tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189085458750048912024-02-08T18:38:29.161+13:00JaffalandAgent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-39742894695563952692010-12-10T01:09:00.000+13:002010-12-10T01:09:26.393+13:00Master Cigar Roller in Auckland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_EYO4Is8keRKVqay4KRmiLZDB_eD7U5cCMgWhRhtWUQ2ZVcAEga1B1NDAx2MXUIC89Cos1pte5cM0qPGCzG_qvftVaodD0UuaIUc8tXEOJ2bOSUKpYmQBh8IcP2ArF2n4Emd1XegYM5r/s1600/IMG_3543A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_EYO4Is8keRKVqay4KRmiLZDB_eD7U5cCMgWhRhtWUQ2ZVcAEga1B1NDAx2MXUIC89Cos1pte5cM0qPGCzG_qvftVaodD0UuaIUc8tXEOJ2bOSUKpYmQBh8IcP2ArF2n4Emd1XegYM5r/s320/IMG_3543A.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master roller - Ramses Pantoya Herrera</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's always a priviledge to have a master cigar roller from Cuba to grace our shore. Master roller Ramses was in Auckland to demonstrate the art of rolling cigars. I had the opportunity to meet Ramses and had the pleasure of enjoying a freshly rolled cigar. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Ramses was rolling cigars with his personal blend of seco, ligero and volado leaves which just arrived a few days ago from Cuba. The fresh cigar tasted very different to aged cigars. I could taste and savoured the variety of flavors and aroma from the tobacco. The cigar was rolled to perfection with just the right balanced draw and produced the most luscious rich smoke.</div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEsGV3oi-2vCW0bMORuAP_tbpNxCgixS2VGoF7_xDQqSv5Xeac1FT8a1bupw4O7_hvOtKUU0S9Up9r2ivAJmLeYKglOgKQOk04w1zQD9Bp3NkJTaKCu_RP9Z0Gn26FNwUs-ufmKgskqtt/s1600/IMG_3537A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEsGV3oi-2vCW0bMORuAP_tbpNxCgixS2VGoF7_xDQqSv5Xeac1FT8a1bupw4O7_hvOtKUU0S9Up9r2ivAJmLeYKglOgKQOk04w1zQD9Bp3NkJTaKCu_RP9Z0Gn26FNwUs-ufmKgskqtt/s320/IMG_3537A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petite Coronas rolled by Ramses</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DxpwPid2VeroLKNZFjKoMeBx9UV6vMuejDbHoBs0kg2jyWOa1HhWtNkCtF0YFldFgGtdtJW1M2Cn1ZsnbpyHRe-CWF94ZJfGW0nE86mxx4x4g2SMdL3Zf645dfflzNfhDXeOPKIHF6T3/s1600/IMG_3549A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DxpwPid2VeroLKNZFjKoMeBx9UV6vMuejDbHoBs0kg2jyWOa1HhWtNkCtF0YFldFgGtdtJW1M2Cn1ZsnbpyHRe-CWF94ZJfGW0nE86mxx4x4g2SMdL3Zf645dfflzNfhDXeOPKIHF6T3/s320/IMG_3549A.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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Previously I also had the opportunity to meet the following cigar rollers from Cuba.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rps6iLkaqs1QC3YzA1gE_F6jXtCE48yjT7yd-6Uwwurs7gnDJXEeQgbOCTVeUMjvK5XfrcIoo7tA2jeHa-q6YdnDKtzR394Q-pr0iUJ1UEKb3XBN4kW4KlmjsZ7IJ2B0i-fR_ONuQTDN/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rps6iLkaqs1QC3YzA1gE_F6jXtCE48yjT7yd-6Uwwurs7gnDJXEeQgbOCTVeUMjvK5XfrcIoo7tA2jeHa-q6YdnDKtzR394Q-pr0iUJ1UEKb3XBN4kW4KlmjsZ7IJ2B0i-fR_ONuQTDN/s320/IMG_0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alfredo Andres Pino in 2008</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdD_0Gxb1lPNQpc265wncKZgvBWsmaE3I7Ch8VYnWMs58H045qHZzLQweCLhPrTYlXSnCLIKdFXhd-pLtzxDDtu8hUoTOX6DkvFsKhkOjmGJrGCvd155ZZsNFdnBzVKgs45iJSGDVQGGg/s1600/DSCN3166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdD_0Gxb1lPNQpc265wncKZgvBWsmaE3I7Ch8VYnWMs58H045qHZzLQweCLhPrTYlXSnCLIKdFXhd-pLtzxDDtu8hUoTOX6DkvFsKhkOjmGJrGCvd155ZZsNFdnBzVKgs45iJSGDVQGGg/s320/DSCN3166.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yasmel Rodriguez in 2007 </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TN4Zfn1DpKKy5ZrCV5KrfMeOzymb24D3-pqkHX7mB7DwlEVtnmejubO-yvo_DbvCqGzIDpbUfi7mqwJ4V2sLdUAITTuttYYoYLNPQhSI7XxLCf_8WBBM2VIGA8K5rRvETJEXJ7lh7r4x/s1600/DSCN3180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TN4Zfn1DpKKy5ZrCV5KrfMeOzymb24D3-pqkHX7mB7DwlEVtnmejubO-yvo_DbvCqGzIDpbUfi7mqwJ4V2sLdUAITTuttYYoYLNPQhSI7XxLCf_8WBBM2VIGA8K5rRvETJEXJ7lh7r4x/s320/DSCN3180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Customed cigar by Yasmel</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span id="goog_1116729688"></span><span id="goog_1116729689"></span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: right;"></div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-71083003146955875002010-11-29T22:06:00.000+13:002010-11-29T22:06:28.634+13:00SummerSummer is just around the corner. Time to enjoy the outdoors, bbqs, Christmas and New Years holidays and a break.<br />
<br />
I'll be back blogging and sharing.<br />
<br />
In the mean time, sit back and relax with a cuppa and great cigar.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdOWjaID9iQrmNMcU6WQLAdWtcwWAJyxZuv4HS-GCbNnzi-LpunGKrtiUyF1VAIcH1FGo3TLcPtXa3HoB_IkKoUbbsI4eozdIC2tgAQVzk-yBlkOxxtEL0XEp4LrCg6_R2EgEEtHKtyls/s1600/IMG_3495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdOWjaID9iQrmNMcU6WQLAdWtcwWAJyxZuv4HS-GCbNnzi-LpunGKrtiUyF1VAIcH1FGo3TLcPtXa3HoB_IkKoUbbsI4eozdIC2tgAQVzk-yBlkOxxtEL0XEp4LrCg6_R2EgEEtHKtyls/s320/IMG_3495.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-8186010684002117462010-06-20T22:16:00.000+12:002010-06-20T22:16:19.579+12:00Food and Cigars Around AucklandThese are a collection of worthy food and cigars enjoyed around Auckland during the wonderful summer of 2010. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPin_1zUbn3wTxPPg1hIPPoFQb0meTQ7D7RT1o9dKw199gEvQeo111xTXj_UTsmox-6_EDGSElRokIMYEoAB9rhex0-oFQql9ybDwRuvKkcpsNSseNlM1ZYuHsZG9qxn5t9KCtBS1kIC5/s1600/IMG_2752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPin_1zUbn3wTxPPg1hIPPoFQb0meTQ7D7RT1o9dKw199gEvQeo111xTXj_UTsmox-6_EDGSElRokIMYEoAB9rhex0-oFQql9ybDwRuvKkcpsNSseNlM1ZYuHsZG9qxn5t9KCtBS1kIC5/s320/IMG_2752.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Cigar: Ramon Allones Celestiales Finos - 2009 Asia Pacific Regional Edition (46 x 137)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Drink: Kirin Beer</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Location: Iguacu Restaurant & Bar, 269 Parnell Road, Parnell</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwfqxOaohOxKb9PfYQgEUIcZCL1DGpaG7jMDzjBvg3L7V-Ix0ZiMwgRgzAnYCWcWEzxsi-3AYu6XqCvDkzyaeWOqQbp7gIivkBbOqnlncrDOOiPEwoCG5KyCWEldz6ZWzxjXJHfjBR7Ua/s1600/IMG_2523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwfqxOaohOxKb9PfYQgEUIcZCL1DGpaG7jMDzjBvg3L7V-Ix0ZiMwgRgzAnYCWcWEzxsi-3AYu6XqCvDkzyaeWOqQbp7gIivkBbOqnlncrDOOiPEwoCG5KyCWEldz6ZWzxjXJHfjBR7Ua/s320/IMG_2523.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Yum-cha at Dynasty Chinese Restaurant</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Location: 57-59 Wakefield Street, Auckland CBD<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja661TEqvEbTRw3qnJatSTNSxffcgIGICGBcFNnq1ZRtvzViGcUGdGorTfCAnYtgqCuWB66vKfVVRlklozJvuSGMWNBStOJw9fGyLxCmoLjbeGVufENjk4drLC8VGym1fQZmnsOFqltcOH/s1600/IMG_2604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja661TEqvEbTRw3qnJatSTNSxffcgIGICGBcFNnq1ZRtvzViGcUGdGorTfCAnYtgqCuWB66vKfVVRlklozJvuSGMWNBStOJw9fGyLxCmoLjbeGVufENjk4drLC8VGym1fQZmnsOFqltcOH/s320/IMG_2604.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Cigar: Por Larranaga Robusto - 2007 Asia Pacific Regional Edition (50 x 124)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Drink: Trim flat white</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO59rtWuwZSJb67WtWcAZjeewe3F1L9luXVW4foFbdr7_4zmYkkb6ACOYDwB9RJsa0ivOuhC-fLnSGTlZJTk3E_pRtLoMC-jRZv6QRUScaauBjQiAE4LGc6FS3J94z5wvim5FaqNNaSewT/s1600/IMG_2611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO59rtWuwZSJb67WtWcAZjeewe3F1L9luXVW4foFbdr7_4zmYkkb6ACOYDwB9RJsa0ivOuhC-fLnSGTlZJTk3E_pRtLoMC-jRZv6QRUScaauBjQiAE4LGc6FS3J94z5wvim5FaqNNaSewT/s320/IMG_2611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Steamed Treacle Puding</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Location: GPK Bar & Grill, 262 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitok5N2jFtBcnOI6DkUEWNnkz9gdZRGEYkNCOKVdmhH9fbHFY-RFZsOkc8s9DznZdK3QJFV0_S7d8RXkT0kkYYQf8mVdgQTTDhkjkgIju6MsLhEQbx1XtJHAqeVvahYO-o2vA-NYYQJc8u/s1600/IMG_2613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitok5N2jFtBcnOI6DkUEWNnkz9gdZRGEYkNCOKVdmhH9fbHFY-RFZsOkc8s9DznZdK3QJFV0_S7d8RXkT0kkYYQf8mVdgQTTDhkjkgIju6MsLhEQbx1XtJHAqeVvahYO-o2vA-NYYQJc8u/s320/IMG_2613.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kiwi Breakfast</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Location: Nosh Food Market Cafe, 133-135 Apirana Avenue, Glen Innes</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Uot2g2TOS4n8NKEoR8nbqLzyamTULP83Pp3qV9LearTvZi7JTFWKSdnebkNikClFE17YIllvXfMT9bQ0dhy52-aKHtfLQik0Cm4NE6xGSvwPycBrKBLS8N3ZRUBJqsVECE3Xqq7zaOvP/s1600/IMG_2812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Uot2g2TOS4n8NKEoR8nbqLzyamTULP83Pp3qV9LearTvZi7JTFWKSdnebkNikClFE17YIllvXfMT9bQ0dhy52-aKHtfLQik0Cm4NE6xGSvwPycBrKBLS8N3ZRUBJqsVECE3Xqq7zaOvP/s320/IMG_2812.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Partagas Shorts & Trim Flat White in Ponsonby</div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-57587902276645465022010-04-30T23:58:00.002+12:002010-05-01T14:08:09.916+12:00H. Upmann Magnum 50<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwZFuv0V2fwU1xg-vimlM-uammhJk7Hw_sAk3snDfvRIciP55Z-EFCSMLBNpkwqRsOb2OLOvdWEqeTgt5KSqLS4Ec60pWLepq6wDxtzt-8fQGEEcNth9c25cvgzoGZc4p_tiD8e007rxK/s1600/IMG_2323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwZFuv0V2fwU1xg-vimlM-uammhJk7Hw_sAk3snDfvRIciP55Z-EFCSMLBNpkwqRsOb2OLOvdWEqeTgt5KSqLS4Ec60pWLepq6wDxtzt-8fQGEEcNth9c25cvgzoGZc4p_tiD8e007rxK/s320/IMG_2323.JPG" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Mine love affair with H. Upmann Magnum 50 started after I tried a few when Habanos released this double robusto late 2008. I cracked open this box to celebrate a good friend's birthday. The box has been resting in the humidor for close to a year.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We enjoyed this cigar with 23 years old aged Ron Zacapa rum. Both of us nodded in agreement the combination was almost perfect. The smoothness of the rum enhanced the sweet and creamy profile of the Magnum 50. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhvE4FaUP8u2lLuxnfLm83HojHtVF9XiDc3dDSbXKh3hQbnrhOXw642nfu5FyU-Mfbvsj2iAE3oGXhY7l4_BznVI_D0hjU1yRVCdTwBP64xRlRl8-8JlcNg_WvX9hjSCzEWGZcl61-5Vf/s1600/IMG_2326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhvE4FaUP8u2lLuxnfLm83HojHtVF9XiDc3dDSbXKh3hQbnrhOXw642nfu5FyU-Mfbvsj2iAE3oGXhY7l4_BznVI_D0hjU1yRVCdTwBP64xRlRl8-8JlcNg_WvX9hjSCzEWGZcl61-5Vf/s320/IMG_2326.JPG" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">At 50 ring gauge and 160 mm in length, the cigar evolved from creamy to dark sweet cocoa profile. I would consider the Magnum 50 a full bodied cigar and certainly like to have a substantial meal before lighting one up.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyraLAAxM6wav5A2mcNpgp9fjrpeNDWs7EG5LGtLGhf3HK3LqPGCkGjSO9CQTXTHOQtImhTZSAqsjEx6AKFRXOgZklHl17W7n4W_QqYqM7L_wnIVRl4gS2OM_FDlNedz671xIZi7QiWJKC/s1600/IMG_2324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyraLAAxM6wav5A2mcNpgp9fjrpeNDWs7EG5LGtLGhf3HK3LqPGCkGjSO9CQTXTHOQtImhTZSAqsjEx6AKFRXOgZklHl17W7n4W_QqYqM7L_wnIVRl4gS2OM_FDlNedz671xIZi7QiWJKC/s320/IMG_2324.JPG" tt="true" width="240" /></a></div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-43161720551624769382010-04-30T14:02:00.001+12:002010-06-09T12:59:43.289+12:00The Clarendon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFdo0ydgV8mQNpKSmy6UmSSogltOO-sp4aqSEWwqrlejVJGrgi5mu1uqvYCBTl6swz3stcKnWvD7OXkPbczCV70YSd0K2l-s7-YcZVyo3KoY0b5XEFeeyaZPYyKEpoibMch21bA0x2_Vw/s1600/IMG_2712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFdo0ydgV8mQNpKSmy6UmSSogltOO-sp4aqSEWwqrlejVJGrgi5mu1uqvYCBTl6swz3stcKnWvD7OXkPbczCV70YSd0K2l-s7-YcZVyo3KoY0b5XEFeeyaZPYyKEpoibMch21bA0x2_Vw/s320/IMG_2712.JPG" tt="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fresh Bluff oysters</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Clarendon restaurant is certainly worth a visit if one is in the garden city of Christchurch. The menu of the day promoting fresh seasonal Bluff oysters caught our attention. The rest was easy as we were ushered to a nice spot under the cosy outdoor umbrella.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The kind waitress explained the Bluff oyster arrived yesterday and were limited since the harvest commenced about a week ago (end of Feb 2010). The oysters were fresh, juicy with the taste of the sea and nice hint of metallic iodine. I say there were beautiful.....</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiamD061qhN_KgW7B0bhpQ9jiyXMz6gwAEBQwgLh303QrhQ-Mx2Mu55mVAAqBMTfSrgpJB28YZaTbTdObSlmqTtilIZC34UHVVriV0Kq_spc0TNT0r2IEgreEcTv3K9-sEesqxlnm3Lcyo/s1600/IMG_2714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiamD061qhN_KgW7B0bhpQ9jiyXMz6gwAEBQwgLh303QrhQ-Mx2Mu55mVAAqBMTfSrgpJB28YZaTbTdObSlmqTtilIZC34UHVVriV0Kq_spc0TNT0r2IEgreEcTv3K9-sEesqxlnm3Lcyo/s320/IMG_2714.JPG" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Pesto & <span style="background-color: white;"><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat;">Funghi</span> </span>Risotto</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxa9BukrjmCImuIQE8z2jkUcOxYjOKhWbiGHDIAjf3lBOfgI0_mMLfjUiD0yXUX0OzuFsf34W50Ju4TsmQIiEwYngkj1rltCV9gWA1_iE-oeSvK4jkKXx4cSYuiYacXpKLlolobHeJjX3/s1600/IMG_2715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxa9BukrjmCImuIQE8z2jkUcOxYjOKhWbiGHDIAjf3lBOfgI0_mMLfjUiD0yXUX0OzuFsf34W50Ju4TsmQIiEwYngkj1rltCV9gWA1_iE-oeSvK4jkKXx4cSYuiYacXpKLlolobHeJjX3/s320/IMG_2715.JPG" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Duck Breast</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For the mains, we had pesto and <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: #ffffff;">funghi</span> risotto and Asian spiced duck breast with <span style="background-color: white;"><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat;">kumara</span> </span>mash and duck filled croquette. The risotto was awesome and worth another visit to savour this delightfully cooked rice dish. The duck breast was well prepared and the croquette give the dish a different twist.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiphoZ5AC-_BIR2c1QkE_hIPKKssFpd8dPMNEcNE-pKTVJlChbvm6XHvyjaCNl2ngToni_Ctu6bDCEuYMA1rg9tD56dvIYdsDyC_KUqKC0z_NULK7tUVPJ2GzXlH4I4P9FaQB_A2WQ5H1C/s1600/IMG_2695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiphoZ5AC-_BIR2c1QkE_hIPKKssFpd8dPMNEcNE-pKTVJlChbvm6XHvyjaCNl2ngToni_Ctu6bDCEuYMA1rg9tD56dvIYdsDyC_KUqKC0z_NULK7tUVPJ2GzXlH4I4P9FaQB_A2WQ5H1C/s320/IMG_2695.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Desserts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I can't finish a meal without desserts. We ordered two desserts to share. The strawberry parfait and apple -vanilla mousse with green tea jelly. The strawberry parfait served with rhubarb and strawberry sorbet on encased cone. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEJoP6hYDSQO5-_WQOjrTbLjDjIaGgbgWrM0wtwBI3khrRaN5SYJ1zh-7bsXRo0tTHRsK_5soIQzoNw0X2WB0rB2d7PGqZGohssClWTsOZxoeeTi3hYDNriI7478CCHJbNOIU6qmO4ySM/s1600/IMG_2710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEJoP6hYDSQO5-_WQOjrTbLjDjIaGgbgWrM0wtwBI3khrRaN5SYJ1zh-7bsXRo0tTHRsK_5soIQzoNw0X2WB0rB2d7PGqZGohssClWTsOZxoeeTi3hYDNriI7478CCHJbNOIU6qmO4ySM/s320/IMG_2710.JPG" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Clarendon</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat;">Cnr</span> </span>Worcester Street & Oxford Terrace</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Christchurch</div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-762067994655191672010-01-28T22:35:00.001+13:002010-01-28T22:38:38.076+13:00Hawthorne Dene Historic Country Cafe<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWGWLei6iskKfwsnGFyFLrCFh9P9GzpL4TtWyUDorDZt-eQ6rX4GFejiX3y3xado_2gvRJUoFHllDTYvQqmmClLcfLi_MTldyXkzDS1OJ6GVpsI9gqX0ko-Tpax6tZ5NUZ8iqFsjmbM47/s1600-h/IMG_2574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWGWLei6iskKfwsnGFyFLrCFh9P9GzpL4TtWyUDorDZt-eQ6rX4GFejiX3y3xado_2gvRJUoFHllDTYvQqmmClLcfLi_MTldyXkzDS1OJ6GVpsI9gqX0ko-Tpax6tZ5NUZ8iqFsjmbM47/s320/IMG_2574.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Hawthorne Dene is a historic country homestead located in Howick. Nestled among old fruit trees and a mammoth pine tree, this homestead was built is 1850s. The grounds and building are the few remaining examples early settlement around East Auckland and preserved as memorial to the pioneer settlers.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today the homestead is also a cafe and restaurant. This cafe serves one of the best scones in Auckland. The texture of the scones have just the right density while still maintaining its lightness. I always order the Devonshire tea set with scones. Spread the scones with strawberry jam and top it with generous amount of freshly whipped cream. Enjoying all these in the country environment while surrounded by nature.<br />
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</div>Hawthorne Dene Historic Country Cafe<br />
280 Botany Road, Howick, AucklandAgent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-17942094145987686692010-01-19T23:37:00.001+13:002010-01-19T23:39:06.538+13:00Baked Macaroni & Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdQmHbdfXsj3zjSV0PsvnRBrRKosmdHadMec8KfLBQeZjPLHsLPohkD5EN6zxDekdqjvRegzqCRhfaxabpTqtTooEa-WVs7PChLbpwNDV8ZvTwlTutERKCXXADjT6OuI8utdryphu9lHM/s1600-h/IMG_2516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdQmHbdfXsj3zjSV0PsvnRBrRKosmdHadMec8KfLBQeZjPLHsLPohkD5EN6zxDekdqjvRegzqCRhfaxabpTqtTooEa-WVs7PChLbpwNDV8ZvTwlTutERKCXXADjT6OuI8utdryphu9lHM/s320/IMG_2516.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I suddenly have a craving for macaroni and cheese. Rather preparing a traditional mac and cheese, I decided to make a baked macaroni and cheese for a simple dinner.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For the basic white sauce, I prepared the bechamel from equal parts of butter (50g) and flour (50g) to firstly make a roux and then add about 1 litre of milk. Together with the cooked macaroni, I added some fresh button mushrooms, bacon (lardons), ham, salt and black pepper for taste. Add some grated cheddar cheese in the bechamel and a generous amount on the top of the macaroni. Baked in preheated 180C oven for about 30 minutes or till cheese are melted and golden brown.<br />
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</div>I served the baked mac and cheese with some grilled asparagus.Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-25592176946560716422010-01-19T23:07:00.000+13:002010-01-19T23:07:13.832+13:00An evening with two CubansSummer is finally here. It's always nice to be outdoor enjoying the cooler evening. I can't think of a better way to spend an evening than with two sexy Cubans. Both partners are a great match and compliment each other so well. Of course I'm referring to rum and cigars.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4tdTkHBBbSgQvJZTKA8at69EVPoPwXSDvX7_PNWyq8xMPY7S-Rvd6CYzr5dro4rRicsoYCzdpm3flwNwtVAfiWZaeTlDFURv_LWIdD5wBq_FxlUC9843_4uRZuQgXMQbqC8P1r1ndtxb/s1600-h/IMG_2493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4tdTkHBBbSgQvJZTKA8at69EVPoPwXSDvX7_PNWyq8xMPY7S-Rvd6CYzr5dro4rRicsoYCzdpm3flwNwtVAfiWZaeTlDFURv_LWIdD5wBq_FxlUC9843_4uRZuQgXMQbqC8P1r1ndtxb/s320/IMG_2493.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Trinidad Reyes is one of mine favourite cigar. I reckon the Reyes is one of the best petite corona and Habanos from the Trinidad brand. Trinidad cigars are made with tobacco from the famous Vuelta Abajo region and each cigar is rolled with the signature pig tail.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.havana-club.com/">Havana Club</a> is a famous rum from Cuba. I enjoyed pairing aged rum with cigars. The Anejo 7 Anos is the benchmark of Cuban rum. It's sofisticated, complex, rich with a smooth finish. I always serve the rum in a whisky glass and enjoy it with a few ice cubes. This helps to bring out the complexity of the aroma. Do allow the rum to breathe for a few minutes in the glass.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Beautiful mahogany colour<br />
</div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-71630897502696907292010-01-08T00:17:00.000+13:002010-01-08T00:17:45.318+13:00Kaimai Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIG7gIQMi_jgpdP4rlOgjB6lF4f2471g1H8LvdCr61mNQj3IfOWoXlZybwDUw46o3bkCTs2E9D1p5oDfCvwZdBfb6OZFIK60-bl8VAah835CJrUyfO8lcO4hvhZEp1HB6nnE9K2ermijjO/s1600-h/IMG_1759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIG7gIQMi_jgpdP4rlOgjB6lF4f2471g1H8LvdCr61mNQj3IfOWoXlZybwDUw46o3bkCTs2E9D1p5oDfCvwZdBfb6OZFIK60-bl8VAah835CJrUyfO8lcO4hvhZEp1HB6nnE9K2ermijjO/s320/IMG_1759.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kaimai Cheese Company @ Waharoa</span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The last 10 years have seen many good artisan cheese producers mushrooming over the country. Kaimai Cheese Company is one specialty cheese producer. Established in 2005 and located in the heart of the Waikato dairy country at the foot Kaimai ranges and just north of Matamata. Fans of The Lord of Ring movies trilogy will know Matamata is the site of the original Hobbiton movie set.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The cheese factory is a replica of a historical New Zealand 1920's butter factory and was built on site of the original Waharoa Dairy Company. I first visited Kaimai cheese when construction were still in progress several years ago. A few months back I stopped at Kaimai Cheese on mine way to Tauranga. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cheese Making Process and Shop</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHFnwagXS7yJjuUYnGt9oHwlm-J5jRu_0bGMd0c57SPdBGU6CndlRCLRdr9x_s8uNdUm6cjFxe79xXNJ1tcXnkOWroTZAGvot20NroajobxSsPet29-fuYLTu3dCaEzxBfAyGyPe8J8tz/s1600-h/IMG_1765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHFnwagXS7yJjuUYnGt9oHwlm-J5jRu_0bGMd0c57SPdBGU6CndlRCLRdr9x_s8uNdUm6cjFxe79xXNJ1tcXnkOWroTZAGvot20NroajobxSsPet29-fuYLTu3dCaEzxBfAyGyPe8J8tz/s320/IMG_1765.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cheese Ripening Process</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVkrCCXFE10RfR7RogSaIxVsgk2H0jP6BGbxux3UuBplWUB7UZbHDcQFhce9r6pd5zJuFF5r-46nZS4Fi0E052BU5IX-KZLPGPDBe1qwQu65DTN8X3B6CRyquFNRE9Z1nRrFfRDAGcmZm/s1600-h/IMG_1771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVkrCCXFE10RfR7RogSaIxVsgk2H0jP6BGbxux3UuBplWUB7UZbHDcQFhce9r6pd5zJuFF5r-46nZS4Fi0E052BU5IX-KZLPGPDBe1qwQu65DTN8X3B6CRyquFNRE9Z1nRrFfRDAGcmZm/s320/IMG_1771.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kaimai Cafe</span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Inside the factory one can observe the cheese making and ripening process through large windows. There is also a very nice cafe and cheese store. Most of the cafe menu is a about celebration of the delectable cheese. I'm a fan of Kaimai's brie and camembert. For lovers of cheese, visiting Kaimai Cheese is must.<br />
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</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Date Loaf & Flat White</span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.kaimai.co.nz/">Kaimai Cheese Company</a><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 Hawes Street<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Waharoa, Matamata (off State Highway 27)<br />
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</div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-63055547044149908782010-01-05T23:57:00.001+13:002010-01-05T23:59:12.296+13:00Rigatoni Arrabbiata<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXvgYMgvH5m-kPsKYPaaSKpNiS4IR41ryT2LN7P1niNEGZ74-VRvV-4lDKGv-OqxSBB0FSSdsQkjcbISbxwS7o9bJ9-EmsKgN-bYmZEU8GDCCdXesJxwtH2cWAoc_ahwmV8IaLFwt1pWD/s1600-h/IMG_2474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXvgYMgvH5m-kPsKYPaaSKpNiS4IR41ryT2LN7P1niNEGZ74-VRvV-4lDKGv-OqxSBB0FSSdsQkjcbISbxwS7o9bJ9-EmsKgN-bYmZEU8GDCCdXesJxwtH2cWAoc_ahwmV8IaLFwt1pWD/s320/IMG_2474.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm always amazed with the different types and shapes of Italian pasta. Recently I got some rigatoni (short ribbed tubular pasta) from a <a href="http://www.noshfoodmarket.com/">Nosh</a>. Normally at one time there'll be atleast half a dozen types of pasta in mine pantry. A pasta dish can be simple like tossing freshly cooked pasta with good olive oil and pesto or more complex with bolognaise sauce like a veal ragu. What ever the style of pasta, I'm a strong proponent of quality ingredients.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For mine lunch a few days ago, I've decided to cook rigatoni arrabbiata. Arrabbiata is simple spicy tomato based sauce. I made some changes to a basic sauce by adding bacon lardons, canned Italian tomatoes and home-made chilli paste.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In a hot pan, fry some diced bacon (4-5 rashers), finely diced an onion, crushed clove of garlice and a tbsp of chilli paste in olive oil until the onions are golden brown. Add the canned tomatoes. I prefer the canned whole Italian tomatoes. I crushed them between my fingers while emptying the can. Simmer the sauce for 15 mins and finally add salt and pepper for taste. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Stir the cooked rigatoni into the sauce and add some chopped flat leaf parsley. I served the rigatoni arrabbiata with some prosciutto di Parma and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on top of the pasta. Finally drizzle with some extra virgin olive oil.<br />
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</div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-11253820519513950542010-01-04T14:56:00.001+13:002010-01-04T14:57:05.253+13:00PSD No. 4 - Evening<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5sbTQpNv_2Z4Z1E3xId1v9kT8Kdjt0Vrc70tw00VqWobn_7cISrQEqRoY5QNgz_zMCte5-nV2_-ZjPRLXA0N8j2cP4dE-3c0s-PnbD54odQ9xDgHPgJ_7sgvkc7qngNQZHvC5EEVu0Wz/s1600-h/IMG_2458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5sbTQpNv_2Z4Z1E3xId1v9kT8Kdjt0Vrc70tw00VqWobn_7cISrQEqRoY5QNgz_zMCte5-nV2_-ZjPRLXA0N8j2cP4dE-3c0s-PnbD54odQ9xDgHPgJ_7sgvkc7qngNQZHvC5EEVu0Wz/s320/IMG_2458.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Since new year's eve was a quiet affair for myself, I took the advantage of nice new year's day evening to enjoy a cigar. Had a look in the humidor and picked up a nice Partagas Serie D No. 4. The cigar was evenly filled with no soft spots. The cigar has a lighter shade of colorado and light sheen on the soft veined wrapper.<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Aroma and cold draw revealed medium toasted sweet tobacco.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The PSD 4 is a robusto with a 50 ring gauge and measuring 124 mm. Lighting this cigar required very little effort. I used the torch allowing the blue flame to gently lick the foot of the cigar. Nice start to the cigar. The first third were filled with sweet paprika, toasted tobacco and little under medium body.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Second third followed on nicely from the sweet spice profile. I have tasted a hint of nuttiness moving towards the last third. At this stage the PSD 4 has fully evolved to a medium body but retained the sweet spiced flavours.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I paired this cigar with 2007 Special Late Harvested Orange Muscat and Flora from Brown Brothers. The rich, tangy and zesty dessert wines complimented the profile of the PSD 4.<br />
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</div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-77353615018284685472010-01-01T01:06:00.001+13:002010-01-01T01:28:35.418+13:00Rose Sauvage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFOpd2s6_eUqPmutMNRMaJCOyLVBKJFMIGyjQZG7_cegYA_rG8y_164guE3FrMS6-dgNTwjj14x-n1K8PZ7kN1yQvliaZiIqHi_1QTOYpQ1ugSlhIeaaI1sgG510wuLeX8Umg13SuqNJe/s1600-h/IMG_1911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFOpd2s6_eUqPmutMNRMaJCOyLVBKJFMIGyjQZG7_cegYA_rG8y_164guE3FrMS6-dgNTwjj14x-n1K8PZ7kN1yQvliaZiIqHi_1QTOYpQ1ugSlhIeaaI1sgG510wuLeX8Umg13SuqNJe/s320/IMG_1911.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">There're something very special about <strong><em>rose </em></strong>champagne. Could it be the sexy colour, rich taste or perhaps less common than a non-rose champagne? Since rose champagne have a special place in mine heart, I enjoy it on any occasion.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Rose Sauvage is a rose champagne from the house of Piper-Heidsieck. This maison was founded in 1785. This rose has an intensely rich red berry colour from a higher proportion of pinot noir in the blend. The tasting notes from <a href="http://www.piper-heidsieck.com/">Piper-Heidsieck's</a> website reveals nose of red fruits especially cherries and notions of mandarin, grapefruit and figs. While the palate of the rose is filled with red plums, clementines and blood orange. I agreed with the red plums and picked up hints of red currants and cherries.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I found this rose to be smooth on the palate and lower acidity than other rose. I reckon it's perfect with desserts or strawberries.<br />
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</div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-24420809282517186652009-12-29T23:46:00.002+13:002010-01-04T21:20:19.615+13:00Ariake Japanese Restaurant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFirq6-h6k7ulsmDSDY7MdaLNUvKM8ZSs1_d12EeyoV4bstkZZb9CUeuSfh65EueYqZP-s5fIgFhoz97HsDpXByXFG4Rq_BfMtxHBpzIG98-X8b3K0rSZGrv1u3JdaUfEQhXkHWroR9z-x/s1600-h/IMG_2374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFirq6-h6k7ulsmDSDY7MdaLNUvKM8ZSs1_d12EeyoV4bstkZZb9CUeuSfh65EueYqZP-s5fIgFhoz97HsDpXByXFG4Rq_BfMtxHBpzIG98-X8b3K0rSZGrv1u3JdaUfEQhXkHWroR9z-x/s320/IMG_2374.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Established in 1980 but tasted in 2009. Just before the end this decade, I've dined at Ariake Japanese restaurant. It's a true gem for Japanese food located in the busy downtown area of the Auckland CDB. Ariake is certainly well acclaimed and continue to be rated as one of Auckland's best restaurant. I walked pass this restaurant often enough to warrant a try but most times I already had mine meals.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I took the opportunity before Christmas to try Ariake for lunch. Doors opened at 12 pm and a few tables were filled when we were seated. The lunch menu was uncomplicated with a good selections of gozens. There are also a lunch of the day and weekday donburi fair. I decided to try the Shoka-do consisted of small entree, sashimi, braised vegetables, grilled fish, mixed tempura, steamed egg custard, miso, rice, pickles and fruits.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsXquYm0W8NfhG69XuQMwpe5TDRdG0Ax6L3uDtDgCT3uaN_WWBEWQJ5Ugp8H2EiGdW6TXNeoS6KqdKZTHYFvouR2wMj03-GuK1Lf-zITJdNtSfX2Y1Y-QFOFq4xwior71f1Cll0JCwdBG/s1600-h/IMG_2378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsXquYm0W8NfhG69XuQMwpe5TDRdG0Ax6L3uDtDgCT3uaN_WWBEWQJ5Ugp8H2EiGdW6TXNeoS6KqdKZTHYFvouR2wMj03-GuK1Lf-zITJdNtSfX2Y1Y-QFOFq4xwior71f1Cll0JCwdBG/s320/IMG_2378.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">While waited for the food to be served, more tables were filled and I noticed Japanese clienteles. This confirmed Ariake is good. I'm certainly going back again and shall try their dinner service.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT-PweQTIn5SUrzqBYsR9F5KJJjqNiWDN58WyH4smZPRyEUs45umqDx_u95oHKAP5BBInbxMXMxTy4p6Qupkszcbw5zjLmwcJoe2QYJgHyhVGdL_Xs3nCKRChEuxos14fMlKgVHycJGYH/s1600-h/IMG_2380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT-PweQTIn5SUrzqBYsR9F5KJJjqNiWDN58WyH4smZPRyEUs45umqDx_u95oHKAP5BBInbxMXMxTy4p6Qupkszcbw5zjLmwcJoe2QYJgHyhVGdL_Xs3nCKRChEuxos14fMlKgVHycJGYH/s320/IMG_2380.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.ariake.co.nz/">Ariake Japanese Restaurant</a><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Corner of Albert and Quay Street<br />
</div>Downtown, Auckland CDB<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Tel: 09 379 2377<br />
</div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-44700331405565951332009-12-28T23:53:00.007+13:002009-12-31T23:04:47.417+13:00Christmas in Auckland<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIiecAP0VFBo5kpKd3p3LCXoSvNZfvpNNNeyFBX0A_cvXzqJnZpuB5hr7hldQWPzNPNw4_60Xzs3hhNGEnfzkTP1wn-5_ZxCGAF1PqDYtGintRaeb-BhjB98Q57YbfUPewztIERlUQ-gO/s1600-h/IMG_2384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIiecAP0VFBo5kpKd3p3LCXoSvNZfvpNNNeyFBX0A_cvXzqJnZpuB5hr7hldQWPzNPNw4_60Xzs3hhNGEnfzkTP1wn-5_ZxCGAF1PqDYtGintRaeb-BhjB98Q57YbfUPewztIERlUQ-gO/s320/IMG_2384.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgdNw1fY6cfFV7T_u7ow-NM2YiJpGTP-2WGpwgbuGqcWftru3nP2xV0NjpebJVyoc3kLUEd07bg0hK3zx9Im4pENCz66QzLq2jSTwpvb-p0TaUcvATRBdsan_cy1ppaHqz5bAVZlwHH6F/s1600-h/IMG_2370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgdNw1fY6cfFV7T_u7ow-NM2YiJpGTP-2WGpwgbuGqcWftru3nP2xV0NjpebJVyoc3kLUEd07bg0hK3zx9Im4pENCz66QzLq2jSTwpvb-p0TaUcvATRBdsan_cy1ppaHqz5bAVZlwHH6F/s320/IMG_2370.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Christmas deco in Auckland CBD</span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Kiwis are currently enjoying the Christmas and New Year break. Auckland was blessed with two glorious days of summer weather. After all the mad rush for presents and groceries, I settled down to bake a cherry and hazelnut tart on Christmas eve.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCv3JR5j6Q7hvY2ml4aB5fakaRaJEQItBAquAcI8e9GY0MpfJa96VP2Sup6eggAaUqXHAdDJIgsT-H8wEXK3TvdZcZhpZ6bIZuhlTjyQuW8TaqpOV3xfHYBqvrL-yY9F3k_axI8oqY363/s1600-h/IMG_2395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCv3JR5j6Q7hvY2ml4aB5fakaRaJEQItBAquAcI8e9GY0MpfJa96VP2Sup6eggAaUqXHAdDJIgsT-H8wEXK3TvdZcZhpZ6bIZuhlTjyQuW8TaqpOV3xfHYBqvrL-yY9F3k_axI8oqY363/s320/IMG_2395.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cherry & Hazelnut Tart</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Started Christmas morning with a nice panettone. Warmed in the oven and serve with butter. So yummy and heavenly. I made some grilled chicken panini for lunch. The beverage of choice was Mumm champagne. Dinner was roast prime rib, sirloin with mushroom gravy and cauliflower gratin.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Panettone</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3ueoLRAPFB3TeYzP87jeTAQhfbdbe-J-05sQTtxSLmK5OJI_x8FQ8mwe7CsYN5i_0SjG-F8UR6fhwgnW0rdbj45O02Nsidl-dvs_a570PcX25gc6zr91jQzSZEpAzNg2ANszixZKpV9s/s1600-h/IMG_2416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3ueoLRAPFB3TeYzP87jeTAQhfbdbe-J-05sQTtxSLmK5OJI_x8FQ8mwe7CsYN5i_0SjG-F8UR6fhwgnW0rdbj45O02Nsidl-dvs_a570PcX25gc6zr91jQzSZEpAzNg2ANszixZKpV9s/s320/IMG_2416.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Grilled Chicken Panini</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_V03YU0xkguyIWKMPFzMaJWNPRfHtOhIy5lzUiiReokXkB4DudEoYa8yt88GltyLNBbvJMyz8j_eHA9Jd_tomsN6V0VAmT6lPoITsN7cl-jOwIEnkDI4-ekEXmRRnyuzj7pPldM9FsKs/s1600-h/IMG_2411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_V03YU0xkguyIWKMPFzMaJWNPRfHtOhIy5lzUiiReokXkB4DudEoYa8yt88GltyLNBbvJMyz8j_eHA9Jd_tomsN6V0VAmT6lPoITsN7cl-jOwIEnkDI4-ekEXmRRnyuzj7pPldM9FsKs/s320/IMG_2411.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mumm Champagne</span><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">While the roast were in the oven, I had mine first cigar of the day. I reserved the H. Upmann Magnum 50 for the after dinner cigar with some Moet. More on Upmann 50 next time but it was truly a fine smoke.<br />
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</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxobFa5-W23n2urMP9kiWtfKBrabCv0ZoF4kRSxtLOMy2xV2T5mS1av5IYKnlhhCb0zQaCWs1eXXQ2wf_4v4DqWpAXTGeB9Z2w9hDQpesqxN-WXumlNZPBZyuMdjaBjmOwfOOySntgUZid/s1600-h/IMG_2420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxobFa5-W23n2urMP9kiWtfKBrabCv0ZoF4kRSxtLOMy2xV2T5mS1av5IYKnlhhCb0zQaCWs1eXXQ2wf_4v4DqWpAXTGeB9Z2w9hDQpesqxN-WXumlNZPBZyuMdjaBjmOwfOOySntgUZid/s320/IMG_2420.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Romeo & Julieta Short Churchill</span><br />
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</div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-49343783017624062702009-12-08T21:28:00.006+13:002010-01-04T21:23:00.586+13:00Gold Medals<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmv8p7TrLcOJMNvkmgamZXZADymBOltHp8Yy9cg-H9OQFWUaJY4Q4LSAipsDutgkDWoPqOfE8fibIVDBECG0GI0ZIvWFltEBspFwt636xWIWsMPHhG5FaOzOskmcq1FwPB7Snnp1gSnVVC/s1600-h/IMG_1745.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412789739159496210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmv8p7TrLcOJMNvkmgamZXZADymBOltHp8Yy9cg-H9OQFWUaJY4Q4LSAipsDutgkDWoPqOfE8fibIVDBECG0GI0ZIvWFltEBspFwt636xWIWsMPHhG5FaOzOskmcq1FwPB7Snnp1gSnVVC/s400/IMG_1745.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>One doesn't need a special golden moment to try this Bolivar cigar. From the packaging to the cigar presentation these Gold Medals are classy. The appearance and aroma immediately convinced me to pick one up and fire it up.<br />
<br />
<div>The wrapper is a darker shade of colorado with soft veins along the length of the cigar. The Bolivar GM is a lonsdale with a 42 ring gauge and 165 mm. I chose a semi-firm sample with just the right resistance when I gently pressed my fingers along the cigar. This cigar should give me a just nice balanced draw.<br />
</div><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfeiztTvipEzY8fuihm_uO8NQI8zhsu9HfJSVlExy0D55eTEgMkzVdDb91zT0oG6M3cPN46CgWw-dFUVY-SWP1x1MBjodlo-BzvVhAceeMWBCMCtG9RKo-ly-2UWbJ6prRhpl5TqLvWe2/s1600-h/IMG_1742.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412789380923637394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfeiztTvipEzY8fuihm_uO8NQI8zhsu9HfJSVlExy0D55eTEgMkzVdDb91zT0oG6M3cPN46CgWw-dFUVY-SWP1x1MBjodlo-BzvVhAceeMWBCMCtG9RKo-ly-2UWbJ6prRhpl5TqLvWe2/s400/IMG_1742.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>In general most of the Bolivar range can be considered as medium to fuller body cigars. This box was aged for slightly over 2 years. I just couldn't wait for 5 years. I must try one.<br />
<br />
<div>Aroma at cold - soft tobacco with a hint of leather. A little bit more effort required for the draw but I was happy with it. The first 1/3 was medium bodied with combination of toasted spice and some cocoa. To truly appreciate this lonsdale don't rush this cigar.<br />
</div><br />
<div>The second and last third of the cigar were just above full bodied with spicy and sweeter paprika note. I believed there is still a huge potential for the GM to develop further and smooth out the last third. A mental note to myself, try another in the next 12 months.<br />
</div></div><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahJIIwP3sVqEChS8hw1f2CabpPdoK6EAeW2SHGfQ9L9YT9Y20NqEpIHSZvyq0-BxBss1OEq1ZWnnIprwk_ZgqwwpMJbldfSy8tMeYFbT81IX4nuIkxF7l0hEHEDdzvsAwJYF9CTB2R7bW/s1600-h/IMG_1748.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412790132584118898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahJIIwP3sVqEChS8hw1f2CabpPdoK6EAeW2SHGfQ9L9YT9Y20NqEpIHSZvyq0-BxBss1OEq1ZWnnIprwk_ZgqwwpMJbldfSy8tMeYFbT81IX4nuIkxF7l0hEHEDdzvsAwJYF9CTB2R7bW/s400/IMG_1748.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-45323650428679230582009-12-01T22:16:00.010+13:002010-01-04T15:36:14.698+13:00Summer Is Here<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgDVBfJUZA2p94NAi92ln-81jT2uClpcgLCmVqvmSbsNuv2VDQS97dGRIzv4K4u1ZOLLKxbJs1XKKVq2Bn_DpZQEJ3vxbSobVlZqO1GXPifjLFWNjEmapYCl99TYuEHQ09f_gwUC2VHMk/s1600/IMG_0268.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410205680118990386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgDVBfJUZA2p94NAi92ln-81jT2uClpcgLCmVqvmSbsNuv2VDQS97dGRIzv4K4u1ZOLLKxbJs1XKKVq2Bn_DpZQEJ3vxbSobVlZqO1GXPifjLFWNjEmapYCl99TYuEHQ09f_gwUC2VHMk/s400/IMG_0268.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"> Famous "Farmer's Building" Santa on Queen Street<br />
</span><br />
<div align="left">1st of December means it's officially summer here in New Zealand. So far the weather is far <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">from an</span> ideal summer. The whole day was cloudy with some showers. The clouds cleared by late afternoon and warm evening took over.<br />
</div><br />
<div align="left">The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">beginning</span> of summer means Christmas is upon us and time to take a break over the festive holiday period. For me December means fresh berries, Christmas trees and decorations, food, champagne and enjoying cigars outdoor.<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0B35P-CGHEHSKcXF1EBclHY0CMyZ_aJtu_DYyTAm0NqcxYx_u0hFayESRwwj5VA2XsLQmA_8UQiRN00EKMEVkHzVQij8V6pCg-PUQUuA4WyJkrGjliNiC-s5EQHW-nfwDstxJBOA2_33/s1600/IMG_0232.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410199754680161138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0B35P-CGHEHSKcXF1EBclHY0CMyZ_aJtu_DYyTAm0NqcxYx_u0hFayESRwwj5VA2XsLQmA_8UQiRN00EKMEVkHzVQij8V6pCg-PUQUuA4WyJkrGjliNiC-s5EQHW-nfwDstxJBOA2_33/s400/IMG_0232.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">Fresh strawberries @ La <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cigale</span> French Market</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRGboT1VknhCup7UOwT1p_F5_qRHEOIQhiCcBy7iplERTiAqBG472BEDObPS49vaCKbdQsbNBMiLfgpogh2X5prARYhQ1VSgwdbjaoi4AhcdG1wZNp58la8J04VkciNyuVqjVLm0TYEiL/s1600/IMG_0365.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410207368359342098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRGboT1VknhCup7UOwT1p_F5_qRHEOIQhiCcBy7iplERTiAqBG472BEDObPS49vaCKbdQsbNBMiLfgpogh2X5prARYhQ1VSgwdbjaoi4AhcdG1wZNp58la8J04VkciNyuVqjVLm0TYEiL/s400/IMG_0365.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <span style="font-size: 85%;">Fresh Central <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Otago</span> Dawson Cherries</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKDtT0Nd2Oi6So_GsThyM6TM91D-LS4ISwbE0gYv11_iQIA-27f1xFhAG1gJD_F96Oc7nsTj8I2IRBX2UIBxDx4Fh0kze7vKtX7rendO0Y8B19sl1jtj1nKKhKTgYLQ6c8ouT-ftx1XBU/s1600/IMG_0528.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410209313368154002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKDtT0Nd2Oi6So_GsThyM6TM91D-LS4ISwbE0gYv11_iQIA-27f1xFhAG1gJD_F96Oc7nsTj8I2IRBX2UIBxDx4Fh0kze7vKtX7rendO0Y8B19sl1jtj1nKKhKTgYLQ6c8ouT-ftx1XBU/s400/IMG_0528.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">Asia-Pacific Edition <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Por</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Larranaga</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Robusto</span></span><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtayaYTvIIl7yOrubqU4guUzREA_Wb3LlkvxOOTMSHwu8u-2fMxADRvzysB5r89sigFyjhE_vUDzXPA6xc-W-kADloOhsYWqZdYHzpBGl5ELQk5XxcBvAG_ZP4JzrpAHzYYlHWh27ySbp/s1600/IMG_0337.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410208248804638450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtayaYTvIIl7yOrubqU4guUzREA_Wb3LlkvxOOTMSHwu8u-2fMxADRvzysB5r89sigFyjhE_vUDzXPA6xc-W-kADloOhsYWqZdYHzpBGl5ELQk5XxcBvAG_ZP4JzrpAHzYYlHWh27ySbp/s400/IMG_0337.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <span style="font-size: 85%;">Christmas Decorations</span><br />
</div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-24539709206804224662009-10-30T23:24:00.001+13:002010-01-04T15:37:03.175+13:00Blanc de Blancs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOdIe3eb7AnIrTCqFr1ZZnXe_TZe_evP1RK7rAquvKoqePVLjxbxtk5PcHnQOLHe593PClB77NiiyB76XuVa9qCwW3ZXkRwsb12txZli2YDg4yM1QGcGIrVD5NM-OxrQcJijTHVnYMWfO/s1600/IMG_1725.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410182817152771330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOdIe3eb7AnIrTCqFr1ZZnXe_TZe_evP1RK7rAquvKoqePVLjxbxtk5PcHnQOLHe593PClB77NiiyB76XuVa9qCwW3ZXkRwsb12txZli2YDg4yM1QGcGIrVD5NM-OxrQcJijTHVnYMWfO/s400/IMG_1725.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
<div>Cuvee No.1 is a non vintage blanc de blancs from <a href="http://www.no1familyestate.co.nz/">No.1 Family Estate</a>. Established by Daniel Le Brun back in 1996, this methode traditionelle specialist is based in the famous wine region of Marlborough.<br />
<br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8JdWU3rVNpkjlX637thj1skUQOMbs6j6ZC3umXd1Udcl1mBlosAe-iBP00vcEXS3np0sHqhZJltz0NKvYEYHFPc_xxsgUBsIi8iAY0q3fBVJcBOJtecQoE30OZbrW5eu5BuqSY57Ks6K/s1600/IMG_1727.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410183253596545426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8JdWU3rVNpkjlX637thj1skUQOMbs6j6ZC3umXd1Udcl1mBlosAe-iBP00vcEXS3np0sHqhZJltz0NKvYEYHFPc_xxsgUBsIi8iAY0q3fBVJcBOJtecQoE30OZbrW5eu5BuqSY57Ks6K/s400/IMG_1727.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> I was very impressed with the taste, elegance and balance of the <a href="http://www.no1familyestate.co.nz/selectWine.asp?WineID=1">Cuvee No.1 </a>. One got to love the sparkling golden hay colour from the 100% chardonnay grapes. For the afternoon enjoyment, I decided to pair it with a Punch Petite Punch. The Punch's light to medium bodied profile complemented the elegant yet crispy nature of blanc de blanc.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtuPnmoHboZn9i6Zrqo-pixu16UgkHpULRm28EcMlpGMJe7NWBuvoEmVvrNBuWJ6iNmMcDso34LX9aTKrgr9baIXlZFr8KDipC1_62yrxKiSUVo8cyXzC3AnJXEAA0PuP0W86s-DrJwpy/s1600/IMG_1732.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410187859460523810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtuPnmoHboZn9i6Zrqo-pixu16UgkHpULRm28EcMlpGMJe7NWBuvoEmVvrNBuWJ6iNmMcDso34LX9aTKrgr9baIXlZFr8KDipC1_62yrxKiSUVo8cyXzC3AnJXEAA0PuP0W86s-DrJwpy/s400/IMG_1732.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
No. 1 Family Estate Ltd,<br />
Rapaura Rd, RD3,<br />
Blenheim<br />
Marlborough<br />
<a href="http://www.no1familyestate.co.nz/">http://www.no1familyestate.co.nz/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/brand.aspx?brand=Punch">Punch Cigar</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/">http://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/</a>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-20351659996218166372009-10-30T21:28:00.002+13:002010-01-04T15:55:02.365+13:00Casual Japanese @ Renkon<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvPCxMHGg5kCPZGjBfflX6SYyD-Ds0-NCUJ1JKlg32lUayO1GTcokzqqhsyFFAG07H4LM8wNX5Zr6A_aRGvwW3vc6Sa8ZuQhII6ZgBWPn1UXQrTtM_jiTqEIH-QU4pR3dyeWigVdiyXQf/s1600-h/IMG_1702.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398329759330861138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvPCxMHGg5kCPZGjBfflX6SYyD-Ds0-NCUJ1JKlg32lUayO1GTcokzqqhsyFFAG07H4LM8wNX5Zr6A_aRGvwW3vc6Sa8ZuQhII6ZgBWPn1UXQrTtM_jiTqEIH-QU4pR3dyeWigVdiyXQf/s400/IMG_1702.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yakiniku pork</span><br />
<br />
</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Looking for a great Japanese meal without damaging the wallet? Well look no further. Renkon serves a reasonable selection of donburi or don. The menu consists of everyday favorites like katsu, teriyaki, yakiniku and curry with either rice or udon noodles. The menu is also complimented with salads and japanese sides.<br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIxRrNChNOKRtKeEmZlGTF1WDk7f_2jL6PFbwZIgS7jBUSAW48vIVc5gZ2_an7fLiaDa3LuRRyvR73ccg6crcS-RZNMvGiRLDsoR0iJBnLo277O-rhLuyaP8DMj3M0l8Bgj2UFpkq6AHB/s1600-h/IMG_1696.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398330567669569586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIxRrNChNOKRtKeEmZlGTF1WDk7f_2jL6PFbwZIgS7jBUSAW48vIVc5gZ2_an7fLiaDa3LuRRyvR73ccg6crcS-RZNMvGiRLDsoR0iJBnLo277O-rhLuyaP8DMj3M0l8Bgj2UFpkq6AHB/s400/IMG_1696.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Renkon's Kitchen</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnqyCAKL4XbG_Fd2K7Tttfv0JHuaN4rAp8LJwmPYX8cMsP-sXc5KuHMepKrH_ADHrfXN-TTRCcUsOn3wCrLmBxqvPMSIJbnfRHFzTtEuiDjtR7E_BOpuPHD2Rx5REsSYvAL2mx9wBJ7N1/s1600-h/IMG_1694.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398331557208654978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnqyCAKL4XbG_Fd2K7Tttfv0JHuaN4rAp8LJwmPYX8cMsP-sXc5KuHMepKrH_ADHrfXN-TTRCcUsOn3wCrLmBxqvPMSIJbnfRHFzTtEuiDjtR7E_BOpuPHD2Rx5REsSYvAL2mx9wBJ7N1/s400/IMG_1694.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">Inside Renkon</span><br />
<br />
</div>The dining area is simple. I don't mind it at all since the food is the main star here. The all Japanese kitchen staff consistently produce fresh and good quality food without too much fuss. One of mine all time favorite at Renkon is the pork katsu curry. Japanese curry has a rich texture, hint of sweetness without the overpowering spices.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGpxQksM2XMpt1pMlgH99__wFvk699BeTwNWBKWlsKH1AGD3UtZ3jInciAi6hAFW_5EyWdg68sLjmAsYEUKox4s-VgFh4tDvINBlVKoGsQPgwrsR-b_HF5vhFxeT_YNXCyKyJsdG_0OV2/s1600-h/IMG_1697.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398332231519320178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGpxQksM2XMpt1pMlgH99__wFvk699BeTwNWBKWlsKH1AGD3UtZ3jInciAi6hAFW_5EyWdg68sLjmAsYEUKox4s-VgFh4tDvINBlVKoGsQPgwrsR-b_HF5vhFxeT_YNXCyKyJsdG_0OV2/s400/IMG_1697.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> </a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaynIqZJD_gW4XJGJ55gawLHV70Ix7Ge61-3rtLyZ22ajb_gq-hw6S9G83LUuR7YDBKD2bLPTj6VQpHt5xSHpOVFifu4qEBcerJRk5ZB4XJjbTUNM0Ca8dyfHQtplCz-mM3Q1WQa9_K91/s1600-h/IMG_1701.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398332990028787042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaynIqZJD_gW4XJGJ55gawLHV70Ix7Ge61-3rtLyZ22ajb_gq-hw6S9G83LUuR7YDBKD2bLPTj6VQpHt5xSHpOVFifu4qEBcerJRk5ZB4XJjbTUNM0Ca8dyfHQtplCz-mM3Q1WQa9_K91/s400/IMG_1701.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Karaage Chicken<br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I had the yakiniku pork for my main and karaage chicken as my side. To balance the all meat dishes, I ordered a bowl of meiiji mushroom salad. The pork was thinly sliced, well marinated and bbq to perfection. Who needs KFC when there's karaage chicken. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The taste is greatly enhanced with a squeeze of lemon and finally dipped in the mayonnaise. <br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>I rate Renkon the best casual Japanese restaurant in Auckland. Renkon is located in Parnell and next to Paper Plus.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcjXSDF2FGdqraiUC_uUERd7REMPcFj6jJ8MJhc81QPr_AuLS8lz7beNGdygHRYBiija-wH-fIsY64TZRMP6HNT6J21PoSdthc_4WTfCEySsqN30igql2g_TV2MEJyFt3HftRkaWMa8dZ/s1600-h/IMG_1693.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398333522240877810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcjXSDF2FGdqraiUC_uUERd7REMPcFj6jJ8MJhc81QPr_AuLS8lz7beNGdygHRYBiija-wH-fIsY64TZRMP6HNT6J21PoSdthc_4WTfCEySsqN30igql2g_TV2MEJyFt3HftRkaWMa8dZ/s400/IMG_1693.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Renkon<br />
211 Parnell Road, AucklandAgent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-62169939287146161572009-10-20T21:18:00.001+13:002010-01-04T15:40:14.179+13:00Whitebait<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxxZ1vBeecMmFy29_zXRARPYwLUPqMu8y4JuDi3v_6LCEQjJIdKRFqx2q65JvoAEtheEUpWFyUG8pKFhX_pHJvC-ZAGx9RsC_zb4oE8sp8aa0XwGzLW4Goh2-Np8Ssxa6MMpX2KNjJq-9/s1600-h/IMG_1712.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394605216790449394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxxZ1vBeecMmFy29_zXRARPYwLUPqMu8y4JuDi3v_6LCEQjJIdKRFqx2q65JvoAEtheEUpWFyUG8pKFhX_pHJvC-ZAGx9RsC_zb4oE8sp8aa0XwGzLW4Goh2-Np8Ssxa6MMpX2KNjJq-9/s400/IMG_1712.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">Whitebait omelet</span> <br />
</div><br />
Whitebait is the most sought after seasonal delicacy. A typical season here runs between mid August to end of November. The transparent slimy fish are actually developed juvenile varieties of small freshwater <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitebait">fish</a>. These little gems can go for $100/Kg or more and there are strict regulations around whitebait fishing.<br />
<br />
A friend just returned from touring the South Island and raved about the whitebait from the West Coast. I just have to get some before the end of the season. If you can't be closest to the source, the weekend markets are the best option to hunt for some fresh whitebait. I got about 200 gms from the Port Waikato region.<br />
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The best way to enjoy whitebait is definitely making some fritters or omelets. I used 2 eggs, add some finely julienned red chillies, black pepper and salt for taste. Finally fry the omelet with some butter.Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-27711899935528985902009-10-16T23:35:00.005+13:002009-10-17T00:01:48.386+13:00Cigars @ Invito<div><div>One of mine favourite place in the CBD for cigar is Invito at the Chancery. This cafe, bar & restaurant is only a short walk away from High Street, the fashion street of Auckland. I usually avoid the lunch time crowd and enjoy a cigar with nice cup of coffee. For the ladies, I know Invito prepares a killer hot chocolate and mochaccino.</div><br /><div>Cigars are always welcome here. I've even been approached by a patron one day enquiring about the cigar I was enjoying.</div><br /><div>I was enjoying a Por Larranaga Petite Corona while a friend was enjoying a fantastic Cohiba Siglo 2 from a beautiful tubos. We had a glass of Peroni with our cigars. Wonderful aromatic beer.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79nWi7Md33DgTyzcyANneJ77RN-As2I7IyxPb9_t3My8mXRidCYqjoanNTv8-VRgx88qKrGZhdMiJBKaykacBKerv1_0mtwkukU-6PJeI-GmD8ChGtYQUtwCXamuajSZwhZ6P2FiVQ1mn/s1600-h/IMG_1623.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393150449919886610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79nWi7Md33DgTyzcyANneJ77RN-As2I7IyxPb9_t3My8mXRidCYqjoanNTv8-VRgx88qKrGZhdMiJBKaykacBKerv1_0mtwkukU-6PJeI-GmD8ChGtYQUtwCXamuajSZwhZ6P2FiVQ1mn/s400/IMG_1623.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynydPTgp0uBTb3R_ItzQy24EiLSAuPRbHEXDU8BW3AUZdm7Jf9Ym859qJEl3jXqxiR7WYwxmXHjb0UlW3s2lyM2PymIy0KzmEI2_gug7qT9BOF_uiMVenMh1vM1eP9wSv0PnF-cacVdb-/s1600-h/IMG_1622.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393149765204166338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynydPTgp0uBTb3R_ItzQy24EiLSAuPRbHEXDU8BW3AUZdm7Jf9Ym859qJEl3jXqxiR7WYwxmXHjb0UlW3s2lyM2PymIy0KzmEI2_gug7qT9BOF_uiMVenMh1vM1eP9wSv0PnF-cacVdb-/s400/IMG_1622.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.invito.co.nz/">Invito Cafe-Bar-Restaurant</a></div><div>7 Bacons Lane, Chancery, Auckland</div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-36843977524890908392009-10-14T22:07:00.001+13:002010-01-04T15:41:11.727+13:00Movenpick of Switzerland<div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY89FJr9HoHXGZASB6wJzdafjriH_SmmWZQXzefJO-tvthh4iLPLwF3AF4zSm2vJqIVS4St0bkiB4jrVMVj9G0qb-4RvaAmOSUnr_8z5LdqFrweuSocBVPe7iSPvBsmhTrdki1qaZ-X_G5/s1600-h/IMG_1703.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392389727582429106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY89FJr9HoHXGZASB6wJzdafjriH_SmmWZQXzefJO-tvthh4iLPLwF3AF4zSm2vJqIVS4St0bkiB4jrVMVj9G0qb-4RvaAmOSUnr_8z5LdqFrweuSocBVPe7iSPvBsmhTrdki1qaZ-X_G5/s400/IMG_1703.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>There's no doubt every time after meal I look forward to dessert. What a better way to complete a meal with a sweet finale to the palate. New Zealand have the best ice creams in the world. When one look at what goes into making good quality ice creams, NZ ice cream producers have the advantage of the best dairy produce. <br />
</div><div align="left"><br />
Movenpick is Swiss but these ice creams are made here under license. This Movenpick themed outlet located in Parnell is one of the two in Auckland.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392388950398247090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6rjAASbOV8pH1utmOw8n3nVtUC_IXFNluX7v5eI3U4Wz7g-3x3Uo9RBlk5XXa8pt5JBWzDD_ySMZyroaOHG1aeFvOY648YX2NMCY3X_3-M2K2NIPz3i5_z5wuAUhyphenhyphenU-Wu-bVDHfRbVL2/s400/IMG_1705.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />The choice of indulgence was the hot apple crepe from the dessert menu. I chose to have the crepe with a scoop of macadamia ice cream.<br />
</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwgDuyj8GvuRu6x-Z1s2uVBJdSvfWlMmEa8x8g8MWxGjnfItr3Z-qZA7rldSTZIWVJTrcXlDodbwpvyo87yyrHXBWlSpvpayVy469Ip5WAdTZuCZkdCcmUFkId37lXyztV55pDOMoWOud/s1600-h/IMG_1709.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392391020558233778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwgDuyj8GvuRu6x-Z1s2uVBJdSvfWlMmEa8x8g8MWxGjnfItr3Z-qZA7rldSTZIWVJTrcXlDodbwpvyo87yyrHXBWlSpvpayVy469Ip5WAdTZuCZkdCcmUFkId37lXyztV55pDOMoWOud/s400/IMG_1709.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> </a>Apple crepe with macadamia ice cream<br />
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<div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left">Movenpick Parnell<br />
</div><div align="left">155 Parnell Rise, Parnell, Auckland<br />
</div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-27023951755944840052009-10-12T23:37:00.016+13:002010-01-04T15:43:32.528+13:00Sunday mohito<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHh2kn6_a1ypDcIG3_NyERmZDjXDY7mgngOVW2MvMcOrr6Gz9jPMh5NIiWKEsb2njgaz0m4uNVJfFNjY6Ur4ztaiR2ybYKpB9KZmqJsBzKKTd8FNY-B6cUZGvKyxIdDKCCocEUk3VX1Nl8/s1600-h/IMG_1679.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392364275970392690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHh2kn6_a1ypDcIG3_NyERmZDjXDY7mgngOVW2MvMcOrr6Gz9jPMh5NIiWKEsb2njgaz0m4uNVJfFNjY6Ur4ztaiR2ybYKpB9KZmqJsBzKKTd8FNY-B6cUZGvKyxIdDKCCocEUk3VX1Nl8/s400/IMG_1679.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">The Two M</span><br />
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</div>What's your favourite drink with cigars? For a fine sunny afternoon I prefer a refreshing and cool Cuban mohito. The mohito helps to refresh the palate after a few puffs.<br />
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So how do you like your mohito? Kudos to the bartender. The mint leaves and lemon were well muddled and just right balance of Havana Club rum. However I prefer a mohito made with lime rather than lemon. <br />
<div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392370591219548306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qKVUss8OR2yTPvnQJSTd8rpVHeJskrGasLjE2-hz9NWVamVHBtQ3eRJzezT4bfY1XbmnTYfcCx_X3s27rlQsTQl1ZAkvsxuHs_xQL19TcaW-d4ypCJzCLtbiPzcpRXV4arrCZOlX6DPD/s400/IMG_1674.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cargo's outdoor balcony</span><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392369450756382786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZFWJEYWgZ3K5rvL61eFvftMlyHOhXYXJGDNOBysQa0jKPI7nNxK1bcD_6aPWFLddEQ_aGgb_YzYzJUEpOXIMiP_oqd-Ce2h5exUZT3hY6sXmkkW-mg-6XHHf73djQc75Tjvvd4SejL31/s400/IMG_1673.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> <br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.viaduct.co.nz/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">View of the Viaduct Harbour</span> </a><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left">This is my first time having a drink at Cargo Bar and Lounge. The bar is located at the restaurant precint of the viaduct harbour and next to Degree Gastrobar. The viaduct harbour is Auckland's most happening waterfront and just a stone throw away from the central business district. <br />
</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">It has been a while since I had a Montecristo Petite Edmundo. I punched the cap rather than cutting it. Perfect draw and rich tobacco taste when it's cold. This PE is richer in flavours and depth than the Edmundo.<br />
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</div><div align="left"><a href="http://www.cigars-review.org/Montecristo-Petit-Edmundo.htm"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392373383191366754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHrCKHZHY8CF4FjFvuEQ_qaxbEBHx7etmm_smNkwFhbFEltrpzMjQXuF10ZuEzhcgBizGzQIVnO_p6Me8xBqKp05i8orRKtZjhXiyySCVCdeZli9f-PpkA1iP-biTdRzSra_nQBrvAFV8/s400/IMG_1680.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.cigars-review.org/Montecristo-Petit-Edmundo.htm"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Montecristo Petite Edmundo</span></a><br />
</div><div align="left"><br />
<a href="http://cargobar.co.nz/">Cargo Bar / Restaurant / Lounge</a> <br />
</div><div align="left">204 Quay Street, Viaduct Basin, Auckland<br />
</div><div align="left"><br />
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</div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-14584249555828534292009-10-12T21:57:00.001+13:002010-01-04T15:41:58.242+13:00China Restaurant & Bar<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUm4kVnjWs9mxXZeKKrcEKz4Ljg4EOTPqjMUK2D-kAGZMQSeSN_mp_JsbW1S2pHUnLNKwb8VQNYpmmAr2Z3qH0-WNBEI5UGoY7SAymQ1kqkRKoAmoEbJZfxKmBsav2WTTS2A4ciPH5js-/s1600-h/IMG_1666.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391658108740570722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUm4kVnjWs9mxXZeKKrcEKz4Ljg4EOTPqjMUK2D-kAGZMQSeSN_mp_JsbW1S2pHUnLNKwb8VQNYpmmAr2Z3qH0-WNBEI5UGoY7SAymQ1kqkRKoAmoEbJZfxKmBsav2WTTS2A4ciPH5js-/s400/IMG_1666.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
<div><div><div>There's one thing I enjoy doing on Sunday is going for nice hearty brunch. In cosmopolitan Auckland one is not short of brunch options. Most will go for a nice cooked breakfast or fry-ups. I chose yum-cha. Since mine first time dining at China Restaurant and Bar, I've been planning for another visit to try their extensive selection of tim-sum.<br />
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The odd thing with yum-cha is everyone has their own favourite tim-sum. This always leads to picking the same tim-sum from the steaming carts or order the typical congee and steamed rice rolls. I've decided to try other types of tim-sum and was only about 50% successful.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpL5ScBlaXi-GnN6DhNko0-2rcJHqzqQN5pm3ufnDljridlVzbaHMoKDNfBNSl3z8VsKKFrzDPbwQN3GR0J9KVIs4Xv-LJiuqA_3rKJbqcIKb84hfygjEdZF5H2YZHqsBQoIazTOEEcZqO/s1600-h/IMG_1656.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391653358461635890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpL5ScBlaXi-GnN6DhNko0-2rcJHqzqQN5pm3ufnDljridlVzbaHMoKDNfBNSl3z8VsKKFrzDPbwQN3GR0J9KVIs4Xv-LJiuqA_3rKJbqcIKb84hfygjEdZF5H2YZHqsBQoIazTOEEcZqO/s400/IMG_1656.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
I was quite excited with the tim-sum variety and creativity of China Restaurant's kitchen. Baked oysters and sweet and sour pork may not be the traditional yum-cha offering. But then why do we have to be served with the usual boring tim-sums.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-v4zGQ7-bkMaiIchdcQbbvyf4dDvKhsHXrO6tfv7hT3ZJ7VP0TghimlMVBOlNZbW2EYu_2qQdllYQVGUpNI7Dh3gOfWZRNzwmzbaBCSgjLdKtwP0DV8KR-wssQ9ZPI1asM4QI821cT4u/s1600-h/IMG_1659.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391654340373598242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-v4zGQ7-bkMaiIchdcQbbvyf4dDvKhsHXrO6tfv7hT3ZJ7VP0TghimlMVBOlNZbW2EYu_2qQdllYQVGUpNI7Dh3gOfWZRNzwmzbaBCSgjLdKtwP0DV8KR-wssQ9ZPI1asM4QI821cT4u/s400/IMG_1659.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Hi2ubYfSkhvhV0-gF6BAmmDxYtVurBXWxbrs_NmoVRnV9BupwglKC2bazzPnuNy0M-9mWfeEs3iM-lsIqFc3oQ43VHrs-m4MqPFdyphhgXqAA2axUBs_JN2DOpO5abVl4_qobsnIEFGv/s1600-h/IMG_1665.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391657320268401794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Hi2ubYfSkhvhV0-gF6BAmmDxYtVurBXWxbrs_NmoVRnV9BupwglKC2bazzPnuNy0M-9mWfeEs3iM-lsIqFc3oQ43VHrs-m4MqPFdyphhgXqAA2axUBs_JN2DOpO5abVl4_qobsnIEFGv/s400/IMG_1665.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
The steamed dumplings were tasty with generous fillings and equally light translucent pastry skins. The bbq pork buns were reasonably moist inside and the deep fried savoury dumplings were light and crispy.<br />
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Overall the food were above average and service was moderate. However a yum-cha experience can be a bit of hit and miss. Food arrived fairly quickly. Depending on where one is seated sometimes a particular favourite tim-sum will fly across the restaurant and back to the kitchen. That's the fun of yum-cha. Expect the unexpected and no one ever promise a quiet and fine dining experience. Cast a sharp eye for your tim-sum and get ready to flick the chopsticks.<br />
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China Restaurant & Bar<br />
Ground Floor 2, Beach Road, Auckland CDB<br />
Tel: 09 309 4808 <br />
</div></div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-91522400202376172732009-10-07T21:57:00.001+13:002010-01-04T15:45:19.508+13:00Molten<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbUnCJAkjM5sWmhuDuEYwPm4b1q0IFnHWsUbQG5ePgzY2OkVVTBYF32ZUbQ-cvEUxWTQFQgWqSE4gZjBeWtEcL0GxZglAIVfdO6QnGcEEl9hlJZ-jJLkhyy_5omG7lk3ZUPwyzfVYAfTf/s1600-h/IMG_1599.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389795471271153954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbUnCJAkjM5sWmhuDuEYwPm4b1q0IFnHWsUbQG5ePgzY2OkVVTBYF32ZUbQ-cvEUxWTQFQgWqSE4gZjBeWtEcL0GxZglAIVfdO6QnGcEEl9hlJZ-jJLkhyy_5omG7lk3ZUPwyzfVYAfTf/s400/IMG_1599.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
Molten is a jewel of the suburban dining in Auckland. Located at the foot of the iconic Mt. Eden, this casual yet elegant restaurant was recently named 2009 Best Neighbourhood Restaurant by Cuisine Magazine.<br />
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The restaurant's exterior resembling the rows of specialty shops along Mt. Eden road. It can be a little challenging to spot Molten if one is cruising along. So look out for the colourful City Cake Company and the restaurant is just two doors away.<br />
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Entering the restaurant, Belinda the co-owner and Maitre d' greeted us with warm smiles. The interior is simple and welcoming. It fits the description of a typical suburban diner but with an edge. The menu has just enough selection to tempt the taste bud.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlTo-lGQruFPw4bHVKKbKCAHi82pdHar5EsWu2LBou6RoYAzpJFfV6L6wyJdHubk9gpBTRSQtaieGxiPq9GqtdKdh4ICPmJ7E4GY5tI17zDhQniOVw0FClJVr0D14v5YIigkxNe7wIovJ/s1600-h/IMG_1612.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389799440181791202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlTo-lGQruFPw4bHVKKbKCAHi82pdHar5EsWu2LBou6RoYAzpJFfV6L6wyJdHubk9gpBTRSQtaieGxiPq9GqtdKdh4ICPmJ7E4GY5tI17zDhQniOVw0FClJVr0D14v5YIigkxNe7wIovJ/s400/IMG_1612.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
We started with the in-house baked bread with Te Arai Estate olive oil and avocado aioli. The warm and soft roll filled with caramelised onions was our favourite. What a great start to the meal. I went for Molten's famous sesame salt and pepper squid. It was absolutely divine. Soft, juicy squid with delicate crispy and light outside. The nuttiness of the peanut relish and sesame batter are well balanced by the chilli honey.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389808498303196866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcL9GZLhXm1HPjgXiXkhUXnJ9-HFOu39C63rNWH9i6zS2poUYRMovTBE_19PaEAwF0NrZwRGaaSGCiWLVHw1wJ1mFWHLWbQFzXK6oTGjbxDRBEFYbH0LuN4zBJKVrH3OSBUETsL6_l34x8/s400/IMG_1602.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> <br />
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</div><div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389803277090502162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSA09dbG-yIZiZyzcWqE3UibYoFJHh6kw9p0c-U7JM9RUOV0oIK3T0hmBJ5ZmmblRUAg6mrHd31zj9RHMq3BSBLSKXeNUzSaRgXXxdvfM8GyD8mouP54vDmiNJPOcGkaW4B1U0BISD37d/s400/IMG_1608.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Sesame salt and pepper squid w cucumber, peanut relish and chilli honey</span> <br />
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<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f4uert2FxFI4COD4Ux5uePQztT0N7C3DlOxLjUc39tJtcF8z-u1Fq1c-J7ENgVYFZwxyQYTnsjIye1OswUocq3fIDzqZdVgyoHDzSSMCZxZkP6Igm4jdgNnpsdXxwLeiHWgc_lzhnrX2/s1600-h/IMG_1610.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389805826240431778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f4uert2FxFI4COD4Ux5uePQztT0N7C3DlOxLjUc39tJtcF8z-u1Fq1c-J7ENgVYFZwxyQYTnsjIye1OswUocq3fIDzqZdVgyoHDzSSMCZxZkP6Igm4jdgNnpsdXxwLeiHWgc_lzhnrX2/s400/IMG_1610.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">Confit duck, pumpkin and orzo pasta w rimu smoked bacon and shredded rocket </span><br />
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</div>The other meal was the confit duck and pumpkin orzo pasta. A rich and creamy pasta with the sweetness from the pumpkin and smokiness of the rimu-smoked bacon. We finished the meal with feijoa and vodka sorbet. <br />
<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYb9-E5dSe_s7bpHrpQjajFVtJ67KT7zujlKz2VTritFTddjv_FV09Bj0GkIRf4VJQnsZe4L9xb93XvdUie7BwyUcrgGIuQGpICHBeIPuGvQZw5MLY7XoUfYAu44D53HoPCExuEEmrclX/s1600-h/IMG_1613.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389809736175630786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYb9-E5dSe_s7bpHrpQjajFVtJ67KT7zujlKz2VTritFTddjv_FV09Bj0GkIRf4VJQnsZe4L9xb93XvdUie7BwyUcrgGIuQGpICHBeIPuGvQZw5MLY7XoUfYAu44D53HoPCExuEEmrclX/s400/IMG_1613.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Feijoa and vodka sorbet w toasted coconut and pineapple brittle<br />
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<a href="http://www.molten.co.nz/">Molten<br />
422 Mt. Eden Road, Mt. Eden</a><br />
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</div></a>In house baked bread selection<br />
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Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818908545875004891.post-38218846234399020112009-10-06T22:07:00.014+13:002010-01-04T15:46:35.117+13:00Last Summer's Habanos<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Daylight saving is here and it was officially spring since September. Unfortunately with the cold snap in the last few days, one wonders when we can have some nice spring weather. For now I can only <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">reminise</span></span> on the last summer.......................<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGE54m0BVOCfkXm0b91GCAXemuTZqnQx0NzuX0ETFp0r42KWUAORWjmf78EN6LjZ7tqClWkdX1ku0EoUqR7-T-sKmfkVfclQ1ai3VEk4gADVaOJHAlAGoqqvLrzylg1ZCZIpKPaYWRaI8/s1600-h/IMG_0289.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389420623308488594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGE54m0BVOCfkXm0b91GCAXemuTZqnQx0NzuX0ETFp0r42KWUAORWjmf78EN6LjZ7tqClWkdX1ku0EoUqR7-T-sKmfkVfclQ1ai3VEk4gADVaOJHAlAGoqqvLrzylg1ZCZIpKPaYWRaI8/s400/IMG_0289.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Partagas</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Serie</span></span> D No. 4</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0dRpGW2PdG044OkvRG8sk-Tdl4CGY9I37SfZFoUJ6sq190qS0BvlTApvd2-HRQeE9WIv6ADM8nqsuL48O-QDDApBli5vhAC0PSnP2U1M8RQO58HDLRSqRZkgROW6uDc6TU05ovgyioNQ/s1600-h/IMG_0299.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389419230412233426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0dRpGW2PdG044OkvRG8sk-Tdl4CGY9I37SfZFoUJ6sq190qS0BvlTApvd2-HRQeE9WIv6ADM8nqsuL48O-QDDApBli5vhAC0PSnP2U1M8RQO58HDLRSqRZkgROW6uDc6TU05ovgyioNQ/s400/IMG_0299.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bolivar Royal Corona</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSchmUgHoSqjarrDR34ta_erEJyFB4FeNg6OtUMhcQCMZmiP5UtqtkGvVv3gg_M0K14LTXWAorzfIJxktQa_zylBuOzY-7JYKGw19Q3-RswKg8QqjguyxRYbz8odKEYCrkegF_aYaA2ZFn/s1600-h/IMG_0559.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389413436360972354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSchmUgHoSqjarrDR34ta_erEJyFB4FeNg6OtUMhcQCMZmiP5UtqtkGvVv3gg_M0K14LTXWAorzfIJxktQa_zylBuOzY-7JYKGw19Q3-RswKg8QqjguyxRYbz8odKEYCrkegF_aYaA2ZFn/s400/IMG_0559.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Montecristo</span></span> No. 2</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n3YgmafxgcfGH5x2eL5yhdD31P3QkL1PqglOM7ktbv81dZ8mYGie0Y-1hygcAjWCn_2Hn_vJHF1Yb5SoVTujmWz-XjjajbsIfHbGw1QWEfe_xvqo1sniTq1HDlQyF9hPA38F30jU5OBD/s1600-h/IMG_0555.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389414230583366626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n3YgmafxgcfGH5x2eL5yhdD31P3QkL1PqglOM7ktbv81dZ8mYGie0Y-1hygcAjWCn_2Hn_vJHF1Yb5SoVTujmWz-XjjajbsIfHbGw1QWEfe_xvqo1sniTq1HDlQyF9hPA38F30jU5OBD/s400/IMG_0555.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Partagas</span></span> Shorts</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Addys7VLddFwqsQXQUjuUQHFmfNfUkab66-zNm9KUtaOjAHnQUpGlRKqU_wFMx6zQczhw5YiqkT0cKvzpK-kzg3ZW8_xuMT84IHsbWWPSQl0wjg7vAJE7fB6yDqyXE7spzaiI2zF16Sd/s1600-h/IMG_0446.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389417664349490498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Addys7VLddFwqsQXQUjuUQHFmfNfUkab66-zNm9KUtaOjAHnQUpGlRKqU_wFMx6zQczhw5YiqkT0cKvzpK-kzg3ZW8_xuMT84IHsbWWPSQl0wjg7vAJE7fB6yDqyXE7spzaiI2zF16Sd/s400/IMG_0446.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Cohiba</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Siglo</span></span> VI </span><br />
</div></div>Agent Cornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08502728107691166839noreply@blogger.com0