Luxe Lunch Board

A Mouse Called Bean

Meeting people for coffee/tea chats is essential to one's social life. The coffee date serves as a safe place to sip and share stories with a loved one or friend. These disposal cups were our caffeine infused conduits and we found them to be a conversation piece in their own right. A Mouse Called Bean uses the adorable little face of a mouse as the logo on their stylishly stark black cups. It's pretty unforgettable and so were our drinks. Served quickly and, thankfully, extra hot considering the chilly weather, we were able to get ample chats in all because of a little mouse called Bean.

The Perfect Pretzel Search

It has long been a tradition of mine to seek out pretzels whenever I travel. I'm in search of the perfect one, but have yet to be disappointed.  The distinctive dough, sprinkled with, ideally sea salt, pleases my palette every single time. Breads of Europe delves out loads of these freshly baked beauties every day.

Tasting Tip: Enjoy them plain to savor the full flavor.

Satiated By Sticky Pork

The resounding cry of a dear friend for the past few weeks has been for some sticky pork. Specifically from Spice Paragon. Only served at the Victoria St. location, their Sticky Pork Hocks with diced avocado, roasted almonds and green chilli nam jim is well sought after by the refined palate.

Word has spread about the luxury eatery so we were lucky to rock up and snag a table after being forced to order drinks at the adjoining Khao San Road bar. It was short but sweet time waiting there before we were lead to our table where you we went for gold with the pork. Crispy on the outside, the juicy inside melts in your mouth, oozing flavor deep into your belly and your senses.

"This gorgeous sauce is the key. To die for."  Truer words couldn't be spoken by the truly pork-obsessed friend who, rest assured, left satiated.

Sweet & Natural

We usually do just a fruit platter but on sluggish days, throw in some cookies for an extra sugar kick. Oven-warmed Cookie Time Original Chocolate Chip.

Coffee as well?
Oh! Yes, please.

Your Midday Margarita

Let your eyes sip and enjoy.

#eatdrinkandbemerry

Instapost: Midnight Mac n' Cheese

Beautiful Bottles

A friend of mine recently posted this photo on Instagram. They prefer to remain anonymous but it's simply a beautiful bottle lineup.

Oh...Okra

They are known internationally as Bhindi, ladies' fingers, or bamia among other names, but the mucilaginous nature of the okra plant is unmistakable. That slimy goo tells keen palettes that okra has permeated the premises.

It's not for everyone. In doing a bit of street research, it's a love/hate relationship with okra in this world. This finding is surprising considering it's a cultigen. That means people, over the course of time in Ethiopia and South Asia, chose to cultivate this plant for their own domestic and, in this case, digestive purposes.

We enjoyed this shared okra salad plate at The Bodhi Tree. Yonba dedi they call it. Burmese cuisine. Or is it Myanmar now? Whatever the case, this healthy dinner addition was divine. As a Texas family, we normally enjoy the more unhealthy potion: Southern Fried. Those are yum, y'all.

However you enjoy okra, please do. It's so good and good for you.

Note: History even recorded the slimy little delicacy dating back to the time of Moors. I suppose, one must be healthy to pillage and plunder.

Simple Soup Does The Job

It is getting cold. The chill you to the bones kind of cold. I have been finding smart ways to warm up but if your body needs a full-on jolt of heat, then soup is the easiest way to go. I enjoyed this delicious carrot and potato soup for brunch a few weeks back from The Beach Cafe. It was perfectly seasoned and portioned with just a bit of heat to wake up the palette as well as warm the soul. A smooth soup texture paired well with the crusty bread I used to dip and taste. No crumbly bits and no leftover soup either. This was absolutely the cure for my coldness.

 Soup is simple but it has to be good in order to do the job. This one did. 

Stay warm out there!

Simple Eggs on Toast

The perfect plate of eggs on toast must be shared with you all. Is it the whole grain bread that was locally made? The free-range eggs? Perhaps it's the stylish sprout garnish? Whatever the case, this was our breakfast from Black Betty and we hope it inspires your next morning meal. Keep it simple, healthy and delicious.

Industrie Espresso Bar

There is a new shop literally around the corner. It is the latest venture from Switch Espresso owner Hamish Evans whose iconic Black Betty re-opened last week after 111 days of being shut down for earthquake repair. Organic coffee lovers are rejoicing as the Madras St. location was booming when I went in twice last week. Ok I missed it too and very happy they are back open. 

But what was the coffee connoisseur Evans doing on his 111 day break? Opening a new cafe, of course. Industrie Espresso Bar is the latest member of the Switch Espresso coffee brand located on 4/25 Birmingham Drive in the busy industrial complex where a proper coffee shop was much needed for the early-to-work set (Hours: 8am to 3pm M-F). The open setting with walk-up vending will appeal to those looking for a no nonsense coffee run where the organic coffee and gourmet pastries will meet the needs of all cafe cruisers. With room to stay for a bit to read the paper or a magazine, Industrie boasts natural elements that ground you to the very coffee you are sipping on. Polished floors, vibrant coffee plants, the aroma of freshly roasting beans and the presence of the mammoth Switch Espresso coffee roaster which resides in house at Industrie will all bring you back down to earth and enjoying a quick cup of coffee. The smell is intoxicating and may have you hanging around for another cuppa.

Lush coffee plants bring an authentic vibe to the industrial new location.

Coffee beans before the roasting.

Baked pretzels are sourced locally from Breads of Europe.

Switch Espresso coffee roaster is onsite at the new location.

You may also like:
Table Setting 101
THE Organic Food Staple
Wine Skillz
Oscar Snacking

Margaritas & More at Mexicano's

Last month the world celebrated National Margarita Day as they do each year on February 22.  I had a belated celebration but the libations, and more, were just as delicious. Blood orange, mango and pineapple were a few of our top choices plus a sneaky Sangria Tinte featuring pomegranate and Merlot that we had to try while out at Mexicano's. Boasting authentic cuisine the likes of which New Zealand's South Island has not seen in reportedly a while, Mexicano's has broken a stale mold of less than substantial Mexican food in the city. This ethnic eatery is the latest restaurant on trendy Victoria Street to bring the foodies out in droves for a very different culinary experience. Think Dia de Los muertos as the theme with calaveras and beautiful, vibrant Mexican decor attributing to the cultural ambience. Modern lighting and full tables have established Mexicano's as a top spot in the city. As native Texans cilantro, chile, and comino were a part of our normal diet. Must admit, we were dubious about our first Mexican dining experience in New Zealand but indulged in real guacamole, fresh salsa and what we would consider pretty fancy tacos. Shown below, we played it safe by ordering the chicken and beef choices that were both cooked to perfection and seasoned as such, too.The food was really very good and I was pleasantly surprised to see the New Zealand quality standard of food carried throughout each dish. I've booked in for next week though I'm currently scouring the menu for exactly what we will be sampling. Maybe the pulled pork or perhaps ceviche? All are sure to be table pleasers. Click here for more info and enjoy the gallery below.

Cupcakes for a "Me Party"

Sometimes in life, we must treat ourselves. Today was the time for a little "me-party" and this was my chosen cake. Actually cakes as The Cupcake Collection has such an inviting display that it is difficult to choose just one so we chose two. Rosey Posey that features a glace flavored with rosewater and a classic vanilla cupcake with purple icing for that very reason. They use the finest of fresh ingredients using sources from all over the world and priding themselves on creating unique flavors that are not available to most in Christchurch where the company is based. The cupcakes were originally sold at the local farmer's market and has grown into a Garden City staple that produces individual cupcakes, cookies, treats for tea parties and specialty cakes for every occasion. This was our own little occasion and they served up a delicious duo for us today. We will let the photography do the rest of the work here.

Tip: Sometimes just before closing they offer two for one. But not always and not often. You have to be a lucky little sweet tooth to get your hands on that deal. Flavors run out fast!

Visit The Cupcake Collection at their Beckenham or Riccarton locations

Food Review: Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar

48 Worcester Blvd

03 365 0533

Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch & Dinner
M-F 8-late (2ish)

Weekends 9-late

Fiddlesticksbar.co.nz

Last week we dined at Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar in Christchurch. Previously the location of Le Bon Bolli then Art Restaurant, Fiddlesticks is the new Christchurch. Where the story of many a location has been battered and then bettered.

This sophisticated eatery is located in the Art Precinct of the CBD located directly across from the Christchurch Art Gallery. You can dine outside on a covered veranda or enjoy peace and relaxing ambience inside. Featuring recycled tables and richly colored décor in a cool atmosphere, Fiddlesticks is putting their unique signature on the ever changing city.

It was a great treat to see the FFC “Famous Fried Chicken” on the menu. As a native Texan I pride myself on this dish and the restaurants we have visited all over the world are beginning to serve this either as an entree and the starter we enjoyed. Featuring green tomato chutney, our fried chicken tasting plate was the perfect balance of crispy saltiness. Highly recommended and the perfect start to our meal.

Choosing the soup of the moment which featured tofu and the catch of the day which was grouper proved to be smart choices as seasonal fare is usually the best option. The Saffron linguini was served with cherry tomato ragout and sautéed tiger prawns. We learned early in the food game not to waste money on pasta when eating out unless it was really good. This was freshly made and perfectly cooked so well worth stepping outside of my comfort zone.

We indulged and ordered duck fat rosemary potatoes. We have only been served this dish by our best Parisian friend and that was a one of a kind dining experience. Our side for the evening did not disappoint and we finished the entire generous portion.

Highs:

• Customer Service: this was exceptional and the staff did not miss a beat.
• Food quality & selection was seasonal and top-notch.
• Location is excellent.

Lows:

• Dessert menu was a bit complicated but featured fresh ingredients.
• Price point is high so expect to spend a bit more for a night though drink specials are offered.

Dining Tip: As always, we recommend making a reservation as this place filled up fast and turned away at least a dozen people.

The Food Show 2013: From Show Room to Dining Room

Today was a day where busy doesn't quite sum it up. It was a good busy and the highlight was The Food Show 2013! We gave you a preview (along with a recipe) in our previous post and live tweeted all day from the events. It was the food festivity of the year with sampling, tastings and awesome new gadgets to be purchased. The amount of food tips, tricks, and knowledge we obtained at this annual event left us dumbfounded once again. We spent the good majority of the afternoon taking it all in visiting stalls and mingling with other attendees while shopping for those must have kitchen items. I did manage to stay focused on dinner for the evening. So tonight we share what went from show room to dining room all thanks to The Food Show 2013.

This NZeola Rapeseed Oil was one of the first hits for us when we arrived. We are always trying out new and natural oils in our kitchen from olive to coconut to avocado and now rapeseed. Rapeseed is light and fresh with so many uses. Throw in a high cooking ability and locally sourced ingredients and we were sold. 

We used it to coat the asparagus before grilling them for about 7 min. each. They were fresh and hearty so a simple vegetable seasoning sprinkled on top did the trick.

We are from bread loving families so our dinner table is never complete without a bit and butter. Butter just makes it all better. Good Honest Products Really Good Bread was a hit. We chose a grainy variety chocked full of seeds and goodness. We also threw in some Ciabatta. The flour coating and soft texture is authentic and delicious. We normally throw our Ciabatta in the oven to get it crispy. It makes the house smell great, too!

Needing a quick dinner we chose a frozen option that was sampled at the show and they were surprisingly delicious. Fry's Family Meat Free Schnitzels. They are filling and full of goodness using soy and other natural proteins like legumes and grains to create delicious vegetarian cuisine that are quick and easy. Consider doing a meat-free day in your house once a week. Ours was delicious tonight and yes, we were full. (Snacking all day at the show probably helped as well.) No meat, egg or dairy products make this the perfect choice for a truly healthy main dish.

The children were wishing that we had this as dessert. We didn't. Again, they had sampled enough for an army at the show.

Created by The George Hotel Executive Chef Andrew Brown and Executive Sous Chef Craig Neal, this innovative dish came together effortlessly. It was a deliciously modern take on Strawberry Shortcake served on the most ergonomically appealing spoons. The samples went really fast and what a smart recipe choice for the coming summer months when strawberries will abound. The sights of this cooking display were just as delicious as the shortcake itself.

We received heaps of recipe cards which we consider priceless. Not too many freebies but lots of show specials that you would never get in the stores so we try to stock up where we we see a deal. Even though we pre-ordered event merchandise our additional cooler was sold out (confusing because we pre-paid) but they did make up for it with an additional zipper pouch and wine glass so that was top customer service in our book. That came in handy as we sipped local wines to our delight. They wineries were out in droves. The range of wines at the show actually deserves it's own post so stay tuned for that one. 

In the meantime, we are going to enjoy a bit of The Doctors from Forrest Family Owned Wines before we go off to bed. We loved seeing them again this year and this range of wine is perfect for anytime and well deserved especially after a long day.

Check out the entire Salvation Series on Facebook 

Follow Savory Salvations on Twitter

Headed to The Show

We are very excited to be heading out to The Food Show here in Christchurch. We attended last year's events and loved the sampling and sights. We always make these events a family affair and get a real sampling of what is new and fresh out there in the ever progressive food world. We have hit up food shows events like this in cities across the world. Las Vegas, Barcelona, Seattle, Houston, and San Francisco are just a few we thought of. To taste amazing foods from around the world and be introduced to fusions is priceless so we highly recommend going in your neck of the woods. Food is life so enjoy it no matter where you are in the world.

We were scouring The Food Show website for a useful recipe that all of our readers would love and it comes to us from Jax Hamilton who will be presenting today!

From The Food Show website

Jax Hamilton's Herbed Potato Cake

Prep: 15min
Cooking: 40min

Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 medium-sized onions, sliced thinly
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 4 large potatoes, peeled, sliced thinly
• 4 eggs, lighly beaten
• 4 Tbsp fresh herbs (choose dependent on meat)
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• knob of butter
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan

Method

Serves 4

If you are looking for something new and easy to do with potatoes, this is the recipe for you. It can feed two people or, if you have unexpected guests, it is really easy to stretch by adding another potato and another egg. It's versatile enough as a recipe to change and expand depending on palates and likes vs don't likes. Different herbs can be added dependent on your meat choice: mint and rosemary for lamb; tarragon and lemon for chicken; a nice big dollop of horseradish for beef. For a more robust cake, bacon, mushrooms and cheese can be added, too! Allow to cool and take along to a picnic if you don't want it for dinner. Can be cooked on the BBQ or in the oven.

Preheat oven to 180°C or if cooking on a BBQ, ensure it is one with a hood!

In a large flat, ovenproof frying pan, heat the oil and throw in onions and garlic. Cook until translucent, then gently place in the potatoes. Being careful not to break up the potatoes, toss them in the oil, garlic and onion mixture for about 5 minutes. Remove the frying pan from the heat, place potato mixture in a sieve and drain. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes.

Place beaten eggs in a large bowl. Put potato and onion mixture into the beaten eggs along with the herbs. Season and mix, then allow the mixture to soak for a further 5 minutes.

Take the same frying pan and melt the butter with the oil over a medium heat. Pour in the potato and egg mixture. Press down with the back of a large spoon to make a pancake shape - nice and even - and cook for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parmesan then place in the oven or pull the hood down. Cook for 5-10 minutes until golden brown.

Cut into wedges and serve with your BBQ or roast, or allow to cool and take along to picnics.

A Risotto Resurgence

We dined on this rich pea risotto at Strawberry Fare. Featuring baby peas, mint, lemon, roasted almonds, goat curd, and shaved parmigiano this gourmet risotto was filling enough to keep me satisfied the entire day. I'm very happy to see so many savory variations of risotto being offered on menus lately. I am partial to the classic mushroom offering but seafood and chorizo have been spotted on our last few dinners out. Risotto lends itself to so many pairings in the food world because of its versatility and richness. What type of risotto is your favorite?

Little Dining Dreams Come True With Black Betty Cafe

After eating our family dinner together at home, we will often times head out for just dessert. We love to have a place to enjoy a sweet treat or two after dinnertime but few have had sticking power. We've been looking for something really delicious to keep us coming back and, last night, I think we found it. We went out to commemorate the first birthday of Black Betty Cafe, an urban eatery I'd been introduced to where organic coffee, delicious meals, and indulgent sweets are served up daily. I usually go just for a latte or chai but tonight it was special for the cafe & for us.
We always allow the children to chose their desserts and in the car, they mentioned how they each had dreamed about and now wanted a big sundae tonight. Not being at all familiar with their dessert menu, we told them to please refrain from shedding any tears of disappointment for not getting their dream pick. Actually our last few dining experiences had drawn up that emotion in us as we sought to find a good spot for dinner & dessert in a new town. We'd been in places like Seattle, New York, San Francisco and San Antonio where sometimes children are expected to do some fine dining out with the big kids and hopefully the restaurant will have something suitable for them to eat. We don't do it often but the perks are endless for dining with your kids: learning table manners, fine dining experience with the family and on this particular occasion, this sweet treat here.
How thrilled were they when the sundaes of the aforementioned dreams were on the menu? The night was set for us because in addition to the great open atmosphere, the little ones were happy as clams leaving us time to sip on our drinks and actually conversate in peace. Deemed the best sundae in the world by our children, the balanced mixture of strawberry puree and cold vanilla ice cream was the perfect indulgence for a hot day. Fresh whipped cream & a bit of crumble topped it off. A sprig of mint was there less to cleanse the palate and more to entertain the senses as our trio continuously smelled and rolled them on their fingers. We did have a taste so are able to confirm that they were delicious and we will definitely be back for more.
Happy birthday Black Betty and thanks for making little dreams come true!