Celebrations Tour, will be selling her delicious food. Tell
her that Finding Flavour sent you!
In the past month we have enjoyed travelling across
the Harbour Bridge to explore the North Shore as well as immersing
ourselves in Indian culture and enjoying some of their wonderful
cuisine. I even managed to slip away for the
most amazing week of indulgence in Vietnam on a women-only
"Gorgeous Safari". (Hi to Virginia from
Christchurch!) More about all these
later....
Upcoming Tours and Events:
Gardens for Foodies Tour, Sunday, 29 November - Book Now!
We are thrilled to confirm that once again, this year we will be
visiting the amazing garden of Lynda Hallinen, gardening guru and
Editor of NZ Gardener Magazine.
Last year we were the first public tour group to visit
Lynda's garden, and it was a fascinating
experience. Lynda gave us a warm welcome and
toured us around her extensive garden (mostly
veges). We enjoyed our lunch sitting in the
sunshine on her decks. This year we hope to
repeat the experience!
We will also visit three vege gardens in the
Takapuna/Devonport area t: 2 public gardens (Wilson Centre and
Framework Trust) and a private suburban garden where we will enjoy
morning tea/coffee. Come prepared
to learn, be inspired and enjoy! Cost of $110 pp
includes transportation, garden visit fees, morning tea/coffee and
lunch. Book Now! Phone Lynn at (09) 372-7344 or
(021) 550-510 or book on our website.
Christmas Baking and Treats Tour - Thurs, 10 and Sat, 12
December
I can't believe it myself, but Christmas is only 2 ½
months away! We can help! Our
annual Christmas Baking and Treats tour is just what you need to
purchase all those Christmas goodies as gifts or to enjoy over the
holidays. This tour is always such fun, with everyone getting into
the Christmas spirit. We also indulge in a
delicious lunch at one of my favourite
restaurants. This is a great tour to enjoy with
friends or workmates. Why not play Santa and
give it as a gift to one of your foodie friends?
Book Now! Phone Lynn at (09) 372-7344 or (021) 550-510 or book on
our website.
Gift Vouchers
Take the stress out of your Christmas gift giving this
year and give your foodie friends, family or even clients a voucher
for a Finding Flavour tour, cooking class or
lunch. You can nominate the value of the voucher
or the event that you wish to purchase. We can
send it to you or direct to the recipient...the choice is
yours! We can promise that this will be a gift
that will be warmly received and enjoyed. Phone
Lynn at (09) 372-7344 or (021) 550-510 or book on our website.
Recent Tour: Indian Food and Diwali Celebratons Tour
hosted by Pratima Nand, Saturday, 3 October
"Auckland's 'Little India' was a real
experience. A Saturday on the sub-continent." Joanna, tour
participant and world traveler
We knew that this would be a special day and
we were certainly right...our vivacious host Pratima Nand
transported us to India for the day on this foodie and cultural
experience. Share some of the day with
us....
Pratima and Vincent, a friendly staff member of this outstanding
Indian snacks and sweets maker/supplier.
Sweet treats are traditionally given as gifts during
Diwali, so this was a fitting first stop on our tour. Pratima
explained the Diwali festival and pointed out the delicious sweets
in the shop. Our generous tastings extended to the delicious
savoury snacks.
On to some retail therapy at a shop offering the most
beautiful Indian clothes and jewellery. We were welcomed by
the owner, who pointed out a family who had travelled from
Melbourne to purchase their special wedding clothes and who were
trying on various outfits. The shop was bustling with others
purchasing new clothes for the Diwali season....
It did not take one member of our group
long to spy a beautiful silver necklace and claim it as a prize
purchase!
We moved on to a well-known supplier of
Indian food and spices. This was the perfect opportunity for
Pratima to give us a crash course on the use of some of the
favourite spices in Indian cooking as well as a few recipe
tips.*
Time for lunch - and what a lunch it was! The vegetarian
banquet we enjoyed (only part of which is pictured in the photo)
was outstanding (we did not eat meat in respect of the gods we were
visiting next at the temple). Yes, this was another one of
our infamous "light lunches"! Our hosts outdid themselves
with this feast. The grand finale was a special Diwali
dessert which originated as a dessert prepared for kings..right
down to the silver on the top. The taste was truly
divine.
Prior to lunch we tried our hand at the use
of stencils and coloured powder to make the traditional "ohm"
symbol. Many Indian families decorate their entry or
gardens with these and other stencils during the Diwali
festival.
Our visit to an importer of fresh fruit and veges from Fiji gave
us an excuse to walk off some of our delicious lunch...for once we
were glad that we did not have another tasting!
The very special conclusion of our Indian experience
was our visit to the Bhartiya Mandir Temple. Pratima
explained the stories of the various gods and goddesses, and the
rituals and offerings. This was the first time that most of
the members of our group had been in a Hindu temple, and we
were made to feel welcome. Pratima told us that the temple
would be filled with dancing that evening in honour of Goddess
Durga (9 nights of dancing in all). The Diwali celebrations
would then follow.
Goddess Durga
Diwali is calculated according to a lunar
calendar, hence its variation in dates each year. The main
"Festival of Lights" is always held on a dark or "no moon"
night. The official dates of Diwali, 2009 are
17-18 October.
There will be Diwali celebrations on the Auckland Viaduct the
weekend of 10-11 October. Pratima will have a food stall
there (#19) so be sure to introduce yourself to her as a Finding
Flavour reader.
*Pratima Nand has published several cookbooks,
including "Pratima's Royal Recipes" which features recipes
from all parts of India. Her recipe for the delicious Diwali
sweet "Srikhand" is from this cookbook. If you
would like to purchase her very reasonably priced cookbooks, email
her at pratima@xtra.co.nz
Tour participant, Briony, shared her recipe for Paneer
and Spinach. Just click
here for the recipe in our Recipe Exchange.
Recent Tour: World in a Day: North Shore, Saturday, 26
September
"Great way to explore the North Shore and to discover places
selling delicious and exciting foods from different cultures.
An intrepid foodie's journey into a multi-ethnic world of food."
Vicki
"Great contacts we didn't know existed, which we can go back to."
IanWe love our tour on the North Shore, and it seems
our fellow foodies did too! This was a day in which we truly
did travel round the foodie globe...take a look at our
journey....
We started the day in style...fresh coffee and tastings of French
food...
Grace has our tastings of fresh breads and pastries ready at the
German bakery
Next - the Middle East! We visit a
Halal butcher and a Middle Eastern food supplier. Fresh
flatbreads were delivered during our
visit.
Lunch was an opportunity for us to try Korean food - a delicious
new experience for most of us. Vicki did a great job of
stirring the bibimbap! The friendly owners of the restaurant
made us feel very welcome. As one participant told us "I had
never tried any of the (food) before and if I had been on my own I
would not have known where to start."
South Africa was next....this specialist maker of
South African foods such as boerworst, biltong, melktarte and
koeksisters is a family-run business. We felt that we
were visiting good friends. Of course, more
tastings.....
Our afternoon concluded with a wine and cheese
tasting at an excellent specialist food, wine and cheese
supplier. Didier's enthusiasm for quality food and wine
is contagious...we couldn't resist a little more
shopping!
"This was a delicious day in all senses of the word." Lynne, tour
participant
Happy Birthday to Judy, who celebrated her birthday the day of the
tour! We are flattered that she chose to join us
for the day.
You are welcome to join us on our next foodie
adventure.....
Women's Gorgeous Safari Week in Vietnam, September
I just have to share some of the experience of this
fantastic week with you. Ladies, imagine a week
of shopping, great food and daily spa treatments, all in a
wonderful country and with someone else taking care of all the
details.....well, this trip was just that!!
Browse the following photos....if you would like to find out more
about this trip, or any of the other wonderful tours offered by
Gourmet Safaris (not just for women!), take a look at their website.
Please let me know if you are interested in booking any of their
tours, as we may have a special treat for Finding Flavour
readers....
Shop in Hoi
An
Friendly cyclo drivers and tour
leader
Welcoming staff at
tailors Amazing owner of
restaurant and cooking school
Pool and beach at Quy
Nhon
Special in-room pedicure and bubbles
Spa relaxation
area
Beach barbecue evening for our
group
Please let me know if you are interested in this or
any other tour offered by Gourmet Safaris,...we may have a special
"extra" for Finding Flavour readers.....
Web-Site Updates: check our website /
for the latest updates on all our tours, events and cooking classes
and to make bookings.
Minimum Numbers: The operation of all tours and
events is subject to minimum numbers.
Cancellation Policy: Cancel more than 7 days
before tour: full refundCancel
within 7 days: no refund, but you are welcome to
substitute another person in your place
Finding Flavour reserves
the right to amend/alter a tour/event if
required.
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter,
please e-mail with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line.
FINDING FLAVOUR NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER,
2009
Greetings, Fellow
Foodies!
Spring is here! Just
look at these beautiful kowhai blossoms on our
street:
Welcome to the new readers of our monthly newsletter - if you do
not wish to continue receiving our communications, please reply
with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line.
Ladies...Bring a Plate....Second
Helpings:
Congratulations to the lovely Alexa Johnston and her new
cookbook. This is her second cookbook
taking a fond look back at the popular baking in NZ's
past. It is so special that Alexa has given us
the background and personal stories of many of the
recipes.
I am the kind of person that can read a cookbook like a novel, and
Alexa's cookbook is as interesting to read as it is tempting to
bake with. Alexa has promised that Finding
Flavour can look forward to a baking session with her in the new
year!
Upcoming Tours and Events:
Book Now!World in a Day: North Shore,
Thursday, 24 and Saturday, 26 September
This tour received such a great review in the Viva section of the
NZ Herald last year, that we had to offer a second tour to meet
popular demand! So this year we are giving you
the choice of a weekday tour when the shops are not so busy or a
Saturday tour for your convenience.
There is a world of delicious food to discover on Auckland's North
Shore. This popular Discovery Tour is a real food shopper's
treat: German, French, Middle Eastern, Korean, and South African
specialty and artisan foods are just some of the parts of the
culinary globe that we will cover. We always seek to offer you an
extra-special experience, so this year we have added a wine and
cheese tasting at a specialty foods supplier as our last visit on
the tour.
As in every Finding Flavour tour, we will enjoy lots of tastings
and time for shopping. A delicious light lunch is
included. Bring your
shopping bag and chiller bag - you will want to take some treats
home! Cost is only $90 per person. Book
Now! Phone Lynn at (09) 372-7344 or (021)
550-510 or book on our website.
Indian Food and Diwali Celebratons Tour hosted by
Pratima Nand, Saturday, 3 October - This
is going to be a fascinating and delicious day - join
us!
Cookbook author and community leader Pratima Nand is
our guide on this introduction to the culture of Indian food and
Diwali celebrations.
We will start the morning at an Indian sweets shop
where we will sample some of the goodies while Pratima gives us a
brief overview of Indian cuisine and explains the meaning of
Diwali. Then we
are off to admire some of the gorgeous fabrics and clothes that are
purchased for the celebrations. Our next stop
will be at a food store to learn about the many spices used in
Indian cuisine and some of the other food
ingredients.
Lunch (vegetarian) will be at a well-known south
Indian restaurant where, if we are lucky, we will sample some
special foods eaten during Diwali. Our last stop
will be a visit to an Indian temple with Pratima to tell us about
the Diwali celebrations that will occur there.
Book now for this very unique tour! Cost is $110
per person. Phone Lynn at (09) 372-7344 or
(021) 550-510 or book on our website.
Recent Tours and Events:
French Food Discovery Tour with Sarah La Touche:
"The French Food Discovery Tour
with Sarah La Touche and Lynn Huhtala teased the tastebuds,
delighted our palates and broadened our culinary horizons. A
fabulous, exciting and delectable tour with two informative,
friendly and congenial guides. Thank you both for an amazing
day. You thoroughly spoilt us!" Feedback from a happy
participant at the end of our French tour (honest, we didn't write
this ourselves!)
Everyone in our enthusiastic group arrived promptly for our
early departure of 8:15am. The markets wait for no-one,
and we wanted the best selection! Sarah lead our group
through the fresh vegetables in the market. We found a
good supply of celeriac and fennel for which Sarah described
many ways to prepare and enjoy. The fresh pea shoots were a
new vege discovery for most of
us.
Sarah promotes the celeriac! Talking about fresh
veges
We each went our separate ways to explore more of the
market and the rest of this well-known French products
importer.
Authentic French-style salads on offer
Next - time for croissants and coffee - but first
we learned how to roll up the croissant dough. This wonderful
French bakery treated us to freshly baked croissants and pastries
as a reward for our "hard work"!
Dominique demonstrates the rolling of croissants....as Chrissy,
Phil and Pauline watch
Then it is our turn to give it a go
Shopping time at a French deli well-known for its homemade terrines
and pates. We tasted and shopped! Sarah lead us through
the fresh and imported food items and told us how they are used and
enjoyed in France.
Delicious terrines and pate tasting platter
A brief apertif of bubbles, and then we were off to
our wonderful lunch. Voila Cafe is run by brother and sister
team Merouane and Lily Rahal, who were born in Algeria and raised
in Brittany. Their menu reflects this heritage, and we can
tell you that the food was absolutely delicious! We all vowed
to return.
Briony and Vicki enjoy lunch
Chicken ballontine galette
Merouane and
Lily, Voila Cafe
Dessert was a visit to a shop featuring luscious
handmade chocolates. Our final stop on this voyage of food
discovery was a tasting of French wine and cheese. The
knowledge and enthusiasm of Jean-Christophe Poizat cannot be
surpassed. A relaxing and delicious conclusion to our
afternoon.
Matched wine and cheese
tasting
A successful shopping day!
"I loved your enthusiasm and generosity with your knowledge.
Thank you very much for a great day out!", Phil, tour
participant
"A fun, informative and interesting day - well organised, paced and
a great group of people. I would recommend them to all my
friends. Great hostesses. Thank you Lynn and
Sarah." More great feedback from another participant.
Merci beaucoup, Sarah, and all the wonderful food suppliers and
makers, for a fantastique day!
Recent Event: Eritrean Lunch and Coffee Ceremony,
Saturday, 15 August
Our group of keen foodies gathered together to meet at the
home of Aklilu, Rahel and Tsehaines. We couldn't have
asked for a warmer welcome or more generous hospitality for this
very special experience.
Rahel and Tsehaines had prepared several delicious Eritrean dishes
for us to enjoy on the unique homemade flatbread (engera).
These were "zigni", a lamb dish with with onion, tomatoes, garlic,
chili and cardamom; "qusta or hamli", a finely shredded cooked
silverbeet dish with tomato and spices; "ades", a red lentil dish
(my personal favourite) and "alicha", seasonal vegetables with
chili and tomato. We ate these on the flatbread using our
right hand as is their custom. We did quite well for
beginners!
Our introduction to the coffee
ceremony started as we ate lunch. Rahel washed and dried
the green coffee beans, and then toasted them over a charcoal
brazier. After they were ground, the coffee was placed
in a gourd-shaped vessel and brewed. It was served in
beautiful small espresso cups. This process was repeated
three times using the same grounds so that we had three strengths
of coffee: very strong, strong and slightly less
strong!
To accompany the coffee we nibbled on
fresh popcorn and a homemade yeast bread with a similar texture to
scones. The bread was cut by Aklilu, as is their
custom.
During the ceremony, we chatted and
learned more about the family and the Eritrean culture. We
viewed a DVD about Eritrea and we were especially honoured to
view the wedding DVD of Aklilu and his bride in Eritrea.
The warmth of the hospitality we
enjoyed that afternoon more than made up for the cool
winter weather. Thank You to Aklilu, Tsehaines and Rahel for
opening their home and culture to us.
Also thank you to Atomic Coffee who
provided freshly roasted coffee beans for the participants to
continue the coffee experience at home!
Our group gathers in the
home
Our delicious homemade lunch prepared
by Rahel and Tsehaines
Rahel prepares
coffee..........
Tsehaines serves us
Aklilu cuts the traditional bread Enjoying
our coffee experience
Join us on our next Finding Flavour
adventure! Web-Site
Updates:
check our website /
for the latest updates on all our tours, events and cooking classes
and to make bookings.
Minimum Numbers The operation of all tours and events
is subject to minimum numbers.
Cancellation PolicyCancel more than 7 days
before tour: full refundCancel
within 7 days: no refund, but you are welcome to
substitute another person in your place
Finding Flavour reserves the right to
amend/alter a tour/event if required.
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please
e-mail us with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line.