Author: Tash McGill

Simon Gault’s Euro has been an institution on Auckland’s waterfront, particularly if you have a hankering for rotisserie chicken. Recently there’s been a shift at Euro to embrace a new way of eating – less sugars, more whole foods, less processed carbs. I was excited to try it. The standout was the sashimi starter with citrus and cucumber. Followed by salmon and zucchini spaghetti for mains, the food was light and delicious.

This is the ‘Something Fishy’ at Apero Food & Wine, the new offering from Leslie and Mo. You’ll find it tucked into a narrow long room on K’Rd. They serve delectable, careful food. The housemade everything is delicious but the sausage by the metre is a standout. They serve well chosen wines, gin and Campari. For good reason, they serve what works – and you should trust them, because they really do know what they are talking about. Check them out on Facebook.

Las Vegas, City of Survivors.

When we triumph and when we fail – we go on. We begin again, we build more, we stretch more. If we fail but do not persevere, if we do not find another incarnation of ourselves, we do not survive.

I ate at Ostro. The Poussin is beyond belief and a custom Negroni with a hint of fig was delicious. The views of the harbour make for a beautiful afternoon and twilight setting. Drinking at the bar is easy: the backbar selection is substantial and the staff well-trained in the classics as well as Ostro’s cocktail twists. The beer selection is fairly standard, most of the usual suspects.

 

I went to The FoodStore in Auckland’s Viaduct for an amazing 4 course dinner matched with Amisfield wines. Dishes included wild rabbit & apricot canapés, slow-cooked Cardrona merino lamb  and a mouthwatering kingfish & moon clam broth. Chef Jay Sherwood flew up from Amisfield and joined Mark Southon and team at The FoodStore. Two of my favourite dining experiences combined in one. Visit both. Check out more photos here.

Politics and Optimism: Why Annie Still Matters.

Little girls have still got a lot to teach the world. They’ve got their own special brand of magic, to be applied liberally. In the case of Little Orphan Annie, she’s been touching hearts and brightening the outlook since 1924. How can she still be relevant? Annie, the musical, is playing at The Civic in… Continue reading Politics and Optimism: Why Annie Still Matters.

How To Be A Perfect Plus-One.

Life rolls from one season to the next; each with it’s special mix of cocktail functions, theatre engagements, restaurant openings and festivals to attend. Then there are the weddings, engagement and birthday party invitations that (with good etiquette) include the inevitable “Plus One”. I’m lucky enough to have been a Plus One on more than… Continue reading How To Be A Perfect Plus-One.

Wickedly Wicked.

Magic and wonder and all of it wonderful – Wicked takes you on a journey to the heart of what it means to be human; green or not.

Stomp Your Heart Out

3rd time was absolutely the charm, although the 1st and 2nd times I saw this show were also pretty good! Breathtaking magic out of everyday items go a long way to proving that we all have the music and rhythm within us!