This week’s small pleasures 505

I don’t know about you, but the news is becoming more and more depressing in so many ways. At least many people in parts of the northern hemisphere witnessed a solar eclipse and we saw some sunshine so not all bad news.

On Saturday morning, we headed north to Napier for a couple of nights away. I am working up in Hawke’s Bay for a couple of days this week so we added on a very mini trip. Unfortunately, the weather was not good, and instead of blue skies this was what we saw. Ah well…it was still nice to get away. And of course today, Monday, the sun has come out….

In the basket

I forgot to cancel the Wonky Box this week so took delivery of broccoli (again…), carrots, a swede, some purple potatoes, a bag of Brussels sprouts and a lettuce. While we were away, we stopped off at Belatino’s in Havelock North and picked up honey, coffee beans and this black raspberry vinaigrette. The picture was taken in the car with the products on my knee…

Lunches

On Tuesday, and indeed Friday too, I enjoyed my favourite egg salad and pickle sandwich from Dough Bakery that has featured in this blog on many an occasion. On Wednesday, I consumed my third burger, a fish one from Glou Glou. While the fish was very good, along with the tartar sauce, the bun was rather unpleasant which kind of spoiled it all. Ah well…

For our road trip lunch we stopped as usual at Windfarm Cafe in Woodville for a cheese and ham toastie and chips. On Sunday we had this very meaty sausage roll at Tennyson’s in Napier.

Dining out on Wellington on a Plate

On Thursday evening, we headed out to Capitol in the city for their Wellington on a Plate special dinner, Gustioso. This started with an excellent focaccia alla griglia, grilled bread with Wairarapa extra virgin olive oil. Next came a twice-cooked soufflé of house-aged and smoked cheddar which was amazing. The main dish was a pastry-topped pie of Syrah-braised venison shank with puréed parsnip, with a little rocket salad. Dessert was a semifreddo alle prune, black Doris plum ice with candied orange. The photos, especially of the souffle do not to the food justice. We had the wine pairings as well.

Dining out in Napier

I booked us dinner at Central Fire Station Bistro in Napier, conveniently located across the road from our hotel. When we were last here in January, we opted for the ’trust the chef’ menu which we enjoyed, so decided to do the same again. We started with a blanc de blanc, a gorgeous bread with a special brown butter and two snacks, one with cheese and ham on a pastry puff and the other a chicken based ball of tastiness. The first course was raw fish, avocado, sorrel and mandarin with a ginger dressing, followed by pork fillet, confit belly, celeriac, cider poached apple and witloof. Both of these dishes were excellent. Then came the lamb rump with merguez, carrot and braised greens. Each of these came with a matching wine. Dessert was a baked chocolate mousse, tamarillo and hazelnut ice cream. Fabulous food, comfortable restaurant and excellent service.

Simple things

• Meeting our neighbours’ new gorgeous cat.
• Spotting a few early lambs on our drive north.
• Having coffee and delicious freshly baked cake with friends on Sunday.
• Watching a baby Highland cow frolicking in a field.
• Seeing Karl rediscovering his pinball skills (our friends are serious players).
• Enjoying the little pot of daffodils in the garden.

What were your small pleasures this week? Here are some other blog posts from a few fellow bloggers looking at the good things in life.

• Carol Ann shares her many wonderful delights of the week.
• The Eternal Traveller visits a very different gallery.
• And Laurie goes to a meet and greet.
• Anne spots a red-knobbed coot.
• The Glasgow Gallivanter takes us on another walk on Gozo.
• While Jo takes us to a paper flower festival
• Meanwhile Travels Through My Lens takes us on a special walk.
• The Travel Sketcher shares the week in The Pearl.
• Mr Tootlepedal is keeping cool.
• While Ilze hunts for the perfect spot.
• Maria finds a lovely belt.
• Fleur is cruising down the river..
• And Neal has a silent Sunday.
• Ju Lyn shares her happy place and space.
• And Natalie shares a week of good things. 
• Deb shares more of her travels.
• Finally….Mr Platypus spots sandwich terns
• ..…and all the other lovely bloggers out there. Sorry if I have missed anyone…..

Thistles and Kiwis is a Wellington, New Zealand based blog written by Barbara, who likes cats, summer and good food. Thistles and Kiwis can be found on Facebook and Instagram @thistlesandkiwis