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We apologise that we do not have more current issues of our newsletter on our website.  We are having "technical difficulties" with loading the newsletter onto the site.  Just let us know if you would like to receive our latest newsletter and we will email it to you directly.  Send your message to lynn@findingflavour.co.nz    Thanks for your understanding!

 

 

FINDING FLAVOUR NEWSLETTER

AUGUST, 2011

 

Greetings, Fellow Foodies!    

 

CONGRATULATIONS to Angela Kirk, winner of two places on a Finding Flavour "World in a Day" Foodie Discovery Tour or new Mt Eden Village Foodie Walking Tour.  Angela was one of hundreds of entrants in our contest at the Auckland Food Show.

 

The Auckland Food Show   has been and gone for another year. Although attendance was not as high as in previous years, we loved having many of our foodie friends from our tours and events coming along to say hello.  It really does feel like an extended family. 

Special thanks to Tuovi Peach, Chrissy Denison, Kathy Kane and Helen Shale for so capably helping to represent Finding Flavour on the stand with me and for their other help to make our participation possible. 
Tuovi, Chrissy and Lynn                 We couldn't have done it without you!

 

 

Love finding those great special food shops?  So do we!  Our new Auckland Food Shopping Guide, 2011-2012 reveals all the food shopping secrets of the Finding Flavour team. 

This will become your indispensable Guide to discover the many and varied specialist food shops in Auckland.  Purchase and download the Guide in PDF form to have information on over 175 businesses at your fingertips, including links to websites and Google maps to make the "finding" easy!  Cost is only $11.90 and 50cents from every purchase of the Guide goes to the KidsCan Food-for-Kids programme.  To find out more about the Guide and to purchase, click here.     You can also purchase the Guide on CD at "Cook the Books", 139 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn. Note their new address - lovely new shop.

 

 

Nici Wickes stopped by to congratulate us on our new Auckland Food Shopping Guide!

 

 

The Herald on Sunday featured a great article on 24 July by Libby Nicholson-Moon on our "World in a Day: South Auckland" tour. The link is also on our Facebook page.

 

We are getting ready for Rugby World Cup with reviews of great places to grab a delicious bite in the Mt Eden area.  If you are looking for a place to eat with good food at budget prices, check out www.cheapeats.co.nz. Reviews are posted every Monday.

Upcoming Tours and Events:

Finding Flavour Participates in Visa Welllington on a Plate - Petone Foodie Walking Tours, 12 and 13 August (Sorry, sold out!)
Only a few days to go until our two walking tours of the seaside suburb of Petone.  These tours sold out very quickly and we are looking forward to sharing our discoveries with the participants.  We are thrilled that food journalist David Burton is joining us as guest co-guide on the tours.  We will post photos of the tours on our website and tell you all about it in our next Newsletter.

 

 

French Food Discovery Tour hosted by chef Sarah La Touche. Saturday, 27 August

Join chef Sarah La Touche and discover all (foodie) things French in this day of market and deli shopping, croissant rolling and wine and cheese tasting.  Sarah shares her knowledge from living in France for many years.  This is the closest you can get to spending the day in France without getting on a plane!  Click here to find our more.

This premium tour includes hosting by Sarah, transportation, lots of tastings, morning coffee, lunch at an excellent French/Algerian cafe, wine and cheese tasting and an information pack to take home with you. Cost is $165 per person.  Book Now!  

 

 

 

 

  New! Mt Eden Village Foodie Walking Tour and Gourmet Lunch  (starting Wednesdays in September and October) and regularly thereafter

Let us show you our home neighbourhood.  On our new Mt Eden Village Foodie Walking Tour and Gourmet Lunch you will meet the many specialist food suppliers and food makers in this historic, bustling village.  Many are family-run businesses with an interesting story to tell.  Artisan bakeries, family-run fruit shop, tea shop, abundant delicatessen, old-fashioned butchery, boutique cake shops are all visited on the tour - with lots of tastings along the way! The Tour concludes with a two-course gourmet lunch with glass of wine at the award-winning Molten Restaurant.

 

This new tour will run every Wednesday during September and October and regularly thereafter.  Other days possible by arrangement .  What a great experience for you and your visitors during RWC (and beyond)!  Special price to Finding Flavour Newsletter readers $110 (regular price $125).  Book Now!

Eritrean (African) Lunch and Coffee Ceremony, Saturday, 3 September

This was such a special experience two years ago that we wanted to offer it to you again.  We are honoured to be invited into the home of Aklilu Hibtit and his family to experience their warm hospitality.  First we will enjoy lunch of their traditional food. Then we are in for a real treat!  They will conduct their coffee ceremony where they roast the coffee beans over charcoal, grind the beans and then prepare (several) cups of coffee for us to savour.  Own transportation required.  Book Now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market to Table: French Market Shop, Cooking Class and Lunch with Sarah La Touche, Saturday, 24 September

What a wonderful way to spend a spring day!  We meet at the French-style market at La Cigale where we will shop with Sarah for fresh produce and other ingredients.  Then it's off to the Dish test kitchen in near-by Parnell where we cook up lunch with a French theme, using the best of the day's seasonal offerings.  Sarah will demonstrate and explain the dishes, and we will all pitch in to help.  We will sit down together to enjoy lunch along with a glass (or two) of wine.  Bon Appetit!  Cost is $185 per person.  Book Now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yum Char Lunch at China Restaurant hosted by Jean de Bruyne, Saturday, 29 October

Ever wanted to try some of the unusual dishes that you see on those trolleys and trays at Chinese yum char lunches but were too afraid to try?

This is your chance to enjoy a delicious (and adventurous) Yum Char Lunch at China Restaurant guided by friend and foodie Jean de Bruyne.  We held this lunch two years ago and had such a good time, that we decided it was time to offer it again.

Jean claims Singaporean Chinese and Dutch descent and has lived in NZ for many years, so can easily cross the "cultural divide".  She will tell us a little about the history of Yum Char before she starts selecting our lunch dishes.  Jean promises to tell us what we are eating! 

Bring a friend to share the fun!  Cost is only $45 per person.  Book Now! 

 

(some) Foodie Events Around Auckland:

 

Gourmet A Gogo - "October Reign" Pop-up Dinner, Saturday 13 August

Last month's "Urbanite" themed dinner was fabulous.  Set in a historic building in Freemans Bay, this hair salon by day was transformed into a sparkling dinner party for two nights.  The food, drink and the company matched the setting.  This month Grant and Jono present "October Reign".  Cost for 4 courses and 4 glasses of wine is only $90 per person.  For tickets email gourmetagogo@gmail.com

PS  Check out the latest issue of Dish magazine for a great article on Grant and Jono and Gourmet a gogo.

 

French Market, French Bay Yacht Club, Sunday, 14 August,  9am-1pm

Corner of Otitori Bay Road and Valley Road, Titirangi

Delicious French and Mediterranean food, bread, patisseries, crepes, coffee, cooked dishes.  Also French brocante and gift items. For more information contact Catherine on 816-9224.

 

Music Afternoon at "Villa Romantica", Sunday, 21 August, 4-6pm

Italian food diva (and host of our Italian Food Tours) Raffaela Delmonte has a busy programme of cooking classes, wine tastings and music evenings.  Coming up on Sunday, 21 August is a Rock and Blues musical event with Italian musician Gabrielle Campani.  Gabrielle was chosen to be the opening act for the George Benson concert at the Vector Arena.  Cost of $40 ($20 for children under 14) includes music concert, nibbles including Otello's artisan cured meats, glass of wine and espresso coffee.

For more information on Raffaela's events and cooking classes, go to www.aldente.co.nz

 

Parnell Farmers' Market, Free Market Demonstrations
Every Saturday at 10am you can enjoy a demonstration at the Market.  Weekly topics range from composting to dairy and flour-free baking.  Find out more on www.parnell.org.nz

 

Cook@Cook the Books
Cook the Books Bookshop has moved to 139 Richmond Road in Grey Lynn (former site of Tulley and Gardener). They have a beautiful new bookshop and even more exciting news for us foodies - they are creating a purpose-built demonstration kitchen for a new series of cooking classes lead by the charming cook/caterer Grant Allen (of Gourmet a Gogo and Herald on Sunday fame).  They are planning to start the classes on 1 September, so check out their website soon on www.cookthebooks.co.nz

 

 

 

 

Finding Flavour is on Facebook!  Join us! We will let you know what we are up to and we would also love to hear from you.

 

 

 

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. 

 

Cancellation Refund Policy

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

Mt Eden Foodie Walking Tour and Gourmet Lunch: No refunds if cancellation is within 48 hours of the tour.

 

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
JULY, 2011

If it's July it must be Auckland Food Show month.  Come and visit us on Stand 325A and enter our contest to win 2 places on a Food Discovery Tour!  The Show runs from 28-31 July.

 

We are busy putting the final touches on several exciting new products and tours to launch and promote at the Show:
* Auckland Food Shopping Guide
* Mt Eden Village Foodie Walking Tours
* Eating out website - Cheapeats.co.nz

 

 

We are proud to introduce the new Food Shopping Guide, Auckland 2011-2012. The Guide is the result of many months of work by the Finding Flavour team and puts information on a wide variety of food suppliers and makers literally at your fingertips. The PDF publication has active links to shop websites and includes Google map links to make the "finding" easier. Launch price is only $9.90, available at the Show and on our website from 28 July. Price from 8 August is $11.90.  Not everyone has the pleasure of a foodie lifestyle, and so we are donating 50c from every sale to KidsCan Food-for-Kids programme.

 

Come and visit us at Stand 325A (next to the House of Knives). Buy the Food Shopping Guide and enter our Show Contest to win two places on one of our Food Discovery Tours.

New! Mt Eden Village Foodie Walking Tours (starting September)

We take to the streets to explore our home neighbourhood.  On our new Mt Eden Village Foodie Walking Tour you will meet the many interesting food suppliers and food makers in this historic, bustling village.  Artisan bakeries, family-run fruit shop, tea shop, packed delicatessen, old-fashioned butchery, boutique cake shops are all visited on the tour - with lots of tastings along the way! The Tour concludes with a gourmet lunch at the award-winning Molten Restaurant.

 

This new tour will run every Wednesday during September and October and regularly thereafter.  What a great experience for you and your visitors during RWC (and beyond)! 

 

 

 

Italian, Middle Eastern, Asian…just another week in the Cheapeats office.  If you are looking for a place to eat with good food at budget prices, check out www.cheapeats.co.nz. Reviews are posted every Monday.

 

 

Upcoming Tours and Events

Finding Flavour Participates in Visa Welllington on a Plate

     
      Guy Littlejohn,Revive Espresso, Petone
          and Lynn, Finding Flavour

We are thrilled to announce our participation in the Visa Wellington On a Plate food festival during August with our new  "World in a Day" Walking Tour of Petone on Friday, 12 August and Saturday, 13 August and even happier to tell you that both tours sold out very quickly.  This tour will visit the specialist food suppliers in this seaside suburb and starts with a "Revive"ing espresso, then moves on to an Asian food importer, Dutch food supplier, amazing international food importer/supplier, Indian foods and spices and a cook book shop.  We even sample some of Petone's own reviving refreshment!  The tour concludes with a shared Italian feast lunch at La Bella Italia.  Tour participants will get a bonus: David Burton, the well-regarded food journalist, joins both tours as guest co-host.

French Food Discovery Tour with Sarah La Touche, Saturday, 27 August
Like spending the day in France without the jetlag!  Chef Sarah La Touche takes us on a discovery tour of French cuisine here in Auckland. We start the day with an early visit to a French-style specialist market, then visit boutique creators and suppliers of French-style food.  Lunch is at a cafe run by a brother and sister team with French/Algerian heritage.  We complete this French food "immersion" day with a wine and cheese tasting.    Tour includes professional guiding by Chef Sarah La Touche, lots of tastings, delicious lunch, wine and cheese tasting, transportation and information pack.  The cost for this premium tour is $165 per person.  Book Now!

Eritrean (African) Lunch and Coffee Ceremony, Saturday, 3 September
We are honoured to be invited into this family home to experience their warm hospitality.  First we will enjoy lunch of their traditional food. Then we are in for a real treat!  They will conduct their coffee ceremony where they roast the coffee beans over charcoal, grind the beans and then prepare (several) cups of coffee for us to savour.  Own transportation required.  Book Now!

Market to Table: French Market Shop, Cooking Class and Lunch with Sarah La Touche, Saturday, 24 September
What a wonderful way to spend a spring day!  We meet at the French-style market at La Cigale where we will shop with Sarah for fresh produce and other ingredients.  Then it's off to the Dish test kitchen in near-by Parnell where we cook up lunch with a French theme, using the best of the day's seasonal offerings.  Sarah will demonstrate and/or explain the dishes, and we will all pitch in to help.  We will sit down together to enjoy lunch along with a glass of wine.  Bon Appetit!  Cost is $185 per person.  Book Now!

Recent Event: South Auckland Food Discovery Tour, 2 July, 2011

"Fantastic day out!  Couldn't have asked for more.  Everything was so personal and well thought out!" Anna Davey

It was one of those perfect days - the sun shone and we were welcomed by Simon Gault at our visit to his Sous Chef business. 
We all got into the groove....Here are a few photos of our day.  See them all on our Home Page…just scroll down past Programme.

  
Melissa guided us at the Otara market    Simon welcomed us to Sous Chef

  
Feasting on our Vietnamese lunch            Indian sweets for a sweet tooth

Special thanks to the businesses who open their doors (literally) to welcome our foodie group visits.  We loved every minute! Thank you to a very convivial group - you all made the day such fun!

I will give some of them the last word:
"Awesome day!  Will do more.  Lots of fun." A happy tour participant
"Great day...flavour, fun and fab people." Libby

Join us when we return to South Auckland on 12 November.

Recent Event:   Italian Food Discovery Tour with Raffaela Delmonte, 18 June, 2011

"Wonderful, fun, informative day from start to finish." Feedback on the day from happy tour participant

Ciao Bella!  Italian food diva Raffaela Delmonte hosted another wonderful day for us on our Italian Food Discovery Tour this past Saturday.  A few highlights  of our day…see more on our Home Page…just scroll down past Programme.   
   
Morning coffee treats        Covo owner Ivan and Raffaela

    
Two young chefs making          Giapo Gelato owner Gianpaolo and group
chocolate "salami"

"Don't change a thing! As always your tours are so interesting."  Kathy West (much appreciated repeat tour participant)

Our next Italian Food Tour is scheduled for November - and we may head out Clevedon way for the day.  Join us!

 

 

 

(some) Foodie Events Around Auckland:

 

French Market, French Bay Yacht Club, Sunday, 10 July, 9am-1pm

Corner of Otitori Bay Road and Valley Road, Titirangi

Special Market to celebrate Bastille Day.  Beef Bourguignon and cheese raclette will be on the menu.
Delicious French and Mediterranean food, bread, patisseries, crepes, coffee, cooked dishes. Also French brocante and gift items. For more information contact Catherine on 816-9224.

 

Sushi Mondays, Sachie's Kitchen
Pick up the most delicious sushi for your Monday Lunch. Sachie's Kitchen is an Asian Cooking School, so you may even pick up a cooking tip on your visit!

Axis Building, 91-95 St Georges Bay Road, Parnell

Italian Cooking Classes, Music Evening and More at Al Dente

Raffaela Delmonte has a busy programme of cooking classes, wine tastings and a music evening.  Enjoy jazz on 10 July.

 

Gourmet A Gogo

We love the idea of Grant and Jono's "pop-up" dinner party events.  The "Urbanite" theme event is being held this weekend. Get on their mailing list so you can join the next one.

 

 

News from Cheapeats:

Raffaela Delmonte introduced me to the Italian café/restaurant Covo on our Italian Food Discovery Tours.  We stop there for a special morning coffee, and after hearing about their food, I was determined to return another time for dinner. If you want delicious, home-style Italian cooking at reasonable prices, then this is the place for you. See my review on Cheapeats.

 

Sign up to receive our reviews each Monday morning.  We would love to hear your recommendations for places we should try out! Send me an email!

 

Finding Flavour is now on Facebook!  Join us! We will let you know what we are up to and we would also love to hear from you.

 

 

 

 

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.   

 

Cancellation Refund Policy 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
JUNE, 2011

Winter?  What winter?  Those lamb shank recipes are languishing as we continue to enjoy unusually warm weather in the Auckland area. However, there is nothing like a slow-cooked leg of lamb, and we do enjoy using the super-easy method first described to us by the ebullient Jean-Christophe Poizat of Maison Vauron. 

 

We are busy working on a couple of projects here at Finding Flavour that we can't wait to share with you.  Watch for an announcement on one of them next week! 

                    

Finally, it had to happen.  We have checked off one of the items on our "to-do" list.  Finding Flavour is now on Facebook!  Join us! We will let you know what we are up to and we would also love to hear from you.

 

No excuses for languishing at home during the next few weeks…we have a busy programme and we would love to have you join us:

• Raffaela Delmonte is set to take you on an Italian food experience again on 18 June (only 2 seats left)
• we offer our delicious Moroccan Tagine Cooking Class on 22 June and
• World in a Day: North Shore Food Discovery Tour on 25 June. 
• World in a Day: South Auckland  - we return there on 2 July
  *     and then we head to the Western Suburbs on 9 July 

Come out and explore Auckland with us!

 

There were lots of laughs on our recent Eastern Suburbs Tour held on 28 May.  While we can't share all the jokes with you, we can share some of the photos.  Take a look later in the newsletter.

 

There are other interesting food events around Auckland during the next weeks…check some of them out later in the newsletter.

 

We have enjoyed some mouth-watering food lately, so if you are looking for a place to eat with good food at budget prices, check out www.cheapeats.co.nz. Reviews are posted every Monday.

  Upcoming Tours and Events

 

Ciao Italia!  Join Italian food diva Raffaela Delmonte on our Italian Food Discovery Tour on Saturday, 18 June.  Only 2 seats left!  Raffaela and I had such a great time on the first tour, we decided to offer it on a seasonal basis. 

 

We start the tour with a brief market visit, before we stop for coffee to learn about Italian cuisine.  Raffaela will guide us through a specialist food store, explaining the Italian food products on the shelves.  Lunch is in her home, so we can be sure of picking up some cooking tips!  We will also have a wine tasting conducted by A Touch of Italy.  We head back into the city to enjoy a refreshing gelato to finish the day.   This premium full-day tour includes hosting by Raffaela, transportation, tastings, morning coffee, lunch, wine tasting and an information pack to take home.  Cost is only $165.  Book now!

 

 

 

Moroccan Tagine Cooking Class with Sarah La Touche, Wednesday, 22 June (evening)

We have had several requests to repeat this fragrant and flavoursome cooking class that we held last winter. Sarah will create a three-course meal during this informal demonstration class.  The food will feature the flavours of Morocco and North Africa - just perfect warming food for a winter's evening. Venue is at the Dish magazine test kitchen located in Parnell.  Cost is $95 per person.  Includes welcome refreshment, generous tastings and recipes to take home.
Book Now!

 

 

 World in a Day: North Shore Food Discovery Tour, Saturday, 25 June
                                                          

We have a world of foodie delights to discover across the Harbour Bridge! Let us share our favourite German bakery, South African deli, Halal butcher, Middle Eastern food supplier, Asian supermarket, French deli and even a great Kiwi chocolate maker with you! Cost is $110 per person.  Includes transportation, tastings, morning coffee, lunch and an information pack to take home. Book Now!

 

 

 

World in a Day: South Auckland Food Discovery Tour, Saturday, 2 July

The following Saturday, we visit South Auckland for a day of real food contrasts.  This popular tour starts with an early visit to the Otara Market, then visits a premium food supplier, Hungarian sausage maker, Indian supermarket and sweets shop, includes a Vietnamese lunch and finishes with a wine tasting. Cost $110. Book now!! 

 

 

   

World in a Day: West Auckland Food Discovery Tour, Saturday, 9 July

Auckland's western suburbs hold some delicious foodie treats.  Join us to visit an artisan Swiss bakery, specialist European deli, Indian/Sri Lankan food supplier, award-winning port wine maker, and gourmet ice cream maker.  Plus we take you to a shop with the most gorgeous Italian ceramics.  Lunch is a shared Malaysian feast! Tour cost $110. Book now!

 

   

Recent Tour:  World in a Day: Eastern Suburbs Food Discovery Tour, Saturday, 28 May

          
 

Lights, camera, action!  Well, maybe not the lights, but we did have a camera crew filming the morning segment of our food tour.  Students from the South Pacific Film and Television school filmed us as part of an assignment.  Should be interesting to see their 2-minute version of the tour!

 

We started the day with a tasting of artisan organic sourdough bread and European pastries…and just kept on tasting for the rest of the day…chai tea, authentic butter chicken, Mexican food, gourmet cheeses, Korean tastes and Italian wine.  We did it all justice!  You can read all about the tour on our website Home Page…just scroll down past the Programme information.

 

(some) Other Foodie Events Around Auckland:

 

French Market, French Bay Yacht Club, Sunday, 12 June, 9am-1pm

Corner of Otitori Bay Road and Valley Road, Titirangi

Delicious French and Mediterranean food, bread, patisseries, crepes, coffee, cooked dishes. Also French brocante and gift items. For more information contact Catherine on 816-9224.

 

Sovrano at Touch of Italy  - Market Day, Saturday 11 June
68G Greenmount Drive, East Tamaki.

Another market, this time on an Italian theme. The friendly people at Sovrano at Touch of Italy are having another market day on Saturday, 11 June from 10am-2pm.  They have some excellent Italian wines at great prices and there will be wine tastings. A knife-sharpening service is offered.  They also have food products - enjoy the toasted panettone tasting and coffee tasting at the market.

Italian Cooking Classes, Music Evening and More at Al Dente

Raffaela Delmonte has a busy month of cooking classes, wine tastings and a music evening.  She also offers the wonderful Italian Food Discovery Tour with us on 18 June.

 

Gretel's Gingerbread
Our friend Marianne Brunner makes the most delicious authentic Swiss-style gingerbread (using honey) and other sweet treats.  Her products are stocked at some speciality stores and she has a regular market schedule. Check out her website on www.gretelsgingerbread.co.nz

 

 

News from Cheapeats:

I visited the latest venture of the lovely Lam family, formerly of Banh Mi Bale on Dominion Road and then of Lorne Street.  Find out what they are up to with their new Saigon BBQ Restaurant.  See my review on Cheapeats.

 

Sign up to receive our reviews each Monday morning.  We would love to hear your recommendations for places we should try out! Send me an email!

Saigon BBQ Restaurant

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. 

 

Cancellation Refund Policy 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
MAY, 2011

 

Wishing Mothers and all Nurturers a very Happy Mother's Day!

We spent several days during the Easter break in Hawkes Bay, having a family holiday and doing some foodie research.  We were fortunate to be there before the flooding. The autumn apple harvest was almost over, but we were able to pick some apples (Jazz) of our own. Nothing like eating tree-ripened fruit, warm from the sun.

The highlight for me was visiting the Farmer's Market in Hastings on Sunday morning.  Just outstanding.  The most extensive array of producers of everything from (almost) A-Z. Some of my picks: Holly bacon, Damson jelly (a Cuisine artisan winner), St Andrews Limes, Chilli growers, organic vegetable growers, and more!  We had planned to offer a visit to Hawkes Bay in our programme this year. It will likely be on a weekend early next autumn with recommended overnight stay so that you can experience the Farmer's Market on Sunday morning.

 

There are so many interesting food events around Auckland during the next weeks…check some of them out later in the newsletter.

 

We have such a busy and diverse programme to offer you at the end of May and in June.  We would love to take you to travel the foodie globe in East Auckland on 28 May and Raffaela Delmonte is set to take you on an Italian food experience again on 18 June. 

 

As proof that people with food allergies and intolerances can still be foodies, Nutritionist and chef Sarah La Touche is taking us on a shopping tour with this in mind.  This specialist tour is offered on Friday, 10 June and again on Saturday, 11 June.

 

Plus we offer our popular Moroccan Tagine Cooking Class and our World in a Day: North Shore Food Discovery Tour.

 

Come out and explore Auckland with us!

 

Don't forget, if you are looking for a place to eat with good food at budget prices, check out www.cheapeats.co.nz. Reviews are posted every Monday.

 

UPCOMING TOURS AT A GLANCE: 2011  World in a Day: Eastern Suburbs, Sat, 28 May Nici Wickes loved this! New! Shopping for Food Intolerances and Allergies with Nutritionist/Chef Sarah La Touche, Fri, 10 and also on Sat, 11 June Again! Italian Food Discovery Tour with Raffaela Delmonte, Saturday, 18 June Moroccan Tagine Cooking Class with Sarah La Touche, Wednesday, 22 June (evening) Requested again from last year! World in a Day: North Shore, Sat, 25 June Plus more to come! Book Now!  We happily do tours for Special Groups.  Call for more information. Phone: (09) 638-6067 or Mobile: (021) 550-510 E-Mail:  lynn@ findingflavour.co.nz All tours and events subject to minimum numbers.

FINDING FLAVOUR NEWSLETTER
MAY, 2011

 

Wishing Mothers and all Nurturers a very Happy Mother's Day!

We spent several days during the Easter break in Hawkes Bay, having a family holiday and doing some foodie research.  We were fortunate to be there before the flooding. The autumn apple harvest was almost over, but we were able to pick some apples (Jazz) of our own. Nothing like eating tree-ripened fruit, warm from the sun.

The highlight for me was visiting the Farmer's Market in Hastings on Sunday morning.  Just outstanding.  The most extensive array of producers of everything from (almost) A-Z. Some of my picks: Holly bacon, Damson jelly (a Cuisine artisan winner), St Andrews Limes, Chilli growers, organic vegetable growers, and more!  We had planned to offer a visit to Hawkes Bay in our programme this year. It will likely be on a weekend early next autumn with recommended overnight stay so that you can experience the Farmer's Market on Sunday morning.

 

There are so many interesting food events around Auckland during the next weeks…check some of them out later in the newsletter.

 

We have such a busy and diverse programme to offer you at the end of May and in June.  We would love to take you to travel the foodie globe in East Auckland on 28 May and Raffaela Delmonte is set to take you on an Italian food experience again on 18 June. 

 

As proof that people with food allergies and intolerances can still be foodies, Nutritionist and chef Sarah La Touche is taking us on a shopping tour with this in mind.  This specialist tour is offered on Friday, 10 June and again on Saturday, 11 June.

 

Plus we offer our popular Moroccan Tagine Cooking Class and our World in a Day: North Shore Food Discovery Tour.

 

Come out and explore Auckland with us!

 

Don't forget, if you are looking for a place to eat with good food at budget prices, check out www.cheapeats.co.nz. Reviews are added every Monday.

 

Upcoming Tours and Events

 

World in a Day: Eastern Suburbs Tour. Saturday, 28 May

This is the tour that won rave reviews last year from "World Kitchen" presenter Nici Wickes:

"I loved the tour from start to finish! Lynn introduced us to places and products I never knew existed in my own city. It was fabulous to meet the people behind the businesses and to sample delicious food all day. A perfect day in my books!"

Join us as we discover an artisan European bakery, Korean supermarket, Italian food and wine importer, spice maker, British butcher and sausage maker and more. Plus lunch at the popular Mexican Specialities.  Cost is $110.  Includes transportation, tastings, morning coffee, lunch, wine tasting and an information pack to take home.  Book Now!

 

 

 

New!  Shopping for People with Food Intolerances and Allergies with Nutritionist/Chef Sarah La Touche, Friday, 10 and also Saturday, 11 June

 

This autumn we are thrilled to offer a new tour for people with food intolerances and allergies. Sarah La Touche has recently received her degree in Nutrition and will share her knowledge with us as we visit specialist shops in Auckland. She will also give us recipes (and recipe ideas) so this is a tour that will both inform and inspire you. We are offering this tour on a Friday and also on a Saturday. Cost is $165 per person.  Includes transportation, extensive information from Sarah, tastings, morning coffee, allergy-friendly lunch and an information pack to take home.  Book Now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ciao Italia!  Join Italian food diva Raffaela Delmonte on our Italian Food Discovery Tour on Saturday, 18 June.  Raffaela and I had such a great time on the first tour, we decided to offer it on a seasonal basis. 

 

We start the tour with a brief market visit, before we stop for coffee to learn about Italian cuisine.  Raffaela will guide us through a specialist food store, explaining the Italian food products on the shelves.  Lunch is in her home, so we can be sure of picking up some cooking tips!  We will also have a wine tasting conducted by A Touch of Italy.  We head back into the city to enjoy a refreshing gelato to finish the day.   This premium full-day tour includes hosting by Raffaela, transportation, tastings, morning coffee, lunch, wine tasting and an information pack to take home.  Cost is only $165.  Book now!

 

 

Moroccan Tagine Cooking Class with Sarah La Touche, Wednesday, 22 June (evening)

We have had several requests to repeat this fragrant and flavoursome cooking class that we held last winter. Sarah will create a three-course meal during this informal demonstration class.  The food will feature the flavours of Morocco and North Africa - just perfect warming food for a winter's evening. Venue is at the Dish magazine test kitchen located in Parnell.  Cost is $95 per person.  Includes welcome refreshment, generous tastings and recipes to take home.
Book Now!

 

 

 

 

World in a Day: North Shore Food Discovery Tour, Saturday, 25 June
We have a world of foodie delights to discover across the Harbour Bridge! Let us share our favourite German bakery, South African deli, Halal butcher, Middle Eastern food supplier, Asian supermarket, French deli and even a great Kiwi chocolate maker with you! Cost is $110 per person.  Includes transportation, tastings, morning coffee, lunch and an information pack to take home. Book Now!

 

 

Coming up in July... South Auckland and Western Suburbs Food Discovery Tours.  Plus the Auckland Food Show!

 

(some) Other Foodie Events Around Auckland:

 

Swiss Market, Saturday, 7 May, Danish House, Penrose
This annual market by makers of Swiss food starts early at 8am.  Look for our friend Marianne from Gretel's Gingerbread.  Her authentic Swiss-style gingerbread cookies and other treats are worth seeking out.

 

Sovrano at Touch of Italy  - Market Day, Saturday 7 May
Another market, this time on an Italian theme. The friendly people at Sovrano at Touch of Italy are having a market day on Saturday, 7 May from 10am-2pm.  They have some excellent Italian wines at great prices and special Mother's Day offers.  They also have food products.  You can find them at 68G Greenmount Drive, East Tamaki.

 

Pastry Workshop at Paneton Bakery, Sunday, 29 May

Our friends at Paneton Bakery make the best French pastries, croissants and bread.  Even better, they are happy to share some of their knowledge with us!  Their next class will be held on Sunday, 29 May (subject to numbers). For more information, email madeleine@panetonbakery.co.nz 

 

Italian Cooking Classes and Other Food Events at Al Dente

Raffaela Delmonte has a busy month of cooking classes, wine tastings and a music evening.  She also offers the wonderful Italian Food Discovery Tour with us on 18 June.

 

Gourmet A Gogo Dinner Party, 3 and 4 June

The fun duo of Jono and Grant offer "pop-up" dinner parties.  If you are around on Queen's Birthday Weekend, you might like to go to their "Industrial French Bistro" on Friday, 3 June and Saturday, 4 June. For more information email gourmetagogo@gmail.com.

 

 

News from Cheapeats:

 

In case some of you are wondering, no, not every place we visit gets a review or makes it onto the website.  In fact, in one week I visited two different places with high hopes of great food, only to be sorely disappointed.  Proof that a busy restaurant is not necessarily a good one.

 

However, just recently I enjoyed great food at Piko Restaurant in the AUT School of Hospitality.  If you are looking for a reasonably priced place to eat in the Auckland CBD, then definitely add Piko (and its sister fine-dining restaurant, Four Seasons) to your list. Watch out for my review soon on Cheapeats.

 

Sign up to receive our reviews each Monday morning.  We would love to hear your recommendations for places we should try out! Send me an email!

 

 

 

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.   

 

Cancellation Refund Policy 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.

 

 

Upcoming Tours and Events

 

World in a Day: Eastern Suburbs Tour. Saturday, 28 May

This is the tour that won rave reviews last year from "World Kitchen" presenter Nici Wickes:

"I loved the tour from start to finish! Lynn introduced us to places and products I never knew existed in my own city. It was fabulous to meet the people behind the businesses and to sample delicious food all day. A perfect day in my books!"

Join us as we discover an artisan European bakery, Korean supermarket, Italian food and wine importer, spice maker, British butcher and sausage maker and more. Plus lunch at the popular Mexican Specialities.  Cost is $110.  Includes transportation, tastings, morning coffee, lunch, wine tasting and an information pack to take home.  Book Now!

 

 

 

New!  Shopping for People with Food Intolerances and Allergies with Nutritionist/Chef Sarah La Touche, Friday, 10 and also Saturday, 11 June

 

This autumn we are thrilled to offer a new tour for people with food intolerances and allergies. Sarah La Touche has recently received her degree in Nutrition and will share her knowledge with us as we visit specialist shops in Auckland. She will also give us recipes (and recipe ideas) so this is a tour that will both inform and inspire you. We are offering this tour on a Friday and also on a Saturday. Cost is $165 per person.  Includes transportation, extensive information from Sarah, tastings, morning coffee, allergy-friendly lunch and an information pack to take home.  Book Now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ciao Italia!  Join Italian food diva Raffaela Delmonte on our Italian Food Discovery Tour on Saturday, 18 June.  Raffaela and I had such a great time on the first tour, we decided to offer it on a seasonal basis. 

 

We start the tour with a brief market visit, before we stop for coffee to learn about Italian cuisine.  Raffaela will guide us through a specialist food store, explaining the Italian food products on the shelves.  Lunch is in her home, so we can be sure of picking up some cooking tips!  We will also have a wine tasting conducted by A Touch of Italy.  We head back into the city to enjoy a refreshing gelato to finish the day.   This premium full-day tour includes hosting by Raffaela, transportation, tastings, morning coffee, lunch, wine tasting and an information pack to take home.  Cost is only $165.  Book now!

 

 

Moroccan Tagine Cooking Class with Sarah La Touche, Wednesday, 22 June (evening)

We have had several requests to repeat this fragrant and flavoursome cooking class that we held last winter. Sarah will create a three-course meal during this informal demonstration class.  The food will feature the flavours of Morocco and North Africa - just perfect warming food for a winter's evening. Venue is at the Dish magazine test kitchen located in Parnell.  Cost is $95 per person.  Includes welcome refreshment, generous tastings and recipes to take home.
Book Now!

 

 

 

 

World in a Day: North Shore Food Discovery Tour, Saturday, 25 June
We have a world of foodie delights to discover across the Harbour Bridge! Let us share our favourite German bakery, South African deli, Halal butcher, Middle Eastern food supplier, Asian supermarket, French deli and even a great Kiwi chocolate maker with you! Cost is $110 per person.  Includes transportation, tastings, morning coffee, lunch and an information pack to take home. Book Now!

 

 

Coming up in July... South Auckland and Western Suburbs Food Discovery Tours.  Plus the Auckland Food Show!

 

(some) Other Foodie Events Around Auckland:

 

Swiss Market, Saturday, 7 May, Danish House, Penrose
This annual market by makers of Swiss food starts early at 8am.  Look for our friend Marianne from Gretel's Gingerbread.  Her authentic Swiss-style gingerbread cookies and other treats are worth seeking out.

 

Sovrano at Touch of Italy  - Market Day, Saturday 7 May
Another market, this time on an Italian theme. The friendly people at Sovrano at Touch of Italy are having a market day on Saturday, 7 May from 10am-2pm.  They have some excellent Italian wines at great prices and special Mother's Day offers.  They also have food products.  You can find them at 68G Greenmount Drive, East Tamaki.

 

Pastry Workshop at Paneton Bakery, Sunday, 29 May

Our friends at Paneton Bakery make the best French pastries, croissants and bread.  Even better, they are happy to share some of their knowledge with us!  Their next class will be held on Sunday, 29 May (subject to numbers). For more information, email madeleine@panetonbakery.co.nz 

 

Italian Cooking Classes and Other Food Events at Al Dente

Raffaela Delmonte has a busy month of cooking classes, wine tastings and a music evening.  She also offers the wonderful Italian Food Discovery Tour with us on 18 June.

 

Gourmet A Gogo Dinner Party, 3 and 4 June

The fun duo of Jono and Grant offer "pop-up" dinner parties.  If you are around on Queen's Birthday Weekend, you might like to go to their "Industrial French Bistro" on Friday, 3 June and Saturday, 4 June. For more information email gourmetagogo@gmail.com.

 

 

News from Cheapeats:

 

In case some of you are wondering, no, not every place we visit gets a review or makes it onto the website.  In fact, in one week I visited two different places with high hopes of great food, only to be sorely disappointed.  Proof that a busy restaurant is not necessarily a good one.

 

However, just recently I enjoyed great food at Piko Restaurant in the AUT School of Hospitality.  If you are looking for a reasonably priced place to eat in the Auckland CBD, then definitely add Piko (and its sister fine-dining restaurant, Four Seasons) to your list. Watch out for my review soon on Cheapeats.

 

Sign up to receive our reviews each Monday morning.  We would love to hear your recommendations for places we should try out! Send me an email!

 

 

 

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. 

 

Cancellation Refund Policy 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
APRIL, 2011

 

Happy Easter!  What a lovely reason to create an Autumn Feast.  To mark Easter I plan to make a Simnel Cake from a Nigella Lawson recipe.  It is like a lighter version of fruitcake and is just delicious. I buy rather than bake Hot Cross Buns.  So far my favourite bakery for these is Pandoro, but I plan to try them from the Paris-Berlin bakery in Ellerslie. Any tips on where to find great Hot Cross Buns greatly appreciated!

Hope to see some of you at the Readers/Writers Festival in mid-May.  I already have tickets to hear travel author AA Gill and am anticipating listening to Indian cookbook guru Madhur Jaffrey during a special lunch at the Langham.

We have enjoyed two sold-out tours during the past weeks:  our fabulous Inaugural Italian Food Tour with Raffaela Delmonte and our popular World in a Day: South Auckland Food Discovery Tour. In fact, we have decided to offer both tours again in the near future…the Italian Tour on 18 June and the South Auckland Tour on 2 July.  You can read all about these tours on our Home Page…scroll down past the programme.

We have lots more in store for you this autumn and winter…see "Upcoming Tours" below. Also check our website for events from July onwards.

 

 

Upcoming Tours and Events

 

World in a Day: Eastern Suburbs Tour. Saturday, 28 May

This is the tour that won rave reviews last year from Nici Wickes:

"I loved the tour from start to finish! Lynn introduced us to places and products I never knew existed in my own city. It was fabulous to meet the people behind the businesses and to sample delicious food all day. A perfect day in my books!"

Join us as we discover an artisan European bakery, Korean supermarket, Italian food and wine importer, spice maker, British butcher and sausage maker and more. Plus lunch at the popular Mexican Specialities.  Cost is $110.  Includes transportation, tastings, morning coffee, lunch, wine tasting and an information pack to take home.  Book Now!

   

New!  Shopping for People with Food Intolerances and Allergies with Nutritionist/Chef Sarah La Touche, Friday, 10 and also Saturday, 11 June

This autumn we are thrilled to offer a new tour for people with food intolerances and allergies. Sarah La Touche has recently received her degree in Nutrition and will share her knowledge with us as we visit specialist shops in Auckland.  We are offering this tour on a Friday and also on a Saturday to make it accessible for most people.  Cost is $165 per person.  Includes transportation, extensive information from Sarah, tastings, morning coffee, lunch and an information pack to take home.  Book Now!

 

 

Ciao Italia!  Join Italian food diva Raffaela Delmonte on our Italian Food Discovery Tour on Saturday, 18 June.  Raffaela and I had such a great time on the first tour, we decided to offer it on a seasonal basis. 

 

We start the tour with a brief market visit, before we stop for coffee to learn about Italian cuisine.  Raffaela will guide us through a specialist food store, explaining the Italian food products on the shelves.  Lunch is in her home, so we can be sure of picking up some cooking tips!  We will also have a wine tasting conducted by A Touch of Italy.  We head back into the city to enjoy a refreshing gelato to finish the day.   This premium full-day tour includes hosting by Raffaela, transportation, tastings, morning coffee, lunch, wine tasting and an information pack to take home.  Cost is only $165.  Book now!

Moroccan Tagine Cooking Class with Sarah La Touche, Wednesday, 22 June (evening)

We have had several requests to repeat this fragrant and flavoursome cooking class that we held last winter. Sarah will create a three-course meal during this informal demonstration class.  The food will feature the flavours of Morocco and North Africa - just perfect warming food for a winter's evening. Venue is at the Dish magazine test kitchen located in Parnell.  Cost is $95 per person.  Includes welcome refreshment, generous tastings and recipes to take home.
Book Now!

World in a Day: North Shore Food Discovery Tour, Saturday, 25 June
We have a world of foodie delights to discover across the Harbour Bridge! Let us share our favourite German bakery, South African deli, Halal butcher, Middle Eastern food supplier, Asian supermarket, French deli and even a great Kiwi chocolate maker with you! Cost is $110 per person.  Includes transportation, tastings, morning coffee, lunch and an information pack to take home. Book Now!


Coming up in July... South Auckland and Western Suburbs Food Discovery Tours.  Plus the Auckland Food Show!

 

Recent Event: World in a Day: South Auckland Foodie Discovery Tour, Saturday, 9 April

Here are just a few of the photos of our day…check out our Home page for more…

"Thought I knew every nook and cranny that sells food - but I really didn't." Pleasantly surprised tour participant, Gretchen

Another beautiful autumn day for us  - this time to explore South Auckland.  This is our most popular tour - there is such food diversity in this area.  Our group arrived bright (?) and early for our drive to the Otara Market.
  
  
Our market guide Melissa "talks taro"      


Simon Gault with our group

From "market" to "upmarket"...we visited Simon Gault's premium food import business, Sous Chef.  The "master chef" himself came to greet us and tell us about the tempting range of products.  The shopping bags were very full after this stop!

After our visit to a maker of authentic Hungarian and European sausages and smallgoods, it was time to relax with a Vietnamese lunch feast...We pursued an Indian food theme after lunch.  Our last stop was at Villa Maria Wines for a wine tasting...a relaxing end to our busy day.

'"Finding" is the operative word.  Great day thanks.'  Feedback on the day

Thank you to our great group of foodies...you shopped and shared information to make the day so interesting.  Thank you to the wonderful food makers and suppliers of South Auckland, and our passionate market guide, Melissa.

New Dates:  We have had such interest in this tour that we have scheduled two more in the coming year:  Saturday, 2 July and Saturday, 12 November.  Book early and save disappointment!

 


Recent Event:  Inaugural Italian Food Discovery Tour with Raffaela Delmonte, Saturday, 2 April

Here are just a few of the photos of our day…check out our Home page for more…

"A great day, friendly, relaxed, with like-minded people.  It's amazing what you find out about your own city."  Feedback on the day.

Ciao, Bella!  Italian food diva Raffaela Delmonte took us on a journey of Italian food discovery on a sunny autumn day. She shared the story of her arrival in New Zealand and of her passion for good food shared with family and friends. We were all tempted to share in "la dolce vita" with her!

  
  
Tasting Karaka Grove olive oil



Raffaela with tastings



A shopping tour of the new Farro Fresh revealed some delicious Italian products.
Raffaela explained the smallgoods and cheeses...with tastings of course!

Next our journey took us to the idyllic rural setting of Raffaela's home.  We enjoyed antipasti of fresh figs from the market, Otello's sausage, cheese, Raffaela's quince paste and organic honey from Raffaela's property.

Phil Clarke from A Touch of Italy guided us through a tasting of several Italian wines.  We learned about the authentic Italian sausages made by Raffaela's husband.  Check out www.Otellos.co.nz

  
Raffaela demonstrated making polenta and our main dish using Otello's sausages.

We returned to the city to enjoy authentic Italian gelato at Giapo's:
  


Lynn and Gianpaolo                         

Tour Update: Raffaela and I are now offering this wonderful tour on a seasonal basis. The next Italian Food Discovery Tour will be held on Saturday, 18 June and then again in November.  Join us!

 

At least once each week for the past few months I have been taking friends along to help me check out restaurants that offer great food at great prices. And we have succeeded in making some excellent finds!  Colleague Alexia Santamaria and I have launched www.cheapeats.co.nz where you will find our reviews of restaurants that offer a meal for around $20 per person (or less!). Sign up to receive our reviews each Monday morning.  We would love to hear your recommendations for places we should try out!

Congratulations to our friends at Sri Puteri's who have been acknowledged as one of Auckland's best Malaysian restaurants.  We can attest to that!  Our good foodie friend Anthea shared the secret of Sri Puteri's with us late last year….check out our review.  It is definitely worth the trip to Panmure to try them out.  Tell them that Lynn from Cheapeats/Finding Flavour sent you!

 

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.   

Cancellation Refund Policy 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
MARCH, 2011


Life has changed forever for the people of Christchurch. Whatever help we can all provide, even in some small way, would be welcome. Christchurch, we are thinking of you.

As it happened, Nici Wickes and I were set to leave for Christchurch the day after the earthquake to do research for our Foodie Day Tour planned for May.  Unfortunately that tour has now been cancelled for the foreseeable future.  We will keep in touch with our foodie friends in Christchurch and plan another tour perhaps next year.

Our programme is also being revised due to the upcoming Rugby World Cup.  We are unable to offer any tours requiring transportation during September and October due to the unavailability of rental vehicles. The Eritrean Lunch and Coffee Ceremony has now been rescheduled to September and our annual popular French Food Tour hosted by Sarah La Touche has been brought forward and will be offered in August.

 

Later this autumn, Sarah and I hope to offer a Market Shop, Cooking Class and Lunch on a Saturday morning.  We have had requests to repeat the Moroccan Cooking Class, so look for that class featuring warming tagines to be held in early winter. We will update our website regularly.

 

Upcoming Tours

Ciao Italia!  Join Italian food diva Raffaela Delmonte on our new Italian Food Discovery Tour on Saturday, 2 April.  We start the tour with a brief market visit, before we stop for coffee to learn about Italian cuisine.  Raffaela will guide us through a specialist food store, explaining the Italian food products on the shelves.  Lunch is in her home, so we can be sure of picking up some cooking tips!  We will also have a wine tasting conducted by A Touch of Italy.  We head back into the city to enjoy a refreshing gelato to finish the day.   This premium full-day tour includes hosting by Raffaela, transportation, tastings, morning coffee, lunch, wine tasting and an information pack to take home.  Cost is only $165.  Book now!

 

The following Saturday, 9 April we visit South Auckland for a day of real food contrasts.  This tour starts with an early visit to the Otara Market, then visits a premium food supplier, Hungarian sausage maker, Indian supermarket and sweets shop, includes a Vietnamese lunch and finishes with a wine tasting. Cost $110. There is only one seat left on this tour, so book now!  We will repeat this tour again in November.

We complete our circuit of Auckland suburbs with our World in a Day: Eastern Suburbs Food Discovery Tour on Saturday, 28 May.  This was the tour that Nici Wickes joined us on last year and gave us such a positive review.  There have been changes with some of the food suppliers in that part Auckland, so we will be updating the tour itinerary. You can be assured of a delicious world of food…think Asian, Indian, Italian and even Kiwi! Cost including transportation, morning coffee, lots of tastings, lunch and an information pack to take home is $110.  Book Now!

 

Recent Event:  Chinese New Year Ceremony at Home of Jean de Bruyne, Saturday, 5 February

 

The sun shone (as usual) on this annual event held by friend Jean de Bruyne.  Jean has Dutch/Singapore Chinese heritage, and we are fortunate that she celebrates her heritage by sharing the traditions with us.

 

We were warmly welcome by Jean who had decorated her home and garden for the day.  The event kicked off with a visit by a professional Lion Dancing troupe.  The lion "ate" the food offering and took our payment of a coin in an envelope that we dangled from a stick. The focal point of the afternoon was the creation of our own wealth jar.  We placed in the jar symbolic items that held meaning to us regarding our goals for the coming year. As part of our process, we were welcome to walk the labyrinth or conduct a tea ceremony.  As the sun started to set, we relaxed with a glass of wine and enjoyed some traditional Chinese New Year food.  This was a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture and take some time out for reflection on the upcoming year.  I highly recommend it and suggest you join us next year!

 

Here are a couple of photos of the event….see more on the website:

 

     
Our host, Jean de Bruyne "Lion" reaching for food

 

    
Event participants                         Completed wealth jars

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. 

 

Cancellation Refund Policy 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
FEBRUARY, 2011

 

Welcome to our first newsletter of the New Year! We hope that you had a relaxing summer break and are ready to join us on some of the foodie adventures that we have in store for you this year.

 

We had a wonderful "White Christmas" in Canada where we "oohed" and "aahed" over the stunning light displays.  We enjoyed an excellent New Year's Eve dinner at Edmonton's "Hardware Grill" and ate all the wild salmon and halibut that we could during our time in Vancouver. Managed to even find a café that made a latte NZ-style, but it sure is good to get back to our summer sunshine and fresh fruit and vegetables.  Plus of course our great coffee culture!  I have shared some photos with you later in the newsletter.

  I am looking forward to my Chinese New Year experience at the home of friend Jean de Bruyne on Saturday, 5 February. We will create a symbolic wealth jar and enjoy some traditional Chinese New Year food.  This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture and take some time out for reflection on the upcoming year.  I highly recommend it and suggest you join us next year.

 We have lots of other exciting opportunities for you to experience a world of food culture here in our own Auckland backyard…and in Christchurch's, too! Two new premium tours for you this year: our Italian Food Discovery Day Tour hosted by the dynamic Italian cook, Raffaela Delmonte on Saturday, 2 April. On 14 May we offer our new Christchurch Food Discovery Day Tour hosted by "Ms Foodie Personality" Nici Wickes, presenter of TV's "World Kitchen" and restaurant critic for the NZ Herald, Both promise to be a very special day with lots of delicious food and lots of fun.  Tour-only cost is $165 per person.  Space is limited on each tour so Book Now!

 

Tour Programme Highlights, February-June, 2011

First up on 19 February is our ever-popular "World in a Day: North Shore Food Discovery Tour".  South Africa, Germany, Korea, the Middle East, France and even New Zealand all feature on this day of foodie discoveries, tastings and shopping across Auckland's Harbour Bridge. Tour cost $110. Book now!

 

We head out to West Auckland on Saturday 19 March.  A specialist European deli, Indian/Sri Lankan food supplier, Malaysian lunch and gourmet ice cream maker await us in Auckland's western suburbs.  We even veer off the foodie path to shop in the most gorgeous Italian ceramics shop. Tour cost $110. Book now!

 

Immerse yourself in all foodie things Italian on Saturday, 2 April with host Raffaela Delmonte.  This new premium tour includes visits to food suppliers where Raffaela will point out and explain ingredients used in Italian cooking, offer us lunch at her home, conduct an Italian wine tasting and take us to an Italian gelato maker/retailer. Lots of tastings and tips on making your own authentic Italian food at home. Tour cost $165. Book now!

 

 Raffaela Delmonte immerses us in Italian food culture

 

The following Saturday, 9 April we visit South Auckland for a day of real food contrasts.  This tour starts with an early visit to the Otara Market, then visits a premium food supplier, Hungarian sausage maker, Indian supermarket and sweets shop, includes a Vietnamese lunch and finishes with a wine tasting. Cost $110. We already have several bookings for this tour, so book now!  We will repeat this tour again in the spring.

 

 

Grab yourself a cheap flight and join the effervescent Nici Wickes and me as we discover some of the food delights of Christchurch on Saturday, 14 May.  This is a premium tour that will include visits to a variety of food makers and suppliers and will include a delicious lunch. Nici is off to do a reconnaissance trip in the next few weeks, and we will post further information on our website once we have the details. This is being held the weekend after Mother's Day and would make a great Mother's Day gift!  Spend the day or the weekend and support this city.  Tour-only cost $165. Book Now!

 

 Nici Wickes hosts our tour of Christchurch

 

We complete our circuit of Auckland suburbs with our "World in a Day: Eastern Suburbs Food Discovery Tour" on Saturday, 28 May.  This was the tour that Nici Wickes joined us on last year and gave us such a positive review.  There have been changes with some of the food suppliers in that part Auckland, so we will be updating the tour itinerary. You can be assured of a delicious world of food…think Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern and even Kiwi!

 

In June we offer something totally different - Eritrean Lunch and Coffee ceremony, on Saturday, 25 June (date TBC).  We were honoured to visit the home of Aklilu Hibtit and his sisters in 2009, and they have always offered us an open invitation for a return visit.  This is an experience to remember as you sample traditional homemade Eritrean food and then observe the elaborate coffee ceremony. Be ready for a caffeine super-charge! Numbers are limited. Cost $45.

 

Our Canadian White Christmas

There is nothing like a northern hemisphere Christmas.  In Canada we enjoyed the Christmas lights from 4pm onwards as dusk started to fall.  The Christmas baking, egg nog, turkey and other goodies all makes sense in the frosty weather. Most important was the time spent with family and friends. If your travels take you to Edmonton we recommend the "Hardware Grill" for a special dinner.  Our secret find in Whistler was "Caio Thyme".  Ignore the twee name and go there at any time of day for the most outstanding food.  Here are some of the photo highlights:

 

                
One of the many trees in the lobby of the Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver

 
Chocolate dessert buffet, Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver

                       
Large portable oven to roast that Christmas turkey!   

 
Making snow angels

                              
Ice fishing on a lake           Hardware Grill, Edmonton        

 

                 

         
Outdoor hockey rink                          

 
Central Alberta with Rockies on the horizon

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. 

 

Cancellation Refund Policy 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

DECEMBER, 2010

 

Wishing all our food-loving friends a very delicious and Merry Christmas!  Thank you for your support this year, and we hope to meet many more of you in 2011.

The office of Finding Flavour will be closed from 17 December to 21 January.    We will be doing the big "White Christmas" in Canada, and we are all really looking forward to it.  I will also be looking forward to returning to our brilliant sunshine!

 

Rocket Kitchen chocolate whisky cake

 

 

Finding Flavour Gift Vouchers - Order by 15 December latest!

Our vouchers are proving very popular as Christmas gifts.  Give your foodie friends or family an experience they will remember with a Finding Flavour gift voucher.  We will even make it valid for the whole 2011 year, so they can be sure to pick a tour that interests them the most.  One phone call or email can wrap up your Christmas shopping early….just call Lynn on (021) 550-510 or email lynn@findingflavour.co.nz by Wednesday, 15 December.

 

Tour Programme Highlights, February-June, 2011

We have some exciting new tours on offer in 2011 as well as our popular "World in a Day" Discovery series.  We have had many requests to do an Italian-themed Day Tour, and I am happy to announce that the dynamic Raffaela Delmonte will host our inaugural Italian Food Discovery Day Tour in April. 

 

We are also very excited that "Ms Foodie Personality" Nici Wickes, presenter of TV's "World Kitchen" and restaurant critic for the NZ Herald, will host our new Christchurch Foodie Day Tour in May.  Our first tour for 2011 will be the popular "World in a Day: North Shore" Foodie Discovery Tour on Saturday, 19 February.  Our Tour Programme Calendar is loaded onto the Home Page of our website.  Plan to join us!

 

Tour Price Announcement

We have held our standard tour prices for our "World in a Day" series at our inaugural price for the past three years.  Our new price of $110 will take effect in February.  We hope that you will agree that with a full day of guiding and meeting the food suppliers and makers, transportation, lots of tastings, morning coffee/tea, lunch and an information pack to take home, this new tour price still represents excellent value.  Our premium specialist tours will be priced individually. The price increase does not affect any gift vouchers issued this year.

 

 

Celebrate Chinese New Year, Saturday, 5 February

                                             

 

 My good friend and fellow foodie, Jean de Bruyne, is offering Finding Flavour readers the opportunity to join in a day of Chinese New Year ceremonies.  Jean is of Singaporean/Dutch descent and has held this event for several years.  It is held in the beautiful gardens at Jean's home in Greenhithe, and includes an authentic Lion Dance, preparation of your own wealth jar with time to focus on your goals for the new year, conducting a tea ceremony and enjoying dinner with some Chinese foods associated with the new year.  Cost is $75.  To find out more about this unique cultural event, or to book, please call Jean or Georgia on (09) 413 9188 by 31 December.

 

I plan to attend, so see you there!

 

  Recent Tour:    Christmas Baking and Treats Tours, 4 and 11 December

     

 

What is more fun than spending a day shopping for Christmas goodies and eating delicious food?  Spending two days shopping and tasting!

 

We had a great time with two lovely groups of foodies who really got into the Christmas - and shopping - spirit.  Kiwi, Swiss, French and international baking and treats, along with a shop full of kitchen gadgets and cookware and lunch at award-winning Molten Restaurant made it a day of foodie heaven.  We even managed to fit in a few "pop-up" outlet and giftware shops along the way! 

 

Share the Christmas spirit with us and read about our tours on our Home Page…just scroll down past the Programme Calendar. This is a "must-do" event in our programme calendar, so join us next year.

 

 

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. 

 

Cancellation Refund Policy 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

NOVEMBER, 2010 

 

Greetings, Fellow Foodies!    

What a busy time we have had!  We have lots to share with you, so settle in to read this bumper issue.

We still have a few places left on our wonderful Gardens for Foodies Tour on 27 November, which includes lunch at Peter Chaplin's Rock Café and a visit to the garden created by his partner Adrienne Foote.  For a tour with real Christmas spirit, join us on our annual Christmas Baking and Treats Tour…or bring your friends along and make it your Christmas social outing. Our first date is sold out, so we are now taking bookings for Saturday, 11 December.

Pardon me for blowing our horn….but we have received some wonderful publicity in recent weeks.  Most recent was an article in 27 October Viva, NZ Herald written by Nici Wickes, about how I started Finding Flavour.  Our friend and colleague Sarah La Touche also wrote a glowing article in Waiheke's Gulf News and the folks at the Aucklander were intrigued by our inaugural South Auckland foodie tour.  They are all posted under Publicity on our website.

Special Offers:

Win a cake box from the Christmas Cake Box Company!

Calling all Christmas Bakers!  We know that there are many excellent bakers out there, and we would love to share some of your special recipes with our fellow foodies.  Cookies, sweets, special breads or your favourite Christmas cake recipe…send it in to us and we will post it in our Recipe section of our website.  The names of everyone who submits a recipe by 30 November will be entered in the draw for a wooden box from the Christmas Cake Box Company. 

These boxes do away with the need to double line cake tins with brown paper or baking paper, ensuring your Christmas cake bakes slowly but without drying out.  The boxes are made here in New Zealand from kahikatea (the same non-flavouring wood that was used for butter boxes).  The box comes with a delicious fruitcake recipe or you can use your own.  Deadline for sending in your Christmas baking recipe is 30 November, to give the winner time to try out the cake box before Christmas! Email your recipe to lynn@findingflavour.co.nz

 

The Well-Dressed Foodie

We rarely stray off the foodie path in our newsletter, but I thought many of you would love to know about the custom clothing business called Maxwell-Henry. Now's the time to organise clothes for Christmas entertaining or for summer that look good, feel great to wear and, most importantly, fit perfectly.

Twice a year Maxwell-Henry designs a new range which incorporates design themes and fabrics from the season's trends. They make samples from sizes 8-18 in carefully selected, high quality fabrics and colours, you try on the samples and select the style, colour and size that works, the pattern is adjusted to fit you, a little longer, wider, narrower….. and in 2 weeks you have your stylish custom made garment that fits beautifully. Check out their website  or visit them and see this summer's colourful collection at their studio at 4 Bongard Road in Mission Bay. They will get you beautifully outfitted for the summer. Mention Lynn at Finding Flavour and receive a free gift with purchase.

 

Finding Flavour Gift Vouchers

Soon we will be pounding the pavement (or the malls) wondering what on earth to give our special friends and family this year.  Most of us have enough "stuff" so give them a foodie experience to remember with a Finding Flavour gift voucher.  We will even make it valid for the whole 2011 year, so they can be sure to pick a tour that interests them the most.  One phone call or email can wrap up your Christmas shopping early….just call Lynn on (021) 550-510 or email lynn@findingflavour.co.nz

 

Out and About with Finding Flavour

Finding Flavour at the Mercy Hospice Strawberry Festival, 3 November

   
    


Anthea, Sue and I had a great time dishing out ice cream and fresh strawberries to the crowds in support of Mercy Hospice.  The sun came out just in time for the lunch hour break and we were kept very busy.  We understand that about 3000 servings were sold!  There was a great atmosphere and it was all for a very deserving cause. Wonderful sponsors Phil Greig donated the strawberries and Tip-Tip the ice cream.

Lauraine Jacobs stopped by for a chat.  Try her recipe for Strawberry Spanish Cream on her website.

 

Garden to Table Trust Fundraising Lunch with Stephanie Alexander, 28 October

 

A group of us attended the fundraising lunch for the Garden to Table Trust held at the Langham.  The tables were beautifully set with stunning arrangements of salad greens and veges (I did wonder at first if this was part of our meal but fortunately I held back!). The lunch started with baby vegetable crudités and goat's cheese served on the plate stands.  Fresh fish with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus followed for mains, and an assortment of bite-size sweets for dessert.

 

The real star of the lunch (which was MC'd by the vivacious Lynda Hallinan), was Stephanie Alexander, who talked about her happy childhood memories of family meals and her food career, and the start of the Australian Kitchen Garden Trust.  Our Garden to Table Trust is modelled on it and is currently being developed in three schools.  Many children do not know where there food comes from, much less how to prepare it.  I had a light bulb moment when Stephanie explained that the point of the Trust is not just how to grow vegetables, but how to prepare and enjoy delicious food.  Most children love participating in the programme and take home their enthusiasm and knowledge.  It is a great programme that deserves our support. A visit to the Meadowbank Primary School garden is included in our Gardens for Foodies Tour on 27 November.

 

A Visit to the Crave Food Festival, Sydney

On Labour Weekend my husband and I flew to Sydney to take in some of the Crave Food Festival events.  These occur during the month of October every year.  Despite trying to book the ticketed events almost as soon as they were posted on their website, most were already sold out.  So instead we made extensive use of Sydney's public transportation system and checked out a couple of community food festivals and markets.

 

Read more about it and see the photos on the homepage of our website…

 

 

Upcoming Tours:

Gardens for Foodies Tour, Saturday, 27 November

Let's get growing!  On this tour we visit a variety of vegetable gardens, large and small, public and private. We start at the Meadowbank Primary School, part of the Garden to Table Trust programme. Then we head south to a private garden before visiting the large Botanical Gardens vegetable development.  A special treat this year will lunch at Peter Chaplin's Rock Café, followed by a visit to the garden developed by his partner Adrienne Foote.  We finish at the wonderful Kelmarna Community Garden. A day to inspire and inform.  Tour includes transportation, garden visit fees, morning coffee and lunch at Rock Cafe.  Cost is $110 per person.  Book now!

Foodies living the "green life"….

Our friend Tina Raines recently told me about an e-magazine that she produces that is all about living the "green life", which is aptly called The Green Living Magazine.  It is full of articles about lifestyle, food, gardening, business plus more and I am sure that you will enjoy it.  Tina also creates the NZ Organic Expo and the Green Living Show at the ASB Showgrounds being held in May, 2011. 

 

Christmas Baking and Treats Tour, Saturday, 11 December (4 December sold out!)

This tour is such fun!  It is a great way to do your shopping for your Christmas foodie treats and have an enjoyable day out all in one.  We visit a variety of makers and suppliers of fabulous Christmas baking or other foodie goodies.  We indulge in a special lunch.  This also makes a perfect Christmas outing for a group of friends or workmates.  Tour includes transportation, morning coffee, special lunch and lots of tastings.  Cost is $90 per person.  Book now!



Recent Tour:  Inaugural World in a Day: South Auckland Foodie Discovery Tour

"Would definitely book again...very good value and enjoyable day." Pauline Weeks
"Very well organised, great attention to detail, most enjoyable and informative." Another foodie adventurer

It's never easy being the first to do something new....but our friendly group of foodies took it all in stride and made our inaugural South Auckland foodie discovery tour a pleasure.  We had tour participants from far and wide...Auckland, South Auckland, Bay of Plenty and even Noosa! Here are some of the highlights of our day, but scroll down our Homepage to see it all.

We left downtown (bright?) and early to get to the bustling Otara Markets.  Emma Tavola met us there and gave us a guided tour.

      
Our guide, Emma Tavola      Super fresh veges

Soon it was time to leave for Sous Chef, a premium food import and supply business owned by - celebrity chef Simon Gault.

    
Simon Gault with Sous Chef manager Kirsty Cardy

Simon came in especially to greet our group and briefed us on his business.  Simon has a passion for quality ingredients and as a result he imports products that he cannot source in New Zealand.  Kirsty prepared a caprese salad which certainly showed how a simple dish using quality ingredients can be simply delicious.

Our next stop was for something totally different....an artisan maker of authentic Hungarian sausages and other smallgoods.  The smell of smoked sausages greeted us as we walked in the door of this small business.  Owner Istvan Muik welcomed us and explained their products to us....with lots of tastings!

You must taste this!

It was time for lunch in the ethnically diverse area of Otahuhu.  Lunch was at the long-time favourite Vietnamese restaurant, Sam Woo.  Our lunch-time feast included spring rolls (fresh and cooked), hot and sour soup, duck, lemongrass chicken, beef cubes and spicey salty prawns.  It was so good that we didn't even stop to take a photo! 

We opted to walk a few minutes in the brilliant sunshine to visit a popular Indian supermarket, which has an excellent selection of fresh produce flown in from Fiji twice each week.  Then we visited an outstanding maker of Indian sweets and savoury snacks, where we enjoyed a tasting of two of the most popular sweets. 

A short drive gave us a chance for the food to settle.  We thought that a wine tasting at the award-winning Villa Maria winery would be a great way to finish the tour, and most of the group agreed.

    
Taste-master Mark                             Cheers!

Thank you to the enthusiastic food makers and suppliers who gave us such a warm welcome and opened their businesses to us.  South Auckland is firmly on the foodie map! 

Thank you to our group of foodie adventurers....your feedback will make future tours even better!  Join us when we offer this tour again in autumn, 2011.

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

OCTOBER, 2010

Greetings, Fellow Foodies!    

 

At this time of year I look at our list of upcoming tours and wonder where the year went. If you made a New Year's resolution to give one of our tours a go, there is still time to explore South Auckland with us on 16 October. We have 1 place left for someone to join us on this new foodie adventure.  If vege gardens are your thing you will enjoy looking at gardens large and small, public and private on our Gardens for Foodies Tour in November.  For a tour with real Christmas spirit, join us on our annual Christmas Baking and Treats Tour…or bring your friends along and make it your Christmas social outing.

 

Soon we will be pounding the pavement (or the malls) wondering what on earth to give our special friends and family this year.  Most of us have enough "stuff" so give them a foodie experience to remember with a Finding Flavour gift voucher.  We will even make it valid for the whole 2011 year, so they can be sure to pick a tour that interests them the most.  One phone call or email can wrap up your Christmas shopping early….just call Lynn on (021) 550-510 or email Lynn.

I have been busy working on a couple of new foodie projects during the past few months, and you will find out all about one of them in our November newsletter. In fact, our Finding Flavour friends will be the first to "test out" the product.  No, it is not an ingredient!  But we hope that it will be a useful and practical offering.  Enough said for now!!  Watch for the announcement in our November newsletter.

Let Finding Flavour serve you at the Mercy Hospice Strawberry Festival, Wednesday, 3 November

How could we resist the opportunity to participate in a foodie event that helps the kind and caring people at Mercy Hospice?  Anthea, Sue and I will help serve at the second Mercy Hospice Strawberry Festival on Wednesday, 3 November, in the Queen Elizabeth II Square, downtown Auckland. We are on deck from 10:30-1:30, so please come and indulge in some of the season's fresh strawberries and support this wonderful organisation.

 

Diwali Festival, 30-31 October

The annual Indian festival of light is being held at the end of October this year.  The main celebrations in Auckland will be downtown on the waterfront, or visit the Remuera library at noon on the 30^th for a cooking demonstration of Indian snacks and sweets by cook Roopa.

 

 

Upcoming Tours:

New!  World in a Day: South Auckland Foodie Discovery Tour, Saturday, 16 October

1 place left! You will LOVE some of the places that we have discovered in South Auckland.  This will be a day of contrasts and surprises, from the Otara Markets to a supplier of "creme de la crème" products to chefs (and foodies like us!).  We have also found a maker of the most superb European and Hungarian sausages…but you will have to come with us to find out more.  Cost is $90 per person.  Book now!

 

Gardens for Foodies Tour, Saturday, 27 November

  Let's get growing!  On this tour we visit a variety of vegetable gardens, large and small, public and private.  A special treat this year will be a visit to one of the school gardens in the Garden to Table Trust programme.  A day to inspire and inform.  Tour includes transportation, garden visit fees, morning coffee and lunch.  Cost $110 per person.  Book now!

  Special Note:  The Garden to Table Trust is holding a fundraising lunch on October 28. Guest speaker is Stephanie Alexander and MC is Lynda Hallinan.  For more information or to book contact Catherine Bell at catherine@epicurean.co.nz

 

 

Christmas Baking and Treats Tour, Saturday, 4 December (also 11 December subject to demand)

  This tour is such fun!  It is a great way to do your shopping for your Christmas foodie treats and have an enjoyable day out all in one.  We visit a variety of makers and suppliers of fabulous Christmas baking or other foodie goodies.  We indulge in a special lunch.  This also makes a perfect Christmas outing for a group of friends or workmates.  Tour includes transportation, morning coffee, special lunch and lots of tastings.  Cost is $90 per person.  Book now!


Christmas Outings and Gift Vouchers

Thinking about doing something different for your work or social group?  We can give your group a foodie day to remember, either on one of our existing tour programmes or we are happy to do a customised tour.  We just require a minimum of 6 people.  Looking for something to give your foodie friends or family?  A Finding Flavour Gift Voucher gives them a special experience in the convivial company of fellow foodies.  A voucher to the value of $90 enables them to book any of our regular foodie day tours or cooking classes.  Click here to order a Voucher.

Recent Tour:  French Food Discovery Tour with Sarah La Touche, 25 September

Sarah La Touche and I were thrilled with our recent French Food Discovery Tour on 25 September.  This sold out-out tour consisted of a very sociable group of "Francophile foodies" and we all thoroughly enjoyed the day.  Here are some of their comments:

"Magnifique!  A great day out!"  Joanne Cole

"I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day - it was as good as being in France for the day.  I would certainly recommend it to friends and recommend the places we visited to friends."  Gillian Harrison

"Amazing day.  So friendly and informative.  Great group.  Sarah gave such good knowledge."  Kathy West

"Wonderful (tour) again.  Annual Christmas treat for my Mum and I."  Rebecca and Sharron

 

Our day started early at the boutique French market, then we moved on to try our hand at croissant rolling.  We enjoyed some of them fresh from the oven, along with our morning coffee.  Next, a French deli and food supplier and a delicious array of tastings.  Lunch was at a unique French/Algerian café run by a brother and sister team.  After lunch, a breather to sip on some French mineral water at the importers shop.  We wrapped up the day with a fascinating guided tasting of unpasteurised French cheeses and French wines.

 

Here are a few photos, but visit our Home Page for a complete look at our day.  Why not join us next year?
(please refer to photos on Home Page)

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

SEPTEMBER, 2010

 

Greetings, Fellow Foodies!    

 

We are thinking of our Christchurch and Canterbury friends and their experiences of the earthquake and aftershocks. We can only imagine what you are all going through and send you our support.

 

 

Where has the year gone?  I have already purchased a 2011 wall planner to start plotting our foodie adventures for next year! 

I am eagerly awaiting the Crave Sydney Food Festival programme which is being published on 11 September so that we can make our selections for events during Labour Weekend.  I will be sure to tell you all about it in our November newsletter.

Speaking of great experiences, we had a great Eastern Suburbs Tour on 21 August.  This sold-out tour was such fun with a delightful group of people including Nici Wickes (of "World Kitchen" and Viva, NZ Herald) who had this to say about the tour:

"I loved the tour from start to finish! Lynn introduced us to places and products I never knew existed in my own city. It was fabulous to meet the people behind the businesses and to sample delicious food all day. A perfect day in my books!" Nici Wickes

Read about our day on our Home Page….scroll down past Programme Information.  

 

Our Finnish foodie friend, Jari Jaaskelainen, has kindly shared two authentic Finnish herring recipes with us.  I have posted them on our website in our Recipes section.  You must also try his decadent potato casserole recipe on the Finnish Society website.

 

 

Upcoming Tours and Cooking Classes:

 

"French Food Discovery Day Tour" hosted by Chef Sarah La Touche. Saturday, 25 September  2 Seats Now Available!

Join Chef Sarah La Touche and discover all (foodie) things French in this day of market and deli shopping, croissant rolling and wine and cheese tasting. This premium tour includes hosting by Sarah, transportation, lots of tastings, morning coffee, lunch at an excellent cafe, wine and cheese tasting and an information pack to take home with you. Cost is $150 per person.  Book Now!  

 

 

 

Seasonal Flavour Cooking Class - "Spring Green:  Culinary Herbs and Spring Vegetables", Thursday, 30 September (evening)   Book Now!

 

We are keeping Chef Sarah La Touche busy during the last week of September!  Join Sarah in this last Seasonal Flavour Cooking Class of the year and celebrate the fresh herbs and vegetables of spring.  In this class Sarah will give you tips on selecting the freshest herbs and how to dry them and use them.  She will also feature some of the special vegetables of the season.  Some of the dishes she will prepare include a herb spread, a salad using herbs and edible flowers, a pasta sauce and of course, a sweet to end the evening!  Cost is $90 per person.  Book Now!  

 

 

New!  World in a Day: South Auckland Foodie Discovery Tour, Saturday, 16 October

My colleague, Tuovi , and I have been doing research for our Inaugural South Auckland Tour.  You will LOVE some of the places that we have discovered.  This will be a day of contrasts and surprises, from the Otara Markets to a supplier of "creme de la crème" products to chefs (and foodies like us!).  We have also found a maker of the most superb European and Hungarian sausages…but you will have to come with us to find out more.  Cost is $90 per person.  Book now!

  

Foodie Dreams of Melbourne...1 October Deadline for Bookings!

I would really love to return to Melbourne in November, and I need three fellow foodies to join me on our Inaugural Melbourne Foodie and Shopping Weekend, 12-14 November.  I unselfishly (!) did lots of foodie research on your behalf during my visit there in March and I would love to share some of my finds with you.  Can I tempt you to join me?  Contact lynn@findingflavour.co.nz

 

Christmas Outings and Gift Vouchers

I hate to mention it, but Christmas is coming!  Thinking about doing something different for your work or social group?  We can give your group a foodie day to remember, either on one of our existing tours or we are happy to do a customised tour.  We just require a minimum of 6 people.  Looking for something to give your foodie friends or family?  A Finding Flavour Gift Voucher gives them a special experience in the convivial company of fellow foodies.  A voucher to the value of $90 enables them to book any of our regular foodie day tours or cooking classes.  Click here to order a Voucher.

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

AUGUST, 2010

 

Greetings, Fellow Foodies!    

 

CONGRATULATIONS to Scott Wells, winner of two places on a Finding Flavour Foodie Day Tour, one of 1400 entrants in our contest at the Auckland Food Show.

 

The Auckland Food Show has been and gone for another year, and once again we were thrilled with the interest shown in Finding Flavour.  We especially loved having many of our foodie friends from previous tours and classes coming along to say hello.  It really does feel like an extended family.  Special thanks to Anthea Springford, Jean de Bruyne and Tuovi Peach for so capably representing Finding Flavour on the stand.  We couldn't have done it without you!

 

 

Upcoming Tours and Cooking Classes:

 

"World in a Day: Eastern Suburbs" Tour  Sorry, Sold Out!
Join us and explore the Eastern Suburbs on Saturday, 21 August.  This tour was such fun last year....how can it not be when you have lunch at Mexican Specialities?  This really is an eclectic gathering of cuisines.... spice mix producer, French/German artisan bakery, Italian food and wine importer, plus more!  Lots of tastings and lunch included.  Cost is only $90.  Book Now!  

"French Food Discovery Day Tour" hosted by Chef Sarah La Touche. Saturday, 25 September

Join Chef Sarah La Touche and discover all (foodie) things French in this day of market and deli shopping, croissant rolling and wine and cheese tasting.  Sarah shares her knowledge from living in France for many years and it is a great opportunity to prepare for (or dream about ) any upcoming travels to La Belle France.  This premium tour includes hosting by Sarah, transportation, lots of tastings, morning coffee, lunch at an excellent cafe, wine and cheese tasting and an information pack to take home with you. Cost is $150 per person.  Book Now!  

Seasonal Flavour Cooking Class - "Spring Green:  Culinary Herbs and Spring Vegetables", Thursday, 30 September (evening)

  We are keeping Chef Sarah La Touche busy during the last week of September!  Join Sarah in this last Seasonal Flavour Cooking Class of the year and celebrate the fresh herbs and vegetables of spring.  In this class Sarah will give you tips on selecting the freshest herbs and how to dry them and use them.  She will also feature some of the special vegetables of the season.  Some of the dishes she will prepare include a herb spread, a salad using herbs and edible flowers, a pasta sauce and of course, a sweet dish to end the evening!  Cost is $90 per person.  Book Now!   


Foodie Dreams of Melbourne...

I would really love to return to Melbourne in November, and I need three fellow foodies to join me on our Inaugural Melbourne Foodie and Shopping Weekend, 12-14 November.  I unselfishly (!) did lots of foodie research on your behalf during my visit there in March and I would love to share some of my finds with you.  Can I tempt you to join me?  Contact lynn@findingflavour.co.nz

 

Dreamtime Holiday Photos

During July we experienced one of the most wonderful holidays ever, in Central and Northern Australia.  It was all we had hoped for...and more.   In our last newsletter I promised to share a few photos with you, so just scroll down past our Programme information on our website home page and take a look.

 

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

JULY, 2010

Greetings, Fellow Foodies!    

 

We are late sending out our newsletter this month because we have been away in Australia, enjoying one of our best holidays ever!  You know, one of those "bucket list" trips.  Uluru, Alice Springs, the Ghan Train, Darwin and Kakadu and Arnhemland were all fantastic.  For once, not a foodie focus, but I can say that the cuisine on the Ghan was outstanding.  We took lots of photos and I will share some of them with you next month.  Thanks to Helen for taking care of the office the first week I was away.

 

Earlier this week we enjoyed our "Midwinter Moroccan" Cooking Class with Sarah La Touche.  The theme of this class appealed to many of you, and we had a great response to the class.  Take a look later in the newsletter...

 

I am busy getting ready for the upcoming Auckland Food Show, 29 July-1 August.  Come and visit us at Stand 216A (next to the House of Knives).  Enter our show contest and you could win 2 places on one of our regular Foodie Day Tours.

FREE FOOD SHOW TICKETS - I have 2 show tickets to give away!  Email me with "Food Show Ticket" in the subject line, and the first two emails will win one ticket each for the Show to be used 30 July-1 August. Please include your name and mobile/daytime phone number.

 

Click here  for more information on the Auckland Food Show.

 

"World in a Day: Eastern Suburbs" Foodie Tour
Join us and explore the Eastern Suburbs on Saturday, 21 August.  This tour was such fun last year....how can it not be when you have lunch at Mexican Specialities?  This really is an eclectic gathering of cuisines....Middle Eastern spice mix producer, French artisan bakery, Italian food and wine importer, plus more!  Lots of tastings and lunch included.  Cost is only $90.  Book Now!  

 

 

Foodie Dreams of Melbourne...

I would really love to return to Melbourne in November, and I need three fellow foodies to join me on our Inaugural Melbourne Foodie and Shopping Weekend, 12-14 November.  I unselfishly (!) did lots of foodie research on your behalf during my visit there in March and I would love to share some of my finds with you. The Melbourne Programme is included with this newsletter. Can I tempt you to join me?  Contact lynn@findingflavour.co.nz

Winter Comfort Food Recipe

During June we attended the Finnish Society Mid-Winter (Summer) celebrations, and enjoyed eating some of the traditional foods for dinner.  The potato casserole was beyond good....I could have happily tucked myself up with a fork and a whole pan of this creamy deliciousness.  The unexpected ingredient is anchovies (trust me you can't tell) and I suggest using the light coloured anchovies that you find in the deli section of specialty food stores.  Here is the link to the Finnish Society website and the potato casserole recipe called "Jansson's Temptation".  Let me know how you like it.

 

Recent Event:  "Mid-Winter Moroccan" Cooking Class with Sarah La Touche, Tuesday evening, 20 July
The heavenly scent of spices greeted the enthusiastic foodies who arrived for this Moroccan-themed cooking class.  We nibbled on a tasting platter of eggplant dip (baba ghanoush), buffalo yogurt with olive oil, za'atar and Sarah's own walnut pesto accompanied with flat breads and sipped Obsidian Chardonnay while everyone arrived.  
          

        
Pre-class nibbles                      Obsidian Wines              

  

Sarah with lamb tagine

 

Sarah proceeded to show us the secrets of a flavoursome lamb tagine (the term applies both to the food and to the dish that it cooks in).  While this went into the oven to cook, Sarah served us another one she had prepared earlier that day.  The tagine, fragrant with an array of spices, was absolutely delicious and we sipped Obsidian's Weeping Sands Montepulciano with the main course.  This was accompanied by two versions of couscous with almonds, mint and coriander and a leafy green salad.  Medjool Date and Rhubarb Fool was our luscious dessert.  The traditional mint tea completed our meal.

    
          
      Our luscious dessert                               Yum!

"The tagine was absolutely divine, and the pudding a delightful surprise," praised   class participant, Tamsin.

 

Thanks to Epicure Trading for giving us access to the Dish taste kitchen, to Obsidian Wines for the accompanying wines and to Dish for magazines for the class.

 

We were given lots of ideas for our Spring Class to be held at the end of September, so plan to join us then for something completely different!

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.

FINDING FLAVOUR NEWSLETTER

JUNE, 2010

Greetings, Fellow Foodies!    

 I love winter!  The colder rainy weather is the perfect excuse to prepare all those delicious comfort foods that I love.  I have even made Julia Child's recipe for "Beef Bourguignon" as seen in the movie Julie and Julia.  Enjoy winter in Auckland and travel "overseas" with us on our "World in a Day: North Shore Tour" (only 4 seats left) or better yet, come to North Africa on our "Mid-Winter Moroccan" Cooking Class on 20 July.  Then there is our Melbourne Weekend in November.....!  Our initial programme for June-December is on our Home Page now.  Join us!

In this Newsletter:
1.  World in Day: North Shore Tour, Saturday, 26 June
2. "Mid-Winter Moroccan" Cooking Class with Sarah La Touche, Tuesday evening,
     20 July
3.  Mexican Lunch and Restaurant Updates
4.  Inaugural Melbourne Foodie Weekend, 12-14 November
5.  Recent Event:  Baking and Afternoon Tea with Alexa Johnston, 8 May


Upcoming Tours, Classes and Events

1. World in a Day: North Shore Tour, Saturday, 26 June - Only 4 places left!
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, South African, and Kiwi artisan food are just some of the parts of the culinary globe that we will cover.

Highlights include: German artisan bakery; Halal Butcher and Middle Eastern food suppliers; South African food maker and deli; French deli; Korean supermarket.  Lots of tastings and lunch included.  Bring your shopping bag and chiller bag - you will want to take some treats home!  Cost including transportation, tastings, lunch and an information kit is only $90.  Book now!  Or email  lynn@findingflavour.co.nz

2.  "Mid-Winter Moroccan" Cooking Class with Sarah La Touche,
Tuesday evening, 20 July
Join us as Sarah prepares a fragrant and flavoursome Moroccan meal.  She shows us how to prepare a tagine, an accompanying dish and of course, something delectable for dessert!  We finish with the traditional cup of hot mint tea.  We will send you off into the night having been transported, at least momentarily, to this North African cuisine destination.

This delicious class will be held Tuesday, 20 July, at 6:15pm for a 6:30pm start and will finish at approx. 8:30pm.  Cost is only $90 per person and includes the demonstration class, generous tastings, refreshments and recipes to take home.   Numbers are limited, so Book Now! or phone Lynn (021) 550-510. 

3. Authentic Mexican Lunch at Mexican Specialities - Update

Unfortunately, due to space restrictions, we have had to cancel our special lunch at Mexican Specialities.  In the time since we first made our booking, the restaurant size has been reduced, making it even cosier, but too small for our exclusive lunch.  Please do visit them during the daytime, Thursday-Saturday at 92 Marua Rd, Ellerslie (around the side).  You will love their food and their hospitality. (I particularly recommend the shrimp taco.)

 
Another authentic Mexican restaurant worth checking out is the newly opened AHSI  ITZCALLI MEXICAN AND MAYA FOOD 2 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn.  Phone: 09 376 01 96 or contact mexars@yahoo.com.mx.  This is run by the same family that operates the Mexican stall at the Ponsonby International Food Court, so the food should be excellent.  Your feedback on this restaurant would be most welcome!
                 

 

4.  Inaugural Melbourne Foodie and Shopping Weekend, 12-14 November

 How does a weekend of fabulous food and shopping in Australia's most cosmopolitan city sound?  Join us on our inaugural Melbourne Foodie Weekend, Friday, 12 November to Sunday, 14 November.  We should enjoy spring weather for our forays into the shops and restaurants of this great city.  You might even get a start on your Christmas shopping!  We only need 3 bookings (and a maximum of 6) to make this weekend happen, so get a couple of friends to join you.  For more information and an outline itinerary, check the website or call Lynn (021) 550-510.

 

  Recent Event:  Baking and Afternoon Tea with Alexa Johnston

  Alexa welcomed the participants to this extremely popular special event into her heritage villa and proceeded to bake and chat away a chilly autumn afternoon.  She prepared a number of dishes from her best-selling cookbooks, including Honeymoon Sandwiches, Savoury Cheese Dreams, Crunchy Apple Slice, French Bonbons and more. Alexa had set her large dining table with embroidered table cloths and bone china teacups and saucers, which we sat around after her demonstration to enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea.

Alexa regaled the group with the stories behind the recipes and her cookbooks, as well as giving us great baking tips along the way.  We eagerly await her next publication "What's for Pudding?", being published in 2011.

 

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

MAY, 2010

Greetings, Fellow Foodies!    

 Mother's Day - Gift Vouchers from Finding Flavour make the perfect present!

 There is still time for you to order a Gift Voucher for that special female family member or friend.  They can join us on any standard priced Foodie Day Tour or Cooking Class in the coming year....a unique experience that we promise they will love!  Email Lynn now on lynn@findingflavour.co.nz.

In this Newsletter:
Upcoming May and June Tours, Classes and Events:
1. World in a Day:  Central Suburbs Tour, Saturday, 29 May
2. Mexican Lunch at Mexican Specialties Restaurant, Sunday, 13 June
3. World in Day: North Shore Tour, Saturday, 26 June
4. Recent Event: Seasonal Flavour Autumn Cooking Class with Sarah La Touche
5. Recent Tour:  World in a Day: Western Suburbs Inaugural Tour   

Upcoming May and June Tours, Classes and Events

1.World in a Day: Central Suburbs Tour, Saturday, 29 May

French pastries, fragrant Indian spices, amazing Asian foods, Middle Eastern hospitality...you will experience all this and more on our day of discoveries and tastings of Auckland's Central Suburbs.  Newly revised, this tour takes you around the Mt Eden, Onehunga and Dominion Rd areas for an international foodie adventure.  You will also get the opportunity to shop at an Importer's Kitchenware outlet.  Cost including transportation, tastings, lunch and an information kit is only $90.  Book now!  Or email lynn@findingflavour.co.nz

 

2.Authentic Mexican Lunch at Mexican Specialities, Sunday, 20 June

Let us share the secret of this convivial Mexican restaurant with you!  Tucked away on a side street in Ellerslie hides this small restaurant run by Jose Carlos de la Macorra and  Maria Batiz. It has become very popular with "those in the know", but it is only open during the day from Thursday to Saturday. 

We have persuaded Jose and Maria to open just for Finding Flavour for an exclusive lunch on Sunday, 13 June.  Jose will cook us a variety of authentic Mexican dishes (including one dish with a mole sauce) while we enjoy the warm hospitality provided by Maria.  Cost including a welcome drink and lunch is only $55 per person.  Book Now!  Or email lynn@findingflavour.co.nz

 

3.World in a Day: North Shore Tour, Saturday, 26 June

Join us to discover a world of foodie delights across the Harbour Bridge.  This is always a popular tour, and for good reason.  During the day you will visit an artisan German bakery, French deli, Halal butcher and Middle Eastern food importer, Korean supermarket plus more!   Cost including transportation, tastings, lunch and an information kit is only $90.  Book now!  Or email lynn@findingflavour.co.nz

 

 

4.Recent Event:  Seasonal Flavour Autumn Cooking Class with Sarah La Touche, Thursday, 29 April

"Very well planned, generous with portions and wine.  Great length of time - very informative.  Loved the class.  Thanks."  Gillian
"Loved her (Sarah's) natural style and she is just from the heart which is refreshingly genuine."  Class participant

We were all in a convivial mood as we gathered to enjoy warming autumn foods prepared for us by Sarah La Touche. This was the first time that we used the kitchen of Epicure Trading, and it worked a treat.  Participants were offered a glass of wine along with a complimentary bag of hand-made Real Potato Crisps and a copy of Dish magazine on arrival. 

Sarah introduced us to those more unusual but delicious seasonal vegetables, and our menu included Baby Leeks with Walnut Vinaigrette and Barley Risotto with Cavalo Nero.  Our dessert was a chocoholics dream "Crème au Chocolat".  To read more about this delicious event, check out our Home Page, just scroll down past the Programme Calendar.

     
Sarah preps for the class   Gillian helps Sarah tie the leeks into bundles

Join us in July for our Seasonal Flavour Winter Cooking Class when Sarah will prepare a fragrant and warming tagine as part of a Moroccan/Middle Eastern menu.

5.Inaugural Tour:  World in a Day: Western Suburbs, Saturday, 24 April

"An informative and wonderful day.  Thank You.  Really enjoyed the ethnic/cultural experience."  Sandy, tour participant

We were sold out for this inaugural tour of the Western Suburbs.  It was a full day of discoveries including visits to an artisan Swiss bakery, European food importer/deli, South African food supplier, Pakisatani/Indian spice and food shop, award-winning ice cream maker and award-winning fortified wine producer. 

Lunch was at Auckland's best Malaysian food restaurant...a favourite of Simon Gault's.  We even managed to fit in a quick shopping stop at a boutique importer of Italian ceramics, Venetian glass jewellery and masks.  Whew!  To read more about this inaugural tour and see all the photos, check out our Home Page, just scroll down past the Programme Calendar and Cooking Class event.

 

Here is a glimpse of our busy day....

       
Tasting platter just for us                      Italian ceramics


  
Malaysian lunch dishes                                We all love ice cream!

 

 

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

APRIL, 2010 

Greetings, Fellow Foodies!    

 

Hope you have had a lovely Easter weekend and enjoyed your fill of chocolate and other goodies.  I did my usual taste survey of Hot Cross buns from a variety of bakers(!) and made a Simnel Cake, complete with marzipan topping and the 11 marzipan balls.  There were some very tempting displays on offer in our specialist shops:

       

     

We enjoyed a perfect day in the autumn sunshine on Easter Saturday walking with llamas (yes, you read this correctly) at Bethell's Beach.  Karma Llamas is a business owned and run by Penny King (a fellow foodie on our inaugural Sydney Foodie Weekend last November).  We loved our llama adventure....we lead these very calm and gentle creatures on a walk on the beach and over the sand hills and then indulged in a gourmet picnic complete with a glass of wine.  The llamas did not carry us, but they carried everything else!  Visit the website on www.karmallamas.co.nz.

         
Walking with llamas......Penny sets up the gourmet lunch 

I have lots more to share with you in this newsletter, so please read on...

 

In this Newsletter:
Upcoming April Tours, Classes and Events:
    1. Food Alley Feast Lunch, 18 April
    2. New Date - Autumn Cooking Class with Sarah La Touche now on 29 April
    3. World in a Day: Western Suburbs Discovery Tour, 24 April
4. Baking Class and Afternoon Tea with Author Alexa Johnston, 8 May
5. Croissant Making Workshops, Paneton Bakery
6. Recent Event:  Wellington Foodie Discovery Day Tour
7. Recent Visit to Melbourne Food Festival and Master Classes

Upcoming April Tours, Classes and Events

1.     Food Alley Feast Lunch, Sunday, 18 April

We had such fun last year with Jean de Bruyne when she hosted our Yum Cha Lunch that we just had to do another lunch with her.  This time we explore one of Auckland's most awarded food halls, Food Alley, on lower Albert Street.

 

First Jean will tour us around the various stalls which offer a wide variety of authentic Asian food:  Malaysian, Thai, Indonesian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese are all there.  Then Jean and I will order a couple of dishes from several of the stalls for us all to share for our Asian Feast.  This is a great opportunity to "spread your foodie wings" and try something different.  Cost is only $45.  Book Now!  Call Lynn on (021) 550-510 or book on our website.

2.    Seasonal Flavour Autumn Cooking Class with Sarah La Touche. 29 April

 

Sarah returns to the kitchen on Thursday 29 April (new date) for our second Seasonal Flavour Cooking Class celebrating the bounty of the autumn harvest.  Sarah will prepare some unusual vegetable recipes and other seasonal offerings.  We always learn so much from Sarah, both in terms of cooking and in terms of nutrition.  And the tastings are always delicious!  These are popular classes so avoid disappointment and book now!  Cost is only $90.  Call Lynn on (021) 550-510 or book on our website.

 
3.  New!  World in a Day: Western Suburbs Discovery Tour, Saturday, 24 April

We are adding the Western Suburbs to our "World in a Day" tour repertoire.  Our research has turned up some wonderful foodie suppliers and makers for you to discover with us.  We will visit an artisan Swiss baker, European and Dutch food suppliers, spice shop and an award-winning ice cream maker.  Thanks to fellow-foodie Alexia Santamaria for telling us about a family-run Malaysian restaurant where we will enjoy lunch.  Our day wraps up with a tasting of award-winning fortified wines!

Come on!  Become a Westie for a day and join us on this great tour.  Cost is only $90 and includes lots of tastings, a delicious lunch, transportation and information pack. We already have several bookings for this tour so don't miss out.  Book Now!  Call Lynn on (021) 550-510 or book on our website.

4.  Baking Class and Afternoon Tea with Author Alexa Johnston, Saturday, 8 May

We are thrilled that Alexa Johnston, author of the best-selling cookbooks Ladies, a Plate and A Second Helping, has invited us into her home for an afternoon of baking, stories from her cookbooks and afternoon tea.  

Cost is only $90 per person and includes baking demonstration by Alexa in her home followed by afternoon tea.  Numbers are strictly limited  - first in, first served, so book now! Call/text Lynn on (021) 550-510 or email lynn@findingflavour.co.nz. 

  5.  Croissant Making Workshops, Paneton Bakery, April - June

Our friends at Paneton Bakery are offering croissant making workshops on 11 and 18 April, 2 May and 27 June. We all love their ready-to-proof and bake frozen croissant dough. This is your opportunity to get behind the scenes and have a hands-on experience in making the perfect croissant.  For more information and to book, contact Madeleine on panetonbakerycooking@gmail.com. 

 6.  Recent Event:  Wellington Foodie Discovery Day Tour, Saturday, 6 March

"Fantastic day - experienced wonderful tastes from around the world.  Thank you for a wonderful experience."
Feedback from one of the tour participants....just the experience that I was hoping our group would have, especially since most of them had made the trip especially from Auckland for this tour!

The weather gods were smiling on us at we explored the foodie scene in our capital city.  Forecasts for clouds and winds did not eventuate, and we enjoyed a beautiful sunny day in Wellington and the trendy suburb of Petone.

Any foodie tour of Wellington must include a visit to their premier food supplier conveniently located in the central city.  Terry kindly met us and provided a tasting of specialty food products from Wellington and surrounding regions:  Kingsmead Ngawi brie, Linkwater cheddar, Arobake honey and walnut leaf, Wairarapa gold olive oil, Mela apple juice, Ruth Pretty tomato chilli jam, Rutherford and Meyer wafers, Aromatics smoked mushrooms and Harringtons pepperoni salami.  We ate it all!

    

It is so interesting to see products from suppliers not usually seen in Auckland...and great that a large food retailer is supporting the local growers and food makers.  (No prizes if you guessed that our first stop was at the outstanding Moore Wilson's Fresh!)

   

 Time for coffee....at a specialist coffee brew bar featuring nine single origin coffees and four brew methods!  Charlie and Ben guided us through all the choices and made their recommendations.  

On to Petone....where we started by visiting a Dutch food importer (more tastings!), a spice shop and a cookbook shop on Jackson Street.  Then a little free time to explore some of the other interesting shops.

Photo:  Gouda cheese tasting

 

Lunch just had to be at a very popular Italian food importer whose restaurant is always full to overflowing.  The philosophy of owner/founder Antonio Cacace is to use the freshest and best of Italian and New Zealand ingredients.  We can attest that it is a delicious philosophy!  Our lunch included linguine with clams, ravioli stuffed with pork and beef (the hit dish of the lunch), grilled vegetables and the most delicious seasonal salad of fresh peaches, tomatoes, walnuts and shredded basil.      

   

One last stop....at a treaure chest of a specialist food importer/supplier.  We were given a warm welcome by Stephen and his team, and plied with coffee and tastings of all kinds, including a selection of unusual salamis and sausages.                                

   

Photos: Stephen plying us with more food!  Just some of the salamis and sausages for sale

Fortunately this was our last stop of the day....I don't think many of us had room to taste another thing!"A thoroughly enjoyable day.  Thank You."   Feedback from tour participant Liz.

Join us next year when we return to Wellington for another delicious foodie tour.  And watch out for possible day tours in Nelson or Napier/Hawkes Bay!

 

7.  Melbourne Food Festival and Master Classes, 18-21 March

It was a tough weekend, but I managed to eat and shop my way through it!  Melbourne celebrates all things to do with food and drink at their annual Food and Wine Festival, held this year from 12-23 March.  I was fortunate to take in a few days of it from 18-21 March, and even did some research on your behalf - anyone interested in a Melbourne foodie weekend in November?

It's hard to say what I enjoyed the most:  visiting some unique food suppliers and importers, eating at some of Melbourne's outstanding restaurants or the day of Master Classes that I attended.  Heck, I enjoyed it all!  Here are a few photos of the highlights....check out our website Home Page for the complete story.

 

          

Charming Sicilian bakery                         Prahan Market                             Grand Finale dessert, The Press Club

 

            

Amazing Spanish food supplier              Judy enjoying oysters and bubbles     Plating of impromptu Risotto Dish for 200, Master Class

  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

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

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