KEY POINTS:
Cheese company Kaimai may not have been around long enough to have had its name bandied around at last week's cheese awards, but we're sure it will be a contender next year after the Dish sampled some of the Waikato company's range of 13 fresh milk cheeses. Kaimai uses milk from local herds and range includes the usual bries, camemberts, cheddars, blues, and also a firm grana, emmental and bocconcini.
If you're travelling through Waharoa just north of Matamata check out Kaimai, which also has a cafe. The cheeses are stocked at Nosh and Sabato in Auckland.
Time for tea
Dilmah Tea's founder is hosting an exclusive traditional afternoon tea at the Langham on Friday. Just 60 tickets are available for the chance to meet Merrill J Fernando and his son Dilhan in an afternoon matching boutique Ceylon teas with traditional English afternoon tea fare. The event starts at 3pm and tickets are $60 per person. Bookings (09) 300 2809 or email denise.andrade@langhamhotels.com
Sunday sampling
Nosh Metro is joining in Ponsonby's market day, hosting cooking demonstrations and tastings of food and drinks available at the food market. Nosh is at 254 Ponsonby Rd and the event runs this Sunday from 10am to 5pm, with Brazilian dancers entertaining.
Begorrah
Jamesons whiskey is the taste of Ireland, and if you haven't had a dram try it on St Patrick's Day, this Monday. The popularity of cocktails is helping raise a new generation's interest in old-school spirits. Jamesons is smooth, with a sweet undertone and less smoky than Scotch. Drink it straight up or with ginger ale or ginger beer and a twist of lime. From bottle stores at $39.95 for a 700ml bottle.
Still going strong
Auckland waterfront dining institution Harbourside is coming up for its 20th anniversary and is planning to mark the event in style. A customer event with dishes from 1988 at 1988 prices is in the pipeline and a staff reunion is being organised for Sunday, June 1. The restaurant is keen to hear from former staffers, who can register via the website www.harboursiderestaurant.co.nz
Croatian festival
Soljans Estate in Kumeu is celebrating the Croatian grape harvest, Berba, this Easter. The festival dates back to the 18th century and is a family affair. If you've ever fancied trying some grape-crushing, this is your chance. Croatian entertainment also features on Easter Sunday and Monday, and winery tours will be held at 1.15pm
Fruity flavours
A new brand of fruit sugar syrups, 12 Inches, has been launched, aimed at cocktail makers. Named for their distinctive foot-high 500ml bottles, the syrups come in passionfruit, raspberry and tamarillo and retail through Glengarry stores and Il Forno in Ponsonby with a recommended price of $23.90. Freeze-dried fruit is used to give an intense flavour and the syrups are also good for dessert toppings or added to cooking. Try this easy recipe
Passionfruit Mojito
30ml passionfruit syrup
60ml Bacardi
5 fresh mint leaves
1/2 lime
Muddle syrup, mint and lime. Add Bacardi and shake well with ice. Strain into an ice-filled highball glass and top with soda.
* Clarification. Last week we raved about Wellington's Cubita cafe. It is, unfortunately, no more having been badly affected by fire and has not re-opened.
