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Oyster mania is well and truly upon us. The month began with restaurants racing to bring the first of the Bluff bivalves to Auckland tables - Euro the winner thanks to Barry Colman's private jet - and now the Langham has launched a Casanova quiz for purchasing customers.
The old love goat was said to have knocked back 50 oysters for breakfast, and in the spirit of grand passion the hotel is offering guests looking for a little extra aphrodisiac the chance to win a Five Star Fling Weekend. Among the questions: when it comes to oysters, does size really matter?
The Langham is serving its oysters four different ways in all its bars and restaurants.
The real deal
If you're really committed to enjoying the perfect oyster, head south for next month's Bluff Oyster and Southland Seafood Festival. Sample the delicacies of the deep fresh off the boat and enjoy local beers and premium wines from the aptly named sponsor, Oyster Bay. As Prime Minister Helen Clark told those at the official season launch at Auckland's Seafood Market: "Get real Aucklanders, don't go to Sydney for the long weekend, go to Southland." Home of what she said was the best seafood she'd ever been served. The weekend festival, thoughtfully moved indoors in case the winds whip in from Foveaux Strait, is held on April 21-22 at the Bluff Events Centre, and begins with a piping in of the oyster ceremony before lots of sampling. Details on www.bluffoysterfest.co.nz. See also www.visit.southlandnz.com.
Get a pincer that
Sticking with seafood, Skycity's Orbit restaurant is featuring Alaskan Red King Crab on its menu for a few weeks. Head chef Jeremy Schmid says it is "truly the gourmet species of crab" and is using it in entrees and mains. He describes it as "snow white in colour with highlights of bright red". The taste is succulent with a rich, sweet flavour and a tender texture and he has kept the cooking methods simple to allow the crabmeat to shine. Sommelier Ton Hilhorst has paired it with Hatton Estate EC2 Gimblett Road Chardonnay 2006. Ph (09) 363-6406.
Sweet as
We all know the more cocoa, the better the flavour and the less you need to scoff, but Artisse chocolate has the added appeal of being organic, and for those on diets that exclude some brands it's guaranteed wheat, gluten and soya lecithin free. In three flavours: milk, extra dark (71 per cent cocoa) and dark with almonds - and with a sugar-free diabetic version on the way next month - Artisse Organic chocolate is imported from Switzerland and stocked at selected health food stores and supermarkets. Stockist details: 0800 223 233. Recommended price $7.50 for a 100g bar.