KEY POINTS:
If you work in the city and are wondering what to have for dinner tonight, check out the Cambrian Fresh butcher at Elliot Stables behind Smith & Caughey's. It is full of prime cuts of beautiful meat all of which are grown on an eco-farm in Waihi (which also supplies top restaurants such as The French Cafe).
Along with marinated lamb chops, sirloin steaks and legs of meat suitable for roasts, there is also their bacon and sausage range which has had all gluten and preservatives removed from it, organic eggs, organic flour (which is used to make their delicous meat pies), and a selection of other tasty treats. 39 Elliot Street, City.
Ph: 09 357 4399.
Indonesian Flavours
Having travelled through Indonesia and tasted the delicious cuisine - the best of which was in family homes or roadside stalls - I was delighted to discover Sri Owen's Indonesian Food ($59.99, Harper Collins).
Sri was born in Sumatra but moved to England in the 60s and is now considered the foremost authority on Indonesian food. More than 120 mouthwatering recipes to choose from, beautiful photos and a fascinating introduction in which Sri reminisces about her family in Indonesia.
Tasty Treats
You can taste the sunshine of Italy when you dig into Pronto Rosso - the yummy new pasta or pizza paste from Sabato made up of sundried tomatoes, olives and chilli. Also new is the Peperoni Bruschetta which is a combination of Sicilian-made preserves and is delectable on bruschetta.
Jacqui and Phil Dixon from Sabato regularly travel to Europe to find new products which are often created by small family operations, dedicated to producing unique artisan foods where it's all about quality not quanitity. For those with a sweet tooth, you can't go past the Tortas Aceite from Seville.
Made from olive oil, unbleached flour, sugar and aniseed, serve these up at the end of your next dinner party with coffee or cheese. Impressive! Sabato, 57 Normanby Rd, Mt Eden.
Ph: 09 630 8751.
