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
Thistles and Kiwis 
I tend to carefully look at your bygone menus first . . . all inviting again but really like the Napier menu . . . would love to be tasting that first course . . .
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The food in Napier was outstanding.
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Food looks fabulous. Thanks so much for the link xx
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We have had so much good food recently!
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All wonderful meals and simple pleasures!
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Thank you!
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Delicious food – and it is always pleasing to get away, even for a day or two 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Just a short trip, ending with work, but still nice.
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Sounds like a nice get away with some delicious meals as well. Thanks for the shoutout!
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Even a short trip is nice, especially one with good food!
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Love the little daffs. The news is indeed gloomy, part of my distraction this week has been planning the spring bulbs I’ll plant later this year.
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The daffs made me smile. We were away in southern hemisphere autumn so I didn’t get any new bulbs planted, so I am happy with my daffs.
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The daffodils make a nice contrast with the gloomy news all around.
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They do!
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Yes, delicious looking food…but what is the interesting plant at the very top?
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It’s kawakawa, a native to New Zealand.
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It certainly looks like the dining out did not dissappoint during your outing! That food looks delicious!
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We have had some fabulous food recently.
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So many lovely small pleasures! That baby Highland cow sounds adorable. 😊
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The Highland calf was so sweet, but his mum got a bit spooked by all the humans!
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You are right about depressing, there was one night last week I just could not sleep. Still, cats and calfs are cheerful! We can’t stay down for too long.
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Cats, lambs and the sweet calf all helped!
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Those daffodils are so jaunty. What is it about yellow flowers? And pinball! Do keep us posted. As always, thanks for the mention.
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You are right yellow flowers are so cheerful. Ah yes…the pinball! Will see how that goes.
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Te Mata Figs establishment is always good to visit. Well, of course, depending on how much you enjoy figs. Nearly spring and don’t think about politics.
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We did drive past, but after spending the afternoon with friends their wasn’t time.
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Perhaps you may need to turn off the news! But you sure have spoiled me with these wonderful culinary delights. They make me so hungry!
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You had me at Highland baby calf! Amazing how many times you ate out this week!
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The calf was so sweet, but the mum was very watchful. With the big food festival on here in Wellington and traveling to Hawke’s Bay we did eat out quite a bit. Back to home cooking this week!
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Nice to have a little jaunt to add to your work trip. We had a day in Napier on a cruise in 2023 and will have another day next February when we’re there. We really enjoyed our day and are looking forward to our next visit.
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It is a really nice place to visit.
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The weather in all its raw glory sometimes just not cooperate!
I am glad you had a break worked in and enjoyed it regardless.
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Yes the weather does not always do what we want but we had a nice mini getaway.
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You have enjoyed some superb meals at the restaurants you dined at, the Syrah braised venison shank really caught my eye. It is always lovely and refreshing to get away. We drove home to Mackay from Cairns in Far North Queensland and stopped at a delightful little coffee shop in Tully, a gorgeous town, very wet, and the beautiful owner gifted us each a peach ball to go with our delicious toasted sandwich. That never happens so was special and the scenery along the way is very tropical and beautiful. It’s a lovely part of the world, despite the traffic. Have a wonderful weekend. Pauline (Happy Retirees Kitchen)
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Sounds like a great road trip.
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Thanks for sharing your small and not-so-small pleasures. I loved learning about your foodie discoveries. The eclipse was intreresting indeed. Glad I don’t watch or read the news regularly though.
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The news is so depressing.
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Delicious-looking food and pretty daffodils! Thank you for the mention and for your weekend coffee share.
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Thanks Natalie!
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I find something beautiful about a cloudy or stormy sky. Blue skies are lovely, but the variations in clouds—shapes, colours, movement—are a different thing.
I love honey. Have you tried flavoured honey? My father-in-law used to live in British Columbia, close to a honey place, and it was one of my favourite spots to visit. I think cinnamon honey and the maple flavoured are so yummy.
Stopping in from Weekend Coffee Share: Steam & Scribbles – Brewing Coffee, Twisting Words & Breaking Pencils
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I had some ginger honey but used it all up. Now that was good!
Thanks for your link.
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It sounds like a full week and the food looks delicious. Your posts always make me so hungry.
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Thank you Lisa!
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