Every year, Auckland’s Design Centre celebrates with a barbecue in the park. We are lucky to have native bush reserves not far from our back doorstep and its a great opportunity to get amongst the totara trees and keruru, a huge native New Zealand pigeon, rumored to be delicious but illegal to hunt. Luckily, Roger and David from our on site cafe had sorted us out with an even more appealing option. A whole lamb, to be slow roasted on the spit on our biggest DCS grill.

My travel mates and I arrived on a flight from Kuala Lumpur at a brand new airport. After some brief border security and a US$100 cash fee, we were in. Vietnam. A history of colonial rule, fierce revolution, the setting for many of my favourite films and books, and a reputation for fresh, spicy, delicious food.

I’m still on a high after a magic weekend at Taste of Auckland #TasteOfAuckland.  Our Fisher & Paykel Social Kitchen™ Theatre #fpsocialkitchen was a huge hit.  All weekend the theatre was full of conversation, laughter and attentive faces tuning in to learn tips and tricks from the amazing group of chefs and food bloggers who graced the stage during the festival.