Friday Lunch @ SIDART

When I first moved back to NZ, one thing I noticed is that long lunches are really not part of the week day agenda...so when I did get a long break on a particular Friday, I jumped at the chance to try SIDART's five-course Friday lunch with E.

As the five course menu changes weekly therefore, they don't have a printed menu. For the life of me, I cannot remember what each and every dish was...

Don't get me wrong, each dish was explained by the well-informed staff but it was just me who didn't take notes as I was just ooh-ing and ahhh-ing the delish food...

Each course had distinct flavours with complementary textures...it's hard to explain how it feels in your mouth when you take a bite but it was definitely very interesting...most of all TASTY without over stuffing yourself (it was ideal lunch time size)!

The perfect Friday it was xxx

For more information about SIDART's Friday lunches: http://sidart.co.nz/

Might try out their Tuesday Test Kitchen which starts end-Jan 2012...

My Saturday coffee place

Having a drink (non-alcoholic or alcoholic, whichever you prefer) is just as important as your next meal. 

Hence, here's a tribute to my fave coffee place in Auckland which is always my first choice in getting my coffee even though it is all the way Downtown (the owners started out in Manukau Rd, Epsom but have since sold that business).

Have good coffee, will travel!

coffee o' clock time!

The menu which makes your choice easier - white, black or not so coffee

Nifty coffee gadgets and literature

Our fave corner...and if you run out of seats, you can always use the crates!

You can opt to drink the coffee they make or buy home the coffee beans they roast

Here's a little tip, if you get yourself an environmentally-friendly Espresso Workshop keepcup, and get your coffees in it, you get a large coffee for a price of a small - my savings scheme hahaha

My coffee is ready! *sips*

 

 

Saturday Degustation Dinner @ Logan Brown, Wellington

In delayed fashion (as it is a delayed birthday celebration), I decided to treat E to a degustation dinner at one of New Zealand's fine dining restaurant, Logan Brown.

Located in an old bank building on the corners of Cuba and Vivian Sts in central city Wellington, one would think that the restaurant would be full of pomp - but that was not the case. 

We were greeted with warmth and service was true Kiwi-style, with a certain ease and laidback-ness that reminds you what New Zealanders are all about - no pretense, no nonsense (and diners showing up in [smart] jeans!)

We decided on the nine course degustation so we can sample as much as we can (typical).

  

E studying the wine list...seems like a bible!

Chilled Macadamia Soup with Fried Chevre, Pickled Walnuts & Chorizo Iberico

Sauvignon Vine Smoked Salmon with Cauliflower Puree & Caper Salsa

Grilled Kingfish with Crab, Celeriac Remoulade  & Scampi

Paua Ravioli with Coriander, Basil & Lime Beurre Blanc

Venison Tenderloin with Kumara Galette, Black Pudding & Quince Paste

Rangitakei Lamb Rack with Pirinoa Station Shoulder, Pumpkin Polenta and Lemon Spinach

Gruff Junction Sumner with Karamea Bluffs Raw Honeycomb

Cardamom & Rose Water Panna Cotta with Pistachio Wafers & Rhubarb

Chocolate Caramel Torte with Espresso Milkshake & Candied Hazelnuts

and a personal touch for E

and to close the delicious meal coffee and boxed chocolate truffle which we took home with us as we couldn't fit anymore in!

If I was to choose a favourite (or favourites)to eat by choice (full sized meals) I'd have to pick the macadamia soup,venison tenderloin, panna cotta finishing off with a big glass of cold espresso milkshake...yum...

E's choices are paua ravioli, venison tenderloin with the espresso milkshake as well!

This was my second time at Logan Brown and I must say, the degustation menu is worth every penny and worth a try. If you ever in Wellington, make sure you book ahead to dine at Logan Brown~! It gives you a chance to sample more than what you are used and trying something different.

We were definitely full to the brim and very satisfied with the meal. Not that we are slow eaters, we took about 5 hours to complete the course...so make sure you have time to savour and enjoy!

Happy eating! x