KEY POINTS:
It's back, Auckland's most entertaining charity dinner party, where guests choose where to eat in an auction-free, raffle-free, speech-free evening, dining at a selection of Auckland's best restaurants.
It's the Chandon Supper Club, staged for a good cause without the excruciating ennui of the same menu times 300.
And there's an after-party - so be prepared to be whisked to a secret location for a boogie till the small hours, knowing your deliciously decadent evening is helping raise funds for the Auckland Cancer Society.
This is the second year the supper club has been held in Auckland, following on from similar Louis Vuitton-sponsored affairs overseas. Make a date for Thursday, June 21, at one of 31 restaurants where a table for 12 is set. Tables cost $3000, the restaurants contribute food and the sponsor ensures there's plenty to say cheers about. Then Corporate Cabs take guests away to kick up their heels, with Christian Dior makeup artists on hand for touch-ups for those inevitable paparazzi shots.
Last year the Chandon Supper Club raised more than $60,000 for the society's research. Chief executive John Loof says diners loved donating in such a simple way. "You pay for a delicious dinner and great wine shared with friends or colleagues and then a party. Once you buy a table you don't have to open your wallet again. There are no speeches, no auctions, no raffles," he says.
To buy a table contact Phil Briars on email pbriars@akcansoc.org.nz or phone (09) 308 0169, but be quick as many of the participating restaurants are spoken for.
The new Jamie?
Peta Mathias is fronting one Auckland school's healthy lunch campaign. Kristin School has pioneered a programme called NutriSmart, in which pupils of the independent school at Albany are offered tuckshop food that is nutritious and tasty - something the Government is making mandatory from mid next year. Food writer Mathias and a dietitian have designed Kristin's menu. A new cafe is open from 7.30am and offers barista coffee for seniors. So far the most popular meals are chicken naan rolls, sushi, and pies that meet strict guidelines. Free apples come with lunch and reduced fat yoghurts and milk and bottled water are hitting the spot. The school's nutrition services manager, Jo Finlayson, says: "We've had very good feedback from students, staff and parents ... with no complaints about where the chocolate bars, donuts, sweets and fizzy drinks have gone."
Veg appeal
Emily Barclay, Hayley Westenra and Kylie Bax have been voted among the world's sexiest vegetarians. The Kiwi actress, soprano and model are among 200 international celebrities listed in the annual poll, run by the activist group PETA [People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals]. "Everyone knows there's nothing sexier than someone who exudes both passion and compassion," says PETA. Previous winners include Alicia Silverstone, Chris Martin, Shania Twain, Tobey Maguire and Natalie Portman. You can vote for your favourite for 2007 at peta.org.
Note: Viva's editor is a vegetarian - which means her bark is obviously worse than her bite, though truly we weren't bullied into putting this in.
By the book
Two books out now will appeal to the growing number of people developing gluten intolerances. Great Gluten-free baking: 80 delicious cakes and bakes ($39.95, Hachette Livre) is an attractively illustrated recipe book of inviting offerings. It's from Britain, but the food will have universal appeal.
Developed especially for New Zealanders is The NZ Food Allergy Cookbook released last month. It offers advice as well as recipes and these are coded as suitable for those with a range of health conditions, including dairy and gluten intolerance and diabetes.
Make a date
The Food Show is back, and coming to Auckland in less than two months are top Aussie chefs Bill Granger and Charmaine Solomon.
They are just some of the drawcards for the annual event, which also features leading New Zealand food and wine experts and nearly 300 innovative exhibitors.
The Showgrounds again play host to the four-day food fest, starting with a restricted entry preview day on Thursday, August 2. For details or to book these special $30 tickets visit www.foodshow.co.nz
Tickets can be also be bought online, or at the gate or by calling 0800 727 469, for entry Friday through Sunday for $20 per person per day for adults, $15 those under 12 and free for those aged five and under.
Seal of approval
Four New Zealand companies have been officially presented with their international seal of approval in Brussels.
We've already told you that Innovative Foods' Bite Me Mango Chilli Salsa and Prenzel's Blenheim Bay Gin, Manuka Smoked Flaky Salt, Avocado Vinaigrette and Butterscotch Cream got the International Taste and Quality Institute's big tick, but also honoured at a prize-giving last weekend were Essential Cuisine's pesto sauces and bar-room favourites 42 Below, for their products including Seven Tiki White Rum, Tahiti Dark Rum, vodkas and water.
The Essential Cuisine pestos, available in Asian green, basil and sundried tomato flavours are from supermarkets and speciality stores with a recommended price of $6.45.
The iTQi awards are judged by food industry professionals from products submitted from across the globe.
