What the Locals Like for 29th Aug to 4th Sept

World of Wearable Arts Show (WOW)

Bob Haven, professor in Costume Technology at Kentucky University in the United States, who after his first experience of entering WOW, said, ‘athletes have the Olympics; actors have the Oscars; musicians have the Grammys; and designers and costume creators have WOW’.

http://askthelocalsnz.blogspot.com/2011/08/brancott-estate-world-of-wearable-arts_28.html

Cupcake Day for the SPCA Monday 29th August
The Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is holding its' annual community-driven Cupcake Day.
Make or buy cupcakes to help fund raise for a worthy cause.
Read on for our step-by-step guide to how Cupcake Day works.
www.spcacupcakeday.co.nz


NZ Fashion Week 2011
From Monday 29th August right through to Saturday 3rd September, the brand new Viaduct Events Centre will be abuzz with thousands of people including media, buyers, models, designers, international guests and fashion lovers from far and wide for New Zealand Fashion Week in what is an iconic year for New Zealand.

http://askthelocalsnz.blogspot.com/2011/08/nz-fashion-week-201.html

Wellington Zoo & Zealandia August specials

Last chance to get into the Zoo and Zealandia on their August specials.

The Zoo has $5 entry on Wednesday, the last one for the month this week.

Zealandia have $10 entry to the exhibition

http://tiny.cc/1d0d3

Opera Pre-show free talks on Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci

It's always great to absorb some background on an opera before the lights go down. If you're attending one of these Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci performances in Wellington, why not join us a little earlier for a FREE pre-show talk before the show? We will take you through some of the history of the opera and reveal stories from behind-the-scenes on how the production came together.

WHEN:	27, 30 August and 3 September 2011
WHERE:	St James Theatre, Hospitality Suite, First Floor
TIME:	6.30pm, 5pm and 6.30pm (20 mins approx)
TICKETS:	FREE EVENTS
ENQUIRIES:	hello@nzopera.co.nz

Brancott Estate World of Wearable Arts (WOW)

Bob Haven, professor in Costume Technology at Kentucky University in the United States, who after his first experience of entering WOW, said, ‘athletes have the Olympics; actors have the Oscars; musicians have the Grammys; and designers and costume creators have WOW’.

If you have any desire to see any of the following, we have the show for you -
The Brancott Estate World of Wearable Arts Show (WOW):

It is comedy, opera, Royal NZ Ballet, school boy chorister, dance, art & fashion show, singing, music, aerobatics, light show and much more.

As a teaser, here is a short video of last years highlights:
http://www.worldofwearableart.com/tickets/show-dates-prices

I have been to WOW over the last few years, and this year was the most breath-taking and entertaining show yet.

We loved everything about WOW.  Starting with the entertainment in the foyer to ease you through the meandering crowd, right through to the lights coming on at the end of the show to realise the two hours are sadly up.

We thoroughly recommend buying the $20 programme guide to see up close the detail of all the costumes and to find out more behind the designs and designers.  Some of the costumes may not look too wow from your vantage point, but upon examining the programme guide more carefully you realise that costume is made out of painted barbie dolls, or paper cranes, or entirely of leather or metal.



Another Local said:  "I loved the opera with ballet and fashion show running concurrently - a visual and audio feast. Was truly wowed. The Kiwiana section was hilarious and John Rowles can still sing! The costumes were brilliant - all 170 of them. Too many favourites to choose from."

What an incredibly talented bunch of people our WOW artistic people are.  And the arts world is all the richer for these types of shows.  It makes me feel very proud to be a Wellingtonian and to be able to experience and share such rich performances.

There are still seats priced from $50 for shows at 8pm on Wednesday 31st August, Thursday 1st September, Thursday 8th September and Friday 9th September.  But don't delay, the tickets are selling fast and with people like Stephen Fry highly praising the show it won't be long until all the shows are a sold out.

Foxglove

I'll let you into a wee secret.  Us Woman-folk can be a bit funny about food.  This is never more true than when we are out dining with other woman-folk.

Tonight we were seven woman out to enjoy a pre-theatre meal before WOW.  I chose Foxglove, because of it close proximity to the TSB Arena and also we thoroughly enjoyed the food, location and atmosphere last time we were there.

I decided on the set pre-theatre menu, as it was quicker and easier than waiting for seven woman to decide on what to agree on.

Six of us started without the seventh, as there were babysitting issues for the seventh.  So, we start with sourdough, olive oil and a quenelle of light and airy herb butter.  I adore the light and airy herby butter and wonder if anyone would notice that I had run out of bread a long time ago, but was still enjoying the butter.

Then onto a starter of goats cheese & mozzarella balls, with rocket and slivers of toasted almonds all very well seasoned.  I have no idea what an apple & bush honey gastrique is, but assume it is the dressing, which goes beautifully with the strong goats cheese.

The duck liver parfait was very popular at our table, perhaps chosen for its moussy lightness yet maximum flavour.  Whatever the reasons, just know that my cheesy balls won out.

There was some mirth when the 'nearly-a-vegetarian' ordered the steak tartare.  We weren't sure if she knew that the tartare meant it would be raw beef.  But everyone else was interested to get the nearly-a-vegetarians' take on her choice, so we all agreed to say nothing.  Unusual choice - funny business!

The nearly-a-vege did stop still in her tracks on being presented with her entree. The glass was lifted to release the sage smoke, which must have cast some kind of spell on the n-a-v, as she broke the egg yolk over the not so vege raw beef and happily ate it all up.  I haven't heard of this type of vegetarian before, but I have to say that even the carnivores blushed on watching her devour the meaty dish in delight.  Perhaps I will send her the Wikipedia link to the meaning of a vegetarian. Then, perhaps the fact the beast was a vegetarian counts towards being a vegetarian dish? Who knows, I'm very much a carnivore, but I still enjoyed my cheese balls with no hint of meat in sight.

Snapper with beetroot & ginger air

We knew we would be sitting down all evening, without intermission at the WOW show.  So, I thought I would not order anything too heavy.  See, this is more of the funny business around food.  What's wrong with ordering the rump of lamb or the confit of duck?  No, four out of six of us would just have the grilled snapper with beetroot and ginger air - so foamy and ethereal, not to weigh too much on the tum.

The duck and lamb were delicious, and I was rather envious when I saw them.

Rump of lamb

Duck leg confit

And now, as the meal was so light, we are looking forward to the dessert.  Oh, I don't think I could.  After all that beetroot and ginger air I am positively full!  Oh, chocolates you say, well, if you insist.  And they are in such a cute little box, it would be rude not to.

All in all, the pre-theatre menu was perfectly proportioned for pre-theatre.  And extremely reasonably priced for the quality, flavours and choice.  We decided to 'match' our own wine to the meal, so the meal was $45 each, great value.  We had plenty of wine options and were very happy with our selections.  My personal favourite wine of the night was the Mt Difficulty Target Gully Riesling, which went perfectly with all the delicacy of my meal.

My only suggestion for room for improvement would be the transition from entry to table and then from table to paying to exit.  But this wasn't enough of a downer to downgrade our unanimous 5/5 vote.

After the WOW show, with the beetroot and ginger air now dissipated, we agreed that a hot chocolate and cake was in order.  You see?  More silly business.  If I had chosen the lamb, then the cake wouldn't have been necessary.  But perhaps if we get a trim mocha to go with the cake...

So, we head to Dockside, as it was very conveniently located.  There was plenty of seating and they were more than happy to accommodate our silliness of trim mochaccinos and maybe just a little bit of cake, but to share, you understand.  Oo, never mind the idea of cake, how about a cheese platter, made to share.  Well, it had fruit and everything on it, which was very well received and counter-balanced the cheeses, surely?!

So, silliness over.  We are all too high on the WOW experience to mind that the rugby was playing in the background and that it didn't go so well.  But, surely that one doesn't count either?

Foxglove Pre-theatre menu:
http://www.foxglovebar.co.nz/sites/default/files/pdfs/menuitem/foxglove039s-pre-theatre-menu/pre-theatremenuapril2011.pdf

Spring Clean

The most desired season has arrived, after a particularly cold and snowy burst recently.


The change in seasons is desired for its new birth and burst of colour.


We have put together some of our favourite photos of new birth, whether it is blossoms, ripening fruit or potential for ducklings.

Of course after all the indulgences of August's Food Festival one could feel rather inclined to have a spring clean of sorts.  I may have been so bold to state that a cleansing detox diet would be done en masse.  I've started slowly, and had my car valeted!

That sounds rather flash, having the car valeted, but really I let the experts do it by taking the car along to Auto Clean Groomers at 15 Alfred Street, Mt Cook (just by the Basin Reserve), phone (04) 385 7354.

After a season of rather wet Saturday mornings ferrying muddy football players around in the car, the car definitely needed a cleanse.

The very friendly and thorough guys at Auto Clean Groomers cleaned and washed our interior and exterior.  The valet was $99 and included:

• car wash, wax, wheels, door jams
• windows inside and out
• full vacuum and spot cleaning (shampoo) seats, carpets and mats
• dress and detail all interior vinyl and deodorise

Auto Clean Groomers at 15 Alfred Street, Mt Cook (just by the Basin Reserve), phone (04) 385 7354

Stay tuned to see whether The Locals decide to do a lemon detox or not.

Malaysia Kitchen Night Market

Malaysia Kitchen has brought to New Zealand’s capital city its very own Malaysian night market as part of this year’s Visa Wellington on a Plate festivities.

For Kiwis who know and love the bright lights, smells and excitement of the night markets so familiar throughout Asia, it was all brought to home in Wellington.

There are obviously plenty of Kiwis who do enjoy the feel of a Malaysian night market, as the Opera House Lane was packed tonight with hungry throngs of people all in good spirits enjoying the atmosphere.

With free entry and dishes priced from $5, visitors experienced the best of authentic Malaysian street food produced by some of Wellington’s best-loved Malaysian restaurants.

NZ Fashion Week 2011

In light of NZ Fashion Week coming to Auckland next week, we went to visit some local Wellington fashion designers.

Miriam White of Sunday Apparel is one of the three finalist for the Westpac Young Fashion Designer Competition.  Miriam will present her designs on the country's highest profile catwalk at NZ Fashion Week. 

We wish Miriam all the very best for her exciting opportunity next week and in the future.

Sunday Apparel is a Wellington based fashion label that produces thoughtfully designed, New Zealand Made clothing for women.

Miriam’s considered approach to design, along with her careful selection of colours and textiles, makes for functional yet beautiful garments. Delightful details, quality materials and local production are a key focus. Sunday’s collections are inspired by Miriam’s interest in literature, poetry and travel, resulting in an intelligent yet whimsical aesthetic, which is accessible, infinitely wearable and above all charming.

Miriam's neighbour is fellow fashion designer, the delightful Nell Winton of Good Score.

Good Score a perfect cross-over of shopping and local manufacturing, open everyday in the Capital City of New Zealand or online to the world.
Good Score owner Nell Winton offers an original clothing range, designed and created on the cutting table and sewing machines that nestle in among the Wellington retail store.
There’s something for the girls and guys of all ages in the limited edition fashion, leisure wear and great basics. Much of the clothing is proudly made from an extensive range of New Zealand knitted fabrics; 100% Cotton, Merino and Merino blends.
Good Score has a constantly evolving stock of Accessories, Bags, Leather, and beautiful jewellery and Goodscore services also include; Made to measure on most styles, and Alterations

The retail store and manufacturing hub in the iconic 311 Willis St building is the evolution of a business that was established three years ago on the Parade in Island’s Bay’s old Post Office.

www.goodscore.co.nz

NZ Fashion Week 2011 

From Monday 29th August right through to Saturday 3rd September, the brand new Viaduct Events Centre will be abuzz with thousands of people including media, buyers, models, designers, international guests and fashion lovers from far and wide for New Zealand Fashion Week in what is an iconic year for New Zealand.

The best of New Zealand's fashion designers will once again be on show with this year's schedule featuring a wide range of both established and emerging brands.

Fashion lovers will once again have the chance to get up close and personal with their favourite labels through access to Fashion Weekend and the Designer Selection Shows.

One of the most exciting and entertaining shows that everyone can attend at NZ Fashion Week, The Designer Selection Show is your exclusive chance to see a sneak preview of the 2012 winter collections from every designer showing at fashion week.

The Show is held at the Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland
From 29 August to 3 September

Tickets are still on sale:
http://www.iticket.co.nz/events/pages/nzfashionweek2011/
(Wed 31 Aug is sold out, Thurs & Fri selling fast)
Ticket prices start at $80, which includes the coveted goody bag.

Or opt in for the reasonably priced Fashion Weekend tickets:
Fashion Weekend is all about fashion, music and good times. In 2010 Fashion Weekend opened the door to the public for the fifth time and now enjoys the reputation of a quality and good value event. It is hard to live in New Zealand and not feel a sense of excitement generated by the publicity and hype around the trade event (NZFW), making Fashion Weekend the way for the public to be involved.

The Fashion Weekend tickets allow you entry to the famous Sunday Star-Times Designer Garage Sale - Friday 5pm to 9.30pm.
Please note, the Fashion Weekend tickets do not allow you entry to the Designer Selection Shows.

For further information please go to www.nzfashionweek.com

MariLuca Ristoro

Maria Pia's is dead. Long live MariLuca Ristoro.


You know what I love about Italians?  Apart from their ridiculous good looks and charming personalities. It is their absolute passion of all things.  Of course they are famous for their passion for food and fast cars.  But their passion doesn't end there.


But, I digress.  We are here to talk about their passion for food.  These Locals have been fortunate enough to travel Italy, and experience first hand authentic Italian food.  Every region in Italy has its preference for how food should be prepared, what should be used and with what.   Tonight we are dining on southern Italian fare.  The staff are very authentically Italian.   And most definitely are passionate about their food.  Naturally this adds to the evenings enjoyment and positively lends to conversations about combinations of food and wine and so on.


We chose MariLuca's tonight, as I was out to impress my friends who aren't locals, but one is half Italian.  Now the pressure is on.   To impress an Italian raised foodie is not won over lightly.  There was much thought and deliberation into where to dine.   I settled on Maria Pia's, only to discover that they were closing and new proprietors would be taking over just days before we were to dine.  Was this to be a too risky proposition?  I decided that in my experience, new owners will try hard to live up to the highly regarded reputation of the previous owners, but also want to put their own stamp on what is now their own name.  The new proprietors did not disappoint.


So, you want to know, what did we order?  Are they doing Wellington on a Plate?  How busy were they?  And will they be able to live up to Maria Pia's reputation.


Everything. Yes. Very. Yes.


I have to apologise for the lack of photography of the meals.  You can take that as a good sign.  That some of my party didn't allow nor wished to hang about getting the lighting right whilst our meal sat getting cold.  So, I hope to be able to describe the meal in a way that the artificial flash photography couldn't possibly purvey.


Wine first.  Of course.  Italian.  Again, of course.  When in Rome, as they say. My Italian friend chose for us, choosing the 2008 Montepulciano D'Abruzzo, a Poggio Ai Santi wine. Very fragrant and light and moreish a wine, as never I have tasted. Normally we go Central Otago Pinot Noir.  And that is as far as I can venture into the red of wines.  But, this wine had just enough body and character to please everyone at the table.



So, wine sorted, and half an hour in and we still hadn't settled on whether we would be doing antipasto, entrees, soup, pasta or mains. The Spanish had it right. Just start bringing food.  So, we ordered the antipasto platter to share, some char grilled bread and a seafood plate.  The antipasto was perfection, and completely stole the round.  Olives, Parma ham, salami, grilled aubergine & zucchini, marinated artichoke & mushrooms, pesto, cheeses, beans, fritata, rocket, all with chunky char grilled sourdough bread - perfection.


An hour later, we are now onto the second bottle of Montepulciano and thinking we could manage something else to eat.  So, bets are laid, rules established, it was to be couple-teams choosing the best meals wins.  DH neutralised the carbonara by team USA with another carbonara.  Team USA then stuck with seafood to have the clam linguine.   Team Locals final choice was braised beef ravioli with crispy sage.  Score!


The carbonara was made with beautiful thin strips of fettuccine, tasty nuggets of bacon, creamy sauce and Parmesan shavings on top.  But the linguine with clams and garlicky chunky tomato really did steal the pasta round convincingly.


I was delighted with the ravioli.  With its nutty butter sauce and crispy sage, braised beef inside the ample parcels was incredibly tender and truly delicious. But, I am a hearty beef person, and the rest out voted me.


All votes counted, the carbonara and linguine won the pasta round.  So, one all.  Reluctantly.


Desserts for the decider.  Tiramisu for Team USA to share - brave!  Only one vote.   Team Locals chose an affogato and a triple gelato - FTW!



The Affogato combinations led to much discourse with the Maitre D'.   He was adamant that one could not mix creamy vanilla pod ice cream with limoncello.  I was happily swayed by his passion and reasoning of the bitter lemon would not sit well with the creamy ice cream.  So, orange liqueur it was.  The rest of the table chose amaretto for an aperitif.  The Locals clinched the win by pouring the amaretto over the triple gelato.  Sold!  I stood firm on the espresso to go with the affogato.  It was not condoned.   I could tell he was not approving of my choice, but was interested to find out what my preference was after trying the affogato with or without espresso.  His reasoning was for coffee and liqueur, or the ice cream and liqueur, or ice cream and coffee.  All three, molto non-bene.  But, more power to them for allowing my indulgences.


We are a happy and contended bunch, the Italian friend included.  The Locals gladly recommend MariLuca Ristoro.  And I wish them every success, for which I can be sure they will enjoy.
Viva MariLuca!

What The Locals LIke in Wellington 22nd to 28th August

Here is a summary of what The Locals like for this week in Wellington, Monday 22^nd August to Sunday 28^th August:

Boston on Blair 
This new bar opens tommorow night (25.8.11), Friday launching the new Mini Countryman, Saturday back - to - back Djs including P - Money.

at 20 Blair Street, where Maya bar used to be.
bostononblair.com


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boston-on-Blair/215425375145626?sk=wall

Opera Pre-show talks on Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci

-        It's always great to absorb some background on an opera before the lights go down. If you're attending one of these Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci performances in Wellington, why not join us a little earlier for a FREE pre-show talk before the show? We will take you through some of the history of the opera and reveal stories from behind-the-scenes on how the production came together. 

WHEN:	27, 30 August and 3 September 2011
WHERE:	St James Theatre, Hospitality Suite, First Floor
TIME:	6.30pm, 5pm and 6.30pm (20 mins approx)
TICKETS:	FREE EVENTS
ENQUIRIES:	hello@nzopera.co.nz

World of Wearable Arts (WOW)

To find out more, see our blog on WOW:

http://tiny.cc/rbcxt

WOW is on at TSB Bank Arena, Queens Wharf, Wellington

Thursday 25^th August to 10^th September

Tickets are still available to most shows:

http://www.theshop.co.nz/sb/wow//startnwow

(sold out: 26.8, 27.8, 28.8, 2.9, 3.9)

Demetri Martin - hilarious comedian

"I used to play sports. Then I realized you can buy trophies. Now I am good at everything."

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketek for Sunday 28^th August at The Opera House
For tickets:
http://tiny.cc/18ito

 To see Demetri in action:

http://tiny.cc/2zz91

Daffodil Day

-       for NZ Cancer Society appeal on Friday 26^th August

String Sextet Spectacular

Wellington Chamber Music on Sunday Concert 28th August at 3pm

Ilott Theatre, Wellington Town Hall

See Ticketek for booking.

Oceania

Early Encounters at Te Papa

and

Imagining the Pacific at The City Gallery

on 6th August to 6th November

Oceania is an inspiring collaboration between Te Papa and The City Gallery.  The two complementary exhibitions explore the richness of Maori, Pacific and European cultures, offering an unprecedented look into the soul of the region.

Love markets, but like to sleep-in in the weekends as well?  Never fear, for you can now enjoy all things market on Wellington waterfront on Sundays. 
The underground market is having an Indie Fashion & Jewellery Market special, opening on Saturday 27th August and Sunday 28th August from 10am - 4pm under Frank Kitts Park on the waterfront.
For more details see:
http://undergroundmarket.co.nz/undergroundmarket/Welcome.html


Paella Monday at Osteria del Toro
Come and try authentic Valencian style paella from 7pm at $25 per head. Ole' 
http://www.osteriadeltoro.co.nz/paella_dl.pdf

Master Chef at work

Simon Gault Cooking Demonstrations at Queensgate Mall 

- Thursday 25th August 11am & 1pm

http://tiny.cc/nxc9y

 Wellington Indoor Community Sports Centre Open Day

Come along to the official opening day of the Wellington Indoor Community Sports Centre on Saturday 27th August.
There'll be netball, volleyball, basketball, korfball, futsal (indoor football), athletics, handball, floorball, ultimate frisbee, celebrity sports match, face painting and inflatables.
The Wellington Indoor Community Sports Centre is at 72 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie, and provides indoor sport and recreation facilities for community use.
Free travel to and from the centre will be available on a bus shuttle running between Wellington train station and the centre. The shuttle will stop at all bus stops along route number 2, starting at 9.30am and running every half hour until 2.00pm. The last bus will leave the train station at 2.00pm and the centre at 3.30pm.
Parking is limited. If you need to drive, a park-and-ride service will run from the Evans Bay Marina car park.

Tune in for more of What The Locals Like

Spring - believe!

To help you through the cold wintry blast we are experiencing, we thought you would enjoy thinking about what is coming, ever so soon - believe, it will come.

Spring Festival

17 September - 2 October 2011

This two-week festival has more than 30 events, with highlights including:

• Otari open day and plant sale on Saturday 17 September
• Tulip Sunday in the Botanic Garden on 25 September.

This year we've designed the Botanic Garden's renowned tulip beds to pay tribute to the overseas teams playing in Wellington for Rugby World Cup 2011. The planting's been done so that the flower colours will represent teams' national flags.


Spring Festival 2011 programme (960Kb PDF)


Carterton Daffodil Carnival, Wairarapa
Sunday 11th September
to celebrate spring, come and wander around 120 craft & produce stalls in Carterton's main street.  Take a shuttle bus to Middle Run to pick your own daffodils for a donation.
http://www.cartertondc.co.nz/daffodil-carnival.html


There is something else coming next month, now what is it again.....

Recycling

If it snows or is too icy for the trucks to get to your area, your rubbish and recycling may not be collected until your next usual day.  The Council have said they will try to get to all areas.

In the meantime, you may be surprised what can be collected for recycling now.  I have just realised that cereal bags can be recycled, as can most plastic bags.  Here is a summary from the Council website.

Wellington City Council (WCC) overview of rubbish collection:
http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/rubbrecyc/index.html

WCC collection days:
http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/rubbrecyc/collection.html

WCC recycling - sorting & preparing your recycling:
http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/rubbrecyc/recycling/sorting.html

Recyclable Materials	Examples
Plastic - grades 1 - 7, excluding polystyrene	drink bottles food containers cleaning product containers plastic trays and bags
Paper and cardboard	newspapers and magazines egg cartons office paper and envelopes junk mail cereal boxes toilet paper rolls cardboard boxes, including pizza boxes (but remove pizza scraps) brown corrugated cardboard
Tins and cans	aluminium drinking cans food tins pet food tins
Glass	glass bottles and jars

Don't Recycle	Examples
Aerosols	fly spray spray deodorant cream cans
General waste	food and liquid cloth or clothing bottle and jar lids
Wax-coated or lined cartons	milk and juice cartons
Specific types of plastic and metallic wrap and packaging	polystyrene bubble wrap glad wrap tin foil
Green waste	lawn clippings weeds
Specific types of glass	Pyrex ceramics window glass and mirrors light bulbs and broken glass
Hazardous items	sharp objects batteries paint and oil