It's been Al Brown's year, having opened two very popular foodie spots: Best Ugly Bagels in April and Federal Delicatessen in October. His well-deserved break will involve snow, sun and family, with trips overseas planned before heading home to check out some other new eateries that have opened this year.
Where I'm Going:
The family is off to Colorado for a white Christmas and 10 days of skiing, then off to Mexico for some summer, too! I haven't had a holiday in 18 months, and last summer we were moving from Wellington to Auckland so we really didn't have a summer holiday, so I promised my teenage daughters this trip back then - a carrot, if you like. We're thrilled!
Where I'm Eating:
We're stopping off in San Francisco for two days on our way over, so I'm looking forward to going back State Bird Provisions - it's fabulous. No dots, no fine dining, just great food in a great environment. And in Mexico . . . well, you can't go wrong. Back home I'm looking forward to going to Orphans Kitchen and Ostro; I haven't managed to get to either yet.
Where I'm Drinking:
Lots of alcohol! Since opening The Fed I've become a fan of Six Barrel Sodas and I like to mix them with vodka or gin and some fruit for a great cocktail. And I'll be drinking Pimm's, too, because that's a tradition I grew up with. I tend not to go out for a drink because home time is so rare anyway.
What I'm Wearing:
In Colorado, I guess it'll be a powder suit, and budgie smugglers for the Mexican leg of our holiday. Ha ha.
What I'm Reading:
I'll pick up some trash at the airport on my way out, as well as taking something by A. A. Gill. He's great and I just spent four days with him on the Murray River - highly entertaining. Back home, I can't wait to read my copy of Coast by Bruce Ansley and Jane Ussher - it's a beautiful book and it looks like a great read.
What I'm Making:
Classic lobster rolls - soft buns, must be warmed through, then stuffed with plenty of lobster, super-chilled iceberg lettuce, mayo made with Highlander sweetened condensed milk and vinegar. Dreamy.
My summer must-have:
Shade - I enjoy a warm summer but not direct sunshine, so I find a shady spot wherever I go. The other essential for me is to be able to plot my next fishing trip. When we're fishing, we go mental!
Something new I want to try this summer:
I'd like to give kite surfing a try. I saw a guy who was as big as me and he seemed to be okay, so I'm keen to give it a go. Summer: play safe, don't freeze your fish and enjoy yourself.
