Of the Taste of New Zealand show

Today, I visited the Taste of New Zealand event in Victoria Park, Auckland. It was a perfectly warm, bright day - much better weather than yesterday!Here are some of my impressions.The show is very well-organised and well-presented. There are quality producers and restaurants represented. There is quality entertainment. There is an accessible degree of sophistication.I was there to say hello to exhibiting clients, prospects I’ve talked to over time, to catch up with some old favourites, and discover new favorites!My first stop was at the Malaysian Kitchen. It’s fantastic that they’re making an effort to introduce New Zealanders to Malay cuisine. In my recent trip overseas I was most fond of the Malay-influenced food found in Singapore. I had a delicious lime-chicken nasi goreng there.I also visited the pop-up kitchen of The Grove restaurant.I enjoyed a miniature venison burger from them. It was prepared quickly, presented beautifully and tasted fantastic. A nice advertisement. I’ll definitely be visiting their restaurant for a meal in the next few months.The Rees hotel from Queenstown was also represented. I had Southland Rabbit. I think I really need to be visiting and sampling more..!Wines.I was really pleased to catch up with Michelle from Wooing Tree. As you know it’s my favourite vineyard. Their 2009 Sandstorm Reserve Pinot Noir was sensational. I highly recommend it.I also discovered Three Miners from Alexandra, Central Otago. They were nice guys to talk to and their Pinot Noir is delicious.Other producers I was pleased to try include Old Mout Cider. I’d never tried it before but was pleasantly surprised. The Classic Apple cider was excellent.I also tried Sally Williams honey nougat. Imported from South Africa by Zebra Zoo. If you like sweets, this is really quality product. I believe it's available in Farro Fresh stores, and Smith & Caughey.So, I was there for a couple of hours. Eating and drinking in the Auckland sun. I highly recommend this activity. You won’t be disappointed visiting this event if you’re a foodie. It runs until the 22nd of October.- S