Farewell into Feasting

At work as in any community you naturally form bonds with like minded people and eventually these people transition into friends. One such work buddy for me was Calvin. We shared a love of fine food and he eventually became my love and diet guru, keeping me in line when I was wavering and offering some very funny love advice at times. For instance girls out there - apparently a PS3 is the equivalent of 12 long stem red roses.

So when I heard the news he was moving on I was a very sad gal. The upside of it though was a week long foodathon.

First up Sidart, a new restaurant Headed by the Chef formally from The Grove (This years top Auckland Restaurant). This restaurant was a full 9/10. From the moment you walk into the intimate setting with the stunning view of Auckland city to the incredibly creative and experimental menu to the taste sensations on biting into the artworks everything was amazing and I can't wait to go again. We each had 4 courses and the pics don't do justice but will give you an idea atleast.

First Course
T - Salmon w mascarpone, licorice & goats curd
C - Seared scallops, crumbed fish, prawn & feta

Second Course:
T - Lamb loin, smoked beetroot, yogurt & cashew
C - Firstlight venison, grapes w green pea & dukkah

Third Course:
T - Beef fillet, parsnip puree, harissa & parmesan
C - Milk fed veal w rabbit loin, escargot & paella rice, truffle foam

Fourth Course:
T - Fig pudding, mandarin, caramel & five spice
C - Chocolate textures

Then for our next lunch out we hit The Longroom to make the most of their two for one deal and I had a semi nice Baked chicken breast w' creamy wild mushroom on bubble & squeak.

Next up was a Marker favourite Bolliwood as they have this awesome $10 lunch special which includes a curry, pompadom, naan, rice and a drink, very good value for money. My favourite here is their Palak Paneer a spinach based curry that is really really good.

Lastly but not least – I work with mainly boys and they seem to love pizza. It has become somewhat of the holy grail mission here to find the best or the weirdest for our onsite functions. So for Calvin's official farewell a colleague recommended we try Toto's metre long creations. I know what you are thinking at that size they will be soggy and horrible but they were actually some of the best pizza I have had in years. Sergio’s Monthly Special - Tomato pulp, mozzarella, large caper berries, feta cheese, marinated eggplant, chili & mixed herbs, this was my favourite but they were all good.

What a great week of food.