New Zealand Sommelier of the year - 2021
Congratulations to Andrea Martinisi as he is awarded New Zealand Sommelier of the Year 2021.
Andrea Martinisi is presented with the New Zealand Sommelier of the Year 2021 trophy by Marek Przyborek (NZ Sommelier of the Year 2018) and chair of the Examination Committee with Celia Hay, chair of New Zealand Sommeliers and Wine Professionals Association. Andrea is General Manager and Head Sommelier of The Grove Restaurant, Auckland. Marek is head sommelier at Amisfield, Central Otago.
The day started with the Theory Assessment (60 minutest) and Blind Tasting of 2 wines. The white wine was Saint Clair Pioneer Block Gewurztraminer 2020 from Marlborough and from Spain, Muga Seleccion Especial Rioja 2016. The Practical included a restaurant scenario to decant a bottle of Te Mata Awatea 2018 and provide a food pairing. This was made a little tricky as we also had a bottle Te Mata Awatea 2019 on the sideboard... to check if the candidates were reading the label!
The Practical also featured a spirit tasting where candidates were asked to identify 4 spirits. This year the spirits were Bacardi, Tequila Blanco, Jack Daniels, Calvados.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
It’s Riddle Time! Beat the Neighbourhood with Your Smarts!
Which of the following words don't belong in the group and why?
CORSET, COSTER, SECTOR, ESCORT, COURTS
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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Te Atatu Food Truck Friday Christmas market - THIS Friday - December 6th
Te Atatu Food Truck Fridays special Te Atatu Twilight Christmas market is on THIS Friday (December 6th). There will be a selection of Auckland’s best street food along with over 25 Christmas market stalls inside the main hall and Te Atatu repair café. Get your Christmas shopping done and get some tasty dinner treats too!
Save the date at Save the date at www.facebook.com....
December 6th - 4:30pm to 8:30pm – Te Atatu South Community Centre.
The food trucks joining the night will be:
- Those Guys J & M - Philly cheese steak rolls, burgers, fries and irresistible cookies.
- Baya Taco’s - Everyone's favourite authentic Mexican cuisine queen.
- Mr and Mrs Food - tasty meat on rice/ chip dishes, summer rolls and crunchy cheesy hotdogs
- The Langos Lady- Hungarian Fried Bread with sweet and savoury toppings
- Akemi’s Gyoza - Japanese Dumplings that just get you craving more.
- Cream Ice Cream – Delicious real fruit ice cream and chocolate covered strawberries
- Victor and Vern - Coffee and iced, hot chocolate
We will also have a free ReCreators Christmas workshop. The 249 Edmonton road art gallery will also be open with items for sale.
Come grab some tasty food and soak up the community vibes. Plenty of seating available or picnic in the park. Parking available on site and the grass field behind the St Johns hall. Walking or cycling up makes it even easier.
A great way to spend a Friday night.