tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82515387182121567212024-03-05T00:06:36.387-08:00BankOnWineWritten by Bank Anuchatibud, a Chinese-Thai polyglot "Hypersensitive/Sweet" Vinotype who possesses a masters degree in wine business. This is a blog about his adventures of food, wine and culture. You can bank on it!Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-59264608304986799322015-01-21T07:14:00.000-08:002015-01-21T07:14:00.312-08:00Taking a break from writing my blogHello dear readers!<br />
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Since 5th January 2015, I've begun my career at The Mall Group. I've been granted the exciting new position of <i>food specialist</i>, and will work as a member of the supermarket management team in the posh new shopping mall called <i>EmQuartier</i>, which is in the heart of Bangkok and is currently being constructed.<br />
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Because of my work schedule (6 days a week, at least 9 hours each day), I will have fewer opportunities to write new blogposts. However, this does not mean that this blog is going into hibernation. I will still publish new posts for you, the followers of my blog, but this can now only happen sporadically.<br />
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I am highly motivated and excited to fulfil this teen-hood dream of working at my favourite brand, and in the industry that I can utilise all my knowledge and skills in food, wine, languages, history and enthusiasm for research; in order to cater to and please the international customer base.<br />
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If you ever come and visit Krung Thep (Bangkok), it would be an honour to meet you in person at <i>Gourmet EmQuartier</i>. Take the skytrain to "Phrom Phong / EmDistrict" station and once you're inside the premises, ask for Bank, the food specialist in the supermarket.<br />
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Until next time!Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-26338663595224421942014-12-15T08:13:00.003-08:002014-12-19T00:13:43.344-08:00Nine Auspicious Sweets: A brief history lesson in Thai confectioneryThe Thai word <b>ขนม</b> (pronounced: kǎ-NÓM) is the encompassing term for anything that is not eaten with rice during a meal. Instead, kǎ-NÓM is eaten after a meal or in between meals. With such a definition, this word thus includes lollies, bonbons, pastries, baked goods, snacks (savoury and sweet, e.g. potato chips/crisps) --- and even bread! That is because traditionally, Thais don't eat bread during a meal and even though it has become an adopted staple, we tend to enjoy sweet spreads on our bread more than savoury ones like <i>pâté</i>.<br />
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There are hundreds of different types of traditional desserts and confectionery in Thailand, but the following nine are arguably the most famous, because each one has an auspicious meaning. They are therefore often presented as gifts on important occasions like graduations, job promotions and weddings. These nine different types of confectionery range in size from an American nickel coin to an American quarter coin.<br />
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For my readers who can't read Thai, I shall now tell you their names and rough translations, as well as their symbolic meanings.<br />
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<u>Top row from left to right</u><br />
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<ol>
<li><b>Jǎ-Mōng-Gǔt</b> - (lit.) "sergeant's crown", symbolises promotion, be it your academic year level or a job promotion</li>
<li><b>Kǎ-Nóm-Chán </b>- (lit.) "layered confectionery", symbolises ever increasing prosperity</li>
<li><b>Lùg-Chûb </b>- (lit.) "coated little tidbits", Thailand's marzipan fruits, but in this case, they are made from green bean paste or soy bean paste. They symbolise adorability.</li>
<li><b>Tōng-Ěk </b>- (lit.) "first gold", symbolises the blessing "may you forever be the first/champion in everything you do". Of all the nine auspicious confectionery, I like this one the most because of its stodgy texture, mildly sweet taste (it's not in-your-face sweet like the #1, #2 and #5 from the bottom row) and subtle jasmine aromas.</li>
</ol>
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<u><br /></u>
<u>Bottom row from left to right</u></div>
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<ol>
<li><b>Fói-Tōng </b>- (lit.) "golden threads", symbolises ever-lasting love</li>
<li><b>Tōng-Yǒd </b>- (lit.) "golden drops", symbolises endless wealth</li>
<li><b>Sā-Nĕ-Jān </b>- (lit.) "lunar charm", symbolises the blessing that whoever eats this would be charming to the moon and back. This sweet is characterised by nutmeg. Nutmeg in Thai is <b>Lùg-Jān</b>. The word <b>Jān</b> is also the Thai word for the moon.</li>
<li><b>Mêd-Kā-Nún </b>- (lit.) "jackfruit seeds", sweet raviolis stuffed with green bean paste. They symbolise the blessing "may the eater have friends and people who'd always support them", because a jackfruit has lots of seeds.</li>
<li><b>Tōng-Yǐb</b> - (lit.) "folded gold", symbolises the blessing "may you always have money to spend" (i.e. lots of folded bills in your wallet)</li>
</ol>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Z1IKvak4kHLCO46dPbZDcX4m-r39RjCoKHGxZNppcwR8fe5CJeS2lqhzxeA_RH5cDvLtztLUj4k013Q9G-mFstCmKcNsyexMkDupbw1jJ72piiWTp5lkF43W5bCZuPdSJhT0C-PV64o/s1600/420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Z1IKvak4kHLCO46dPbZDcX4m-r39RjCoKHGxZNppcwR8fe5CJeS2lqhzxeA_RH5cDvLtztLUj4k013Q9G-mFstCmKcNsyexMkDupbw1jJ72piiWTp5lkF43W5bCZuPdSJhT0C-PV64o/s1600/420.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nine sweets traditionally presented on a platter</td></tr>
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The common ingredients used in making Thai sweets are<br />
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<ul>
<li>Sugar in various forms:</li>
<ul>
<li>Cane paste</li>
<li>Caster sugar</li>
<li>Brown sugar (both the type that looks like damp beach sand, and the type that is like caster sugar but happens to be of a darker tint)</li>
<li>Syrup</li>
</ul>
<li>Coconut milk</li>
<li>Agar-agar</li>
<li>Eggs - especially the yolks</li>
<li>Flour of various origins</li>
<ul>
<li>Tapioca</li>
<li>Rice</li>
<li>Wheat</li>
<li>Beans (in this case it would be classified as "meal" in English instead of "flour")</li>
</ul>
<li>Flavouring and aroma enhancers:</li>
<ul>
<li>Pandanus extract</li>
<li>Jasmine water</li>
<li>Rose water</li>
<li>Scented candle - used in the smoking process of certain sweets when they are finished or used to smoke the coconut milk before incorporating it with other ingredients. These candles fit into a nook that you create inside a pot or some other large container and are lit to begin the infusion process. For further clarification, please view the accompanying photo.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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After having graduated with a pastry-making diploma from a well-known French culinary institution, I have come to a personal conclusion that there are more to be loved in this world than just French sweets. Therefore I should transcend the "hegemony" of European-style sweets and discover and fall in love with other ones.<br />
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Appreciating food of different cultures also implies breaking free from the mindset about which flavours are "allowed" or "supposed" to be in something, especially desserts. <br />
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Saltiness has only become a trend in sweets of the West, with items like sea salt caramel and sea salt sprinkled on tempered dark chocolate leading the polls of popular new flavour combinations in dessert, whereas in the East, salt has traditionally been widely used as a flavour-enhancer in sweets. This is not to say that one culture is more "advanced" simply because it has arrived at this step in culinary evolution faster than the other. Not at all. As someone who is extremely interested in history (particularly food history), I am more curious to discover the reasons behind a development than passing judgment about which is the "better" or "more sophisticated" culture or cuisine.<br />
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Instead of delving too much into the historiography of Thailand, namely the debates about the causes and effects of Ayutthaya's rise and fall, I'd like to present to you only the facts that are relevant to the development of traditional sweets in Old Siam (for those of you who don't yet know, "Siam" is the former name of Thailand).<br />
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Historically, Siam was not a ranching country. It was not until recent investments by Western foreigners that cattle (and consequently, dairy) became common in Thailand. Therefore, Thai sweets do not contain milk or milk derivatives. <br />
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Great news if you're lactose intolerant!<br />
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<div>
King Ramathibodhi III ("King Narai the Great") ruled Ayutthaya, the former capital city of Siam, in the years 1656-1688. This period can be considered as Siam's golden age, where international commerce flourished and diplomatic relations with European powers like France were arranged through frequent envoy missions. Most importantly, it was a relatively long period of peace between Siam and her neighbouring countries, chiefly Burma.</div>
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Marking it most clearly as a golden age was King Narai's promotion of religious freedom among his populace. The effects of his open-mindedness lasted all the way to modern day Thailand. Our country embraces Buddhism first and foremost, but also embraces Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWZFZVS5nBRgEMTgE3gqePDL2kxR4AXJ9p2RK3PIQYFdiZn95SiP6pVvQqugR0DK6mSqJ6BxQwi1p5sAHbydeWbMCpRNFgFdtL2r1xKYEjzj12sw6eNQhQzwKVhJSIdxumn6nVQ8Q8hw/s1600/Narai.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWZFZVS5nBRgEMTgE3gqePDL2kxR4AXJ9p2RK3PIQYFdiZn95SiP6pVvQqugR0DK6mSqJ6BxQwi1p5sAHbydeWbMCpRNFgFdtL2r1xKYEjzj12sw6eNQhQzwKVhJSIdxumn6nVQ8Q8hw/s1600/Narai.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Narai the Great (1633-1688)</td></tr>
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It was precisely because of religious freedom that brought a Greek adventurer by the name of Constantine Phaulkon and his Catholic wife of mixed Portuguese-Japanese-Bengali ancestry to Siam. They fled Japan, their former residence, because of the bloody religious prosecutions that Christians suffered during the period that Japan busied herself with closing her ports, expelled foreigners, and pursued a policy of Isolationism. </div>
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Constantine Phaulkon entered the service of King Narai as a translator and interpreter, where he utilised his understanding of English, Portuguese, French, Malay and Thai. He learned the local language at his previous place of employment, which was also an enforcer of British Colonialism: the <i>East India Trading Company</i>. After years of service, King Narai awarded Phaulkon with a title and land. His wife, Maria Guyomar de Pinha, was also awarded a title. She became <i>Thao Thong Kip Ma</i> (<b>ท้าวทองกีบม้า</b>) which can be affectionately translated to English as "Lady Golden Hooves". Understandably, "Guyomar" became "Kip Ma" (horse hooves).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMBtz2f1wBx8g4uhGNYfC6qf2oXugsLhtqFFGAcrWhPHK1YOpmT0CRGt3ACj796G_-WdWnK6WwyA7FrIb7YpWuTXfFn3_LS-ACG4r2wAWQ21mnOtB0LmLYL06TjbR0jRHdSuL7C-RzuU/s1600/933983_476470752422526_2132151719_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMBtz2f1wBx8g4uhGNYfC6qf2oXugsLhtqFFGAcrWhPHK1YOpmT0CRGt3ACj796G_-WdWnK6WwyA7FrIb7YpWuTXfFn3_LS-ACG4r2wAWQ21mnOtB0LmLYL06TjbR0jRHdSuL7C-RzuU/s1600/933983_476470752422526_2132151719_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Lady Golden Hooves"</td></tr>
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Political intrigue would prove to be Phaulkon's downfall. Whether you subscribe to the Thai belief that he was a spy that sold secrets to the French and helped the European superpower in their (failed) ambition to colonise Thailand or whether you subscribe to the other view that jealous Siamese ministers spread rumours about how the Greek wanted to use Narai's successor as a puppet and become the power behind the throne; it all comes down to political intrigue. Phaulkon and his devotees were arrested and executed by the order of <i>Phra Petracha </i>(<b>พระเพทราชา</b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">),</span><b> </b>King Narai's foster brother, without the king's knowledge. King Narai would pass away a few days later after battling a protracted illness that began in the last months of his life. <br />
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Because King Narai was in no condition to fight, Petracha had his way and his bloody Revolution of 1688 was successful in making him the next ruler of Siam. Upon the king's death, he killed off all of Narai's other heirs and took Narai's only daughter as his wife. He then proceeded to follow Japan's isolationistic footsteps by reversing all laws that were passed in Narai's reign, as well as expelled all Westerners from Siam. This would appear quite Tywin Lannister-esque to my readers who are <i>Game of Thrones</i> fans. The effects of Petracha's xenophobia would echo through the ages, as it was not until the 19th Century that Siam would form close political contacts with Westerners again under the reign of the progressive King Rama V of the Chakri Dynasty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsFkAWT1e8o04g5V7-qd1Bd059vnXIv8K5lIB8NJL3kjMCVfVIeN1TJiZKjnGB0COFeeWaAPSe5osyphXvCXcnD6Z3KfQcbJtK0osBkH0MRbBB7JTIfSju6ToodpC70kUqlksEshytzE/s1600/1397818439-o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsFkAWT1e8o04g5V7-qd1Bd059vnXIv8K5lIB8NJL3kjMCVfVIeN1TJiZKjnGB0COFeeWaAPSe5osyphXvCXcnD6Z3KfQcbJtK0osBkH0MRbBB7JTIfSju6ToodpC70kUqlksEshytzE/s1600/1397818439-o.jpg" height="400" width="289" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tywin Lannister of Ayutthaya - Lord Petchara (1632-1703)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZyhF6dbwem_hN2UYEP3DgoLNkNBIDLczPW46FCVKk0QCIwohn3fJtO9MxqXACp1GoVa968Aws9Tw2oubpyYSpu1VuEL0uNMSE7hforK2UFj-81iO1vpp9lbrgYsD5cjOK_hVNEMdTpc/s1600/GREAT+KING+RAMA+V..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZyhF6dbwem_hN2UYEP3DgoLNkNBIDLczPW46FCVKk0QCIwohn3fJtO9MxqXACp1GoVa968Aws9Tw2oubpyYSpu1VuEL0uNMSE7hforK2UFj-81iO1vpp9lbrgYsD5cjOK_hVNEMdTpc/s1600/GREAT+KING+RAMA+V..jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The progressive King Rama V (1853-1910) seen here wearing a western style military uniform</td></tr>
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"But what does all of this have to do with sweets?" you might ask...</div>
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Lady Golden Hooves was working in the kitchen of King Narai. It was there that she created and developed many of the traditional Thai sweets that we know nowadays. Drawing from her roots, because she was part Portuguese, she made the use of egg yolks in sweets-making become common place in the Siamese royal kitchen. Guyomar was also a victim of the political games that killed her husband. After Phaulkon was executed, she was sentenced to imprisonment. By today's standards, she would be classed as a political prisoner. However, she was not to mope around in a cell; Petracha had other plans for her. He sent her back to the royal kitchen, where she was forced to work until his death in 1703. From 1688 to 1703, that's 15 years!! However, Maria Guyomar did eventually rise to the position of head of the kitchen staff. I presume that this only happened after Tywin Lannister died. I'd like to think that she developed the <b>Fói-Tōng</b> recipe to honour her dead husband, but there is no proof of this. If you've forgotten the symbolic meaning of <b>Fói-Tōng</b>, you can always scroll back up to read it again.</div>
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Through the fusion of Portuguese techniques with Thai ingredients and presenting it in an intricate style that is synonymous to Thai cooking, Lady Golden Hooves took the cuisine of her adoptive country to new levels. Despite losing her husband, her title and all the privileges that came with it, she devoted her life to her craft as a cook, and as a present day Thai, I have much to thank this inspirational lady, and the best way to honour her legacy is to enjoy her creations.</div>
Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-61729541561066634722014-11-29T20:28:00.002-08:002014-12-04T07:12:28.484-08:00Essay: On challenges that myVinotype faces in Asia<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;">This
blog post is written like an essay rather than in my usual casual discussion
style, because the material that I intend to present here is best conveyed in
this format. If you find the language style of essays and other
"academia" daft and boring, please read some of my other blog posts.
However, I do recommend that you carry on reading this one, because there
are many nuggets of information that may be new and of interest to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;">Before
we get into further discussions about this topic, I'd like to reiterate that
I'm a <i>myVinotype</i> proponent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">For
those of you who are unfamiliar, <i>myVinotype</i> is "a tool for
consumers to learn about their own preferences" as stated on the
"About Us" section of their </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.myvinotype.com/"><span style="color: #420178;">website</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">. This approach to
wine selection is the crystallisation of the research done by Mr. Tim Hanni
(MW) in his book <i>Why You Like the Wines You Like </i>(ISBN-10: 0615750885).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
you're interested in purchasing a copy of the book, they are sold at a famous
online bookshop. Simply click </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Why-You-Like-Wines-Fundamentals/dp/0615750885"><span style="color: #420178;">here</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to be led to the
shop.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;">Now
that all of the general notices are mentioned we can start the essay.
Here we go...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;">A
quick explanation regarding the types of audience I had while hosting tasting
events in Bangkok:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">10
people per each tasting session that I hosted<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Predominantly
male; most groups can be broken down to a 7:3 ratio of male:female<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">>40
years old<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">None
were tradespeople, all practise a profession (doctor, pharmacist, business
manager)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">The m</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">ajority (around 60%) are educated in the United States (medical school or
business school), so this sample group does not reflect the national average,
as they command a much better understanding of English. This is important
to note, because many scientific words do not exist in Thai.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;">Based
on my experiences of leading myVinotype-like tasting sessions in Bangkok, there
are four main challenges in spreading this new wine philosophy in Thailand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></span>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Language</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Coffee/Tea</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Salt</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Spiciness</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;">Let's
discuss the first issue: <b>language</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;">There
are even fewer words in Thai that can be used to describe sensations perceived
by an individual, in particular those that regard taste and smell. In
English, there are a myriad of words that are similes, but some imply a deeper meaning. Take the word "sweet" for example.
You would most likely describe sugar as "sweet" but you
wouldn't use "syrupy" to describe a fruit, because the
latter implies a certain texture, and a certain process that transforms the
product, despite the two sharing a similar taste. That is only an example
of an easy-to-comprehend flavour. Things become much more challenging to
convey - using only Thai - when it involves more complex subjects, such as <i>umami</i>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;">Even
though this word has its roots in Japanese, another Asian country, it does not
mean that all Asians automatically understand its definition. To assume
that all Thais must know what <i>umami </i>means would be as
erroneous as stating that all Englishmen must intrinsically understand <i>wild </i>(the
German word used to describe game meat flavour) without consulting a dictionary,
simply because England and Germany are nations in the same continent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;">Many
Thais may have experienced the taste before, but without a coined word in our
language with a meaning on which everyone can agree, it is impossible to
conjure the same understanding in different people's minds. Therefore, we
delve into the realm of metaphysics. To understand what we are experiencing,
we need to answer that essential question of this discipline of philosophy:
"What <i>is it like</i>?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;">Now
we come to the issue of <b>coffee/tea</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Chinese form the majority of ethnic minorities in Thailand.
I myself am one, as all four of my grandparents came from China.
Other than many artisanal skills such as gold-smithing and
jewellery-making, the Chinese have also contributed to Thai society in the
areas of food and medicine. Thai menus such as soup noodles and boat
noodles (</span><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Krungthep; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Krungthep;">ก๋วยเตี๋ยว</span><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman";">) are actually relatively recent developments
of Chinese origins, as the etymology attests. However, since the menus' introduction, they have been inducted into- and integrated well in the host
country's dining culture. So well, in fact, that street-side noodle
stalls have become ubiquitous in all Thai towns and cities.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Medicine is the other area where the Chinese have left a
positive mark in Thai society. Chinese holistic food therapy, also known
as </span><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "MS 明朝"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">食</span><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "MS 明朝"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Lantinghei SC Heavy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lantinghei SC Heavy"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: "Lantinghei SC Heavy";">疗</span><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> in
simplified Chinese (</span><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "MS 明朝"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">食療</span><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> in
traditional Chinese characters), is practised on a daily basis by a large
following, especially by Thai-Chinese women. This interest in holistic alternatives
is reflected in the establishment of a traditional Chinese medicine department
in Hua Chiew Hospital (</span><span lang="TH" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Krungthep; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: TH; mso-bidi-font-family: Krungthep;">โรงพยาบาลหัวเฉียว</span><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman";">), which is a government-funded institution that has been
around since 1938.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is this practice of eating healthily according to principles
of traditional Chinese medicine, that some Thais drink neither tea nor coffee.
So, things become challenging when such a person is given a <i>myVinotype</i> survey
that has several questions about how the questionnaire-taker consumes coffee or
tea (with dairy, with sugar, with neither dairy nor sugar, and so on and so
forth).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the other hand, a typical Thai still prefers to drink instant
coffee. This is the result of decades of marketing and branding by a
particular Swiss company whose logo depicts a family of birds. The
branding has been so aggressive that their product - famously contained in red
mugs - has become ingrained in our culture to the point that Thais use this
brand-name to synonymously mean all instant coffee. And since Thais
mostly drink instant coffee, it is then reasonable to extrapolate the
assumption that this product's name <i>means</i> coffee in Thailand. I
find this to be a sickening side of consumerism. However, this does not
mean that I am a advocate of state-dictated economics; no not at all. I
still believe in free markets. Nonetheless, based on a few
of the University of San Francisco (my <i>alma mater</i>) print-ads:
"Learn how to run a multinational corporation and still go to
heaven," and "Wicked smart without the wicked part." But I
digress...</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman";">To make matters more complicated for a Thai <i>myVinotype</i>
questionnaire-taker, that particular Swiss company understands local tastes and
preferences so well that it was the first to produce a
"3-in-1" instant coffee. That means coffee flakes, sugar, and
non-dairy creamer all come in tall, skinny sachets that contains exactly enough to
make one cup of coffee. As many Thais are lactose intolerant, adding milk
or cream to coffee isn't an option. This convenient product also
means many Thais consume flavours that suppress the bitterness of coffee, but
cannot define whether she or he would prefer just the "creamer" or just the
sugar, and if so, in what amount.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
some discussions with him, I have learned that this topic about dairy and coffee
is one element of the questionnaire, which Mr. Hanni will rephrase for
different countries in Asia. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now we move on to the issue of <b>salt</b>.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Only a few Asian countries use salt as a condiment. I have
had individuals who handed me back the survey with "none" as their
answer, but when I asked them if they enjoy adding soy sauce or fish sauce to
food, they answer "Yes, a lot!" Therefore, to ask about
addition of salt at the dining table is not an accurate indicator of how
inclined an Asian individual is at suppressing bitterness in- or enhancing the
flavours of food.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Finally, we come to the discussion about <b>spiciness</b>.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Despite our world-renowned cuisine that favour bold flavours, we Thais are wary
of other spices. I've witnessed some who turn up their noses at cinnamon
powder on crêpes. What's more puzzling is there are plenty of Thais who
avoid eating Indian food, even though many of our national dishes evolved from
using ingredients and cooking methods that are common in South India.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the other hand, chili peppers are the way of life
for a Thai. Finding a Thai who doesn't like chili peppers is as difficult
as finding a Brazilian who doesn't like football (for my North American
readers: "soccer"). This is the true form of football, because the majority
of players on the field play with their feet for the majority of the playing
time. But once again, I digress. Back to the topic at hand...
Such people can be found, but it's difficult. In Thailand, a
tolerance for chili is taken with nationalistic and macho pride by all genders.
"I'm Thai and I love my country. To show this to my
others, I have to add more chili to my food at lunch break, because a Thai
who can't handle burns on the tongue ain't a real Thai. Yep, that and drinking icy-cold water." This confirms what Mr. Hanni stated in
his book: that a chili preference does not equate to being a <i>Tolerant</i> in
<i>myVinotype</i>.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman";">As mentioned in his book, aromatic spices and spices that cause
burning-sensations are different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, when you ask a Thai "Do you like spicy food?" the
question is automatically interpreted as "Do you like chili peppers?"
For many of us, other spices are not at all considered when answering
this question. I find that rather odd, because spicy should not mean only chili it should mean all spices! Food served at the royal courts
of medieval Europe had plenty of imported spices. This was done to boast
the host's wealth, as well as to enhance the flavour of dishes, in particular
game meat that royalties and the nobility loved to hunt in their past-time.
Using that example for my Thai and other Asian readers, by that definition,
medieval European food must also be considered spicy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;">I hope that by writing this essay, I've provided you, dear
reader, with more insight and new discoveries about <i>myVinotype </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">in the Southeast-Asian context</span>.
The philosophy is still relatively new in the world of wine, so naturally, it
has to continue to grow and adapt in order to fulfill its potential.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-29555225356194240702014-10-13T06:47:00.000-07:002014-10-13T06:51:46.904-07:00Scarlett Slimms and Lucky: Mount Eden's mysteryWhen I went there, <i>Scarlett Slimms</i> had just opened its doors for a week. Situated on Mt. Eden Road, the main road of the namesake neighbourhood. According to one of the waitresses, this business is under the same management team, but has been remodelled and renamed.<br />
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This eatery is quaint and charming, as befitting its small and cozy size with its crime fiction atmosphere. There are only a few tables indoors, so if it's a sunny day, then it is worth it to sit outside at one of the long tables. They remind this writer of those in his boarding school's dining hall.<br />
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However, this does not mean that <i>Scarlett Slimms</i> serves dining hall food. In fact, it's the very opposite! The kitchen team prepares and cooks each menu with care. The plates are very muted, and it is this very reason that the colours of the ingredients appear more vibrant. Please have a look at the accompanying photos of this post and you'll see what I mean.</div>
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Nonetheless, there are two (trivial) issues regarding the food. Please bear in mind that these are my personal opinions, based on my personal sensory perceptions.</div>
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<ol>
<li>In the main dish, the <i>verjus</i> enhances the bitterness of the Savoy cabbage. There should be an option for the diner to have the sauce in a small gravy boat.</li>
<li>The lavender flavour in the "caviar" was rather muted. It would have been a nice contrast to the sharpness of the lemon sauce, but this dimension was lacking because the lavender aroma wasn't strong enough.</li>
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Price-wise, <i>Scarlett Slimms</i> offers decent deals for being located in the picturesque neighbourhood that is Mt. Eden.</div>
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Appetisers: NZD12.00 - 15.00</div>
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Mains: NZD 25.00 - 35.00</div>
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Desserts: NZD 12.00-15.00</div>
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Overall grade: 4/5</div>
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Unique charms:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Fast and friendly service</li>
<li>Indoors: small tables</li>
<li>Outdoors: big tables with benches and high tables with bar stools</li>
<li>Outside dining area is separated into 2 parts by a plastic see-through awning - this helps in case of rain</li>
<li>Creatively named menu sections</li>
</ul>
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I highly recommend this restaurant!</div>
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<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/AVvXsEi2jBtKmbZStozvtyjuqgDgP91wVIPBGC-l_TpPT_hVSlRaIOGNniJXpDxqifxu1pA7hLU1UkgKQxZ9gOL3IqpbZIOv4xp5sxaNppH6fDX0j8os4yCBiaumjRgwY8bLVNULWaao47P3UVY/s1600/IMG_6342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jBtKmbZStozvtyjuqgDgP91wVIPBGC-l_TpPT_hVSlRaIOGNniJXpDxqifxu1pA7hLU1UkgKQxZ9gOL3IqpbZIOv4xp5sxaNppH6fDX0j8os4yCBiaumjRgwY8bLVNULWaao47P3UVY/s1600/IMG_6342.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A murder mystery style menu booklet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHeRrxKwmgc9Qs2JQnY-iPQmNjC4ssrijuHNVtheedtN2nEbXyKJtBa0Izco7afDZJL9eJ0z_9YFZrvydBLPXw73ti_S5uTMcYkTyx7I17V3MV6CNzZeotzD2iLik81LmVwWbkh2R2xk/s1600/IMG_6345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHeRrxKwmgc9Qs2JQnY-iPQmNjC4ssrijuHNVtheedtN2nEbXyKJtBa0Izco7afDZJL9eJ0z_9YFZrvydBLPXw73ti_S5uTMcYkTyx7I17V3MV6CNzZeotzD2iLik81LmVwWbkh2R2xk/s1600/IMG_6345.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filet of crispy fish with clams on a bed of Savoy cabbage and bacon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfp60DVUwEv86A13TUOdmoiRU47ICObKjsqOZtXIRcxbsRYIYkWy6filfBiEGqRotvv2v7zgqtxHITfmde-v5VlBZ7mKJrwUuXSL_7o0pQAemCutYExTJkBHSOo1nK1aQrWvsFjerDGs/s1600/IMG_6346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfp60DVUwEv86A13TUOdmoiRU47ICObKjsqOZtXIRcxbsRYIYkWy6filfBiEGqRotvv2v7zgqtxHITfmde-v5VlBZ7mKJrwUuXSL_7o0pQAemCutYExTJkBHSOo1nK1aQrWvsFjerDGs/s1600/IMG_6346.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Profiteroles filled with lemon custard - served with edible flowers, lemon sauce and lavender "caviar"</td></tr>
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Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-53157074249221166182014-10-08T08:31:00.001-07:002014-10-08T14:53:34.776-07:00Sky Tower: the symbol of AucklandAuckland's most prominent landmark is the <i>Sky Tower</i>. It has a similar shape to Seattle's <i>Space Needle</i>, but is almost twice as tall.<br />
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This skyscraper was opened on 3rd March 1997 after 3 years of construction. It truly is a sight to behold, and is visible from almost every nook of the city and surrounding areas.<br />
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In its "disc" part, there is a rotating restaurant that is appropriately called <i>Orbit</i> and next to this tall giant is the famous <i>SKYCITY Casino</i>. <br />
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Mr. Ken Chaichana of <i>Barfoot & Thompson Real Estate</i> (my host for this New Zealand trip) graciously treated me to one final meal there before I returned to Thailand the next morning. If you're looking to buy or sell property in the Auckland area, please be sure to look up Mr. Chaichana at a local B&T office. He'll find you a great deal.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So tall that I can't even fit it all in the picture</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky Tower as viewed from Queen Street</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky Tower dominating the Auckland skyline, viewed from Westhaven Marina</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twilight of my last evening in Auckland</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2zp1WZwjkJb57OnNp-p2X-orNVC-feozbDrjDQe_hs1JKMK3Lqih1M4Cz_n6pIRdubz66BUn1uWxjFQfsfAyzal-cKTWG2Kip-YPhLjynvX98qHPJwUsXo29DAcsmok2CxD48A6aSUs/s1600/IMG_7120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2zp1WZwjkJb57OnNp-p2X-orNVC-feozbDrjDQe_hs1JKMK3Lqih1M4Cz_n6pIRdubz66BUn1uWxjFQfsfAyzal-cKTWG2Kip-YPhLjynvX98qHPJwUsXo29DAcsmok2CxD48A6aSUs/s1600/IMG_7120.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taste perfection: Hawke's Bay lamb loin (I like my red meat rare) with feta cheese polenta cake, borlotti bean casserole and mint oil</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One final chips with aioli to share with my host</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valrhona Jivara chocolate delight with passionfruit centre. Like most Kiwi sweets I've tasted so far, the fruit flavour isn't as pronounced as I would have liked it.</td></tr>
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<br />Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-77268080584074516182014-10-08T08:10:00.002-07:002014-10-08T08:10:27.437-07:00The Store: fast service, small portion sizes, but expensiveVery near Auckland's Britomart transportation hub is <i>The Store</i>.<br />
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Here, you'll be served delicious food by an active service team. Fast and friendly service makes this the ideal lunch spot for people who work in nearby office buildings. However, the prices of their menus are slightly on the higher end. A smoothie costs NZD7.00 and a small-plate lunch starts at NZD20.00<br />
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If your budget stretches that far and you're looking for a quick place to eat that's close to the waterfront in the downtown area of Auckland, then I recommend this bistro. Otherwise, please pick some place else.<br />
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Overall grade: 4.5/5.0<br />
Unique charms:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Straw hats for customers to borrow when seated outside on the patio</li>
<li>High quality condiments set</li>
<li>Bubbly complementary water</li>
<li>The take-away and the dine-in sections have separate entrances</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very tasty but also quite expensive smoothie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pasta with lamb ragu</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quality of the olive oil, salt and pepper is immediately evident when you taste them.</td></tr>
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Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-65795014296637908872014-10-06T06:44:00.003-07:002014-10-08T14:53:22.521-07:00The Blue Breeze Inn: tropical Pacific in temperate Pacific<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Ponsonby Road, you'll find many eateries, "watering holes" and coffee shops; each one bustling in competition with the others to gain repeat-businesses of customers. Therefore you'll find various business models and strategies utilised by the owners and management teams in order to gain a foothold and survive in this prominent arena that is Auckland's Ponsonby. </div>
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As a former business student, I truly appreciate the mental exercises of "case-studies" that one can witness as a bystander on a nightly basis in this neighbourhood. Questions such as "How can cafe 'x' still compete against the might that is coffee shop chain 'y'?" occupy my mind while food and caffeinated drinks occupy my stomach.</div>
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Adorned with Polynesian decor, the trendy restaurant named <i>The Blue Breeze Inn</i> is adored by Aucklanders. It has, in all regards, achieved a strong foothold from which it is building its name and fame through friendly service of "Kiwi-ised", modernised and "fusionised" Southern Chinese cuisine.</div>
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The restaurant's <i>chef de partie</i>, Mr. Jirapong, has graciously hosted a group of Thai expats and myself at his place of employment. Below is a summary of my impressions of <i>The Blue Breeze Inn</i>.</div>
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Overall grade: 4/5</div>
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Unique charms:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Polynesian decor - the restaurant is made to feel like you're dining in a bungalow</li>
<li>Dimly lit, crowded tables, and rather loud music - this creates a lively atmosphere, as though you're dining in a night club. If you're looking for a place to have a chat over a meal, please keep looking.</li>
<li>Friendly and young service team - they wear Hawaiian shirts as their uniforms</li>
<li>Larger portion sizes than the Kiwi average - because the head chef wants you to share menus within your dining party, as is custom in most Asian cultures.</li>
<li>Very clean bathrooms that are also decorated with Polynesian art</li>
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However, with all the positives mentioned, I'd like to inform you that there is one big negative at this restaurant - particularly for people with sensitive noses. Because of the type of cuisine it specialises in, the way that the kitchen is built (open kitchen), along with its high customer turnover (even on a weekday evening), your clothes and hair are going to accumulate a lot of smoke from the cooking.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VAPYM42AbK2DDPtgYg7ll-USg8SHHYrv8uxXuz9IyJaINMOQ2hO7SJJwRh4aqU8Ay4SYvbQYhIT8rDPcJGEmNQJ3AVRgfe5MPhyphenhyphenT8pABAmSJMIntM0TxJD6kW7XAGDpdv8kcPKxkjBA/s1600/IMG_6708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VAPYM42AbK2DDPtgYg7ll-USg8SHHYrv8uxXuz9IyJaINMOQ2hO7SJJwRh4aqU8Ay4SYvbQYhIT8rDPcJGEmNQJ3AVRgfe5MPhyphenhyphenT8pABAmSJMIntM0TxJD6kW7XAGDpdv8kcPKxkjBA/s1600/IMG_6708.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The VIP table is made to look like a wine barrel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Choc pot" dessert - chocolate and peanut butter lava mini cake with quinelles of chocolate and vanilla ice cream</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taro fritters with a scoop of lemon sorbet</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef Jirapong and I</td></tr>
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Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-18730025061128376662014-10-01T08:33:00.002-07:002014-10-08T14:57:47.155-07:00Occidental: TERRIBLE!!Contrasting the highlights I've had in Auckland was the low point of eating at a Belgian pub called <i>Occidental</i>. There are several branches of this restaurant across Auckland. The one I went to is in downtown, just off Queen Street (the city's main street).<br />
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Despite being a favourite haunt of Thai International flight crews and appearing in many city guides, this place is over-hyped and serves terrible food.<br />
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Here are reasons why:<br />
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<ul>
<li>DISGUSTING mussels. Even though it's the restaurant's signature menu, the kitchen team didn't pay enough attention to making it deserve that title. It was very unpleasant to find that the mussels have not been cleaned properly. I don't just mean there was some grit and dirt in the shells - that is at least a forgivable offence - I mean the mussels still have mini crustaceans in them that they have semi-digested. It's like eating a creature along with its last meal. What's shocking is that it wasn't only the one accidental mussel that had something half-consumed, I had multiple ones in the very same order!!</li>
<li>The <i>pommes dauphinoise gratinés </i>that accompanied the lamb shank main dish was stone-cold, had no nutmeg and was sickeningly sweet in taste.</li>
<li>The lamb shank itself was also cold, stiff and very dry. It also had a distinct smell of stale refrigerator air when you bite into it.</li>
<li>The sauce that came with the main dish was gloopy, looked more like a watered-down BBQ sauce with chunks of under-cooked onions in it and it was spilled over every part of the plate.</li>
<li>The vegetables that came with the dish was under-cooked, bland and gave this diner a new understanding of "anglaise".</li>
</ul>
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I whole-heartedly recommend that you AVOID this place, and save yourself the traumatic experience of "dining" there.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miserable-looking vegetables accompanying stale lamb shank with stone-cold potatoes. Seconds? Yes please! :-P</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6B5xymzeFuz-Jn5Hg7RgwzrfSFTUSyy9RjMXhELLwTSajbovdrkhTdliFoeH62JJATSEchyphenhyphenWVGSlCEXWSXzewg7Y0JFfzP9Fzm5yhL2KadRIKLidRV5MDqYzFix3fvrnUDaxb1pHuyTE/s1600/IMG_6547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6B5xymzeFuz-Jn5Hg7RgwzrfSFTUSyy9RjMXhELLwTSajbovdrkhTdliFoeH62JJATSEchyphenhyphenWVGSlCEXWSXzewg7Y0JFfzP9Fzm5yhL2KadRIKLidRV5MDqYzFix3fvrnUDaxb1pHuyTE/s1600/IMG_6547.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, the trauma!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRs3AprQI67VaOHu7OAw0rKLBEqb_SVsMoz_DqWQ29ndD6moaKqpk1FQFvMwQBqx7_eruB7DYxK60rfIUW2KuOGBSoYTjXir2MGDCkiArY5iiIq9cPM_yiYKAFndvWhKGkRJ74v1eAnE/s1600/IMG_6549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRs3AprQI67VaOHu7OAw0rKLBEqb_SVsMoz_DqWQ29ndD6moaKqpk1FQFvMwQBqx7_eruB7DYxK60rfIUW2KuOGBSoYTjXir2MGDCkiArY5iiIq9cPM_yiYKAFndvWhKGkRJ74v1eAnE/s1600/IMG_6549.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only saving grace of the meal was this. I mean, if you manage to even screw this up, then you really do need to voluntarily close down.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFO_icURapB0luGdKlZW93knQfkRRXrPFgVzRJWI8cLCWw5Pt4RpBaAwcJAVMjZdq0QlqU2OcBlVIaBuhqT4mjqxu7fb0f2HtBn006b9cIRfzFWS5EQ2JfDfxLqrJ8E-uaQKJAH4ZIeA0/s1600/IMG_6703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFO_icURapB0luGdKlZW93knQfkRRXrPFgVzRJWI8cLCWw5Pt4RpBaAwcJAVMjZdq0QlqU2OcBlVIaBuhqT4mjqxu7fb0f2HtBn006b9cIRfzFWS5EQ2JfDfxLqrJ8E-uaQKJAH4ZIeA0/s1600/IMG_6703.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-76890857741708893622014-09-30T01:56:00.002-07:002014-10-02T02:14:54.489-07:00Good One: more like "great one"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Located in what was once a warehouse in Ponsonby, the <i>Good One</i> coffee shop is famous not only for the brews they make, but also for their large collection of National Geographic magazines. It is the flagship of the <i>Supreme </i>coffee brand. Another one under this umbrella is the <i>Supreme Seafarers</i>. For my blogpost about that coffee shop, please click <a href="http://bankonwine.blogspot.ch/2014/09/supreme-seafarers-coffee-shop-off.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Overall grade: 4.5/5.0</div>
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Unique charms:</div>
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<ul>
<li>It was once a warehouse, which has been renovated into a coffee shop</li>
<li>The posters on their walls show the customers the coffee making process</li>
<li>"Bare bones" industrial, minimalist decor; this style enhances their brand image.</li>
<li>Free water options: bubbly or still</li>
<li>There is a coffee tasting room that is open to the public on certain days of the week. Good for new product test-runs.</li>
<li>The large National Geographic collection</li>
<li>Friendly staff</li>
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However, if you're someone who doesn't like the cold, you might want to take your coffee back to your office or accommodation, because after all, it is a warehouse, and the high ceilings mean a cooler indoor temperature - almost as cool as it is outdoors. Nonetheless, don't forget that in summer months, this place would be cooler than outside, because of the very same high ceiling.</div>
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Impressive in its own right, but not quite reaching the same level as <i>Kokako </i>due to their lack of food options, but maybe they aren't aiming for that. For my post about <i>Kokako</i>, please click <a href="http://bankonwine.blogspot.ch/2014/09/kokako-hands-down-best-coffee-shop-in.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The National Geographic collection</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45gYNbJxgGVEbWqhQW_epBDIsZU1QtdcmiILFxMV6IFV6ZD9vw0HTXByNV2SBUxE_IJBbwAFlIN3-kGSyifqqDwHPlm2EpeHOHVYgmrB5F52N9WuWXC_MFHt8pPeMskr1NriSv7U9bpA/s1600/IMG_6855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45gYNbJxgGVEbWqhQW_epBDIsZU1QtdcmiILFxMV6IFV6ZD9vw0HTXByNV2SBUxE_IJBbwAFlIN3-kGSyifqqDwHPlm2EpeHOHVYgmrB5F52N9WuWXC_MFHt8pPeMskr1NriSv7U9bpA/s1600/IMG_6855.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A poster showing how different styles of coffee are made</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shop's tasting room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2YssHcMY_KvjOgsZv7WIUr4pHUJ0uhmCmKHpzmNQfL4lm1xy6ZTE3XfjBjXjVmt9FDY2XMGz7ZS753yzRBRndNYMHShS79gGQOXiLH1FxMb9RLeichUgY4o804BdHF7wjxfUQHy4T_g/s1600/IMG_6859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2YssHcMY_KvjOgsZv7WIUr4pHUJ0uhmCmKHpzmNQfL4lm1xy6ZTE3XfjBjXjVmt9FDY2XMGz7ZS753yzRBRndNYMHShS79gGQOXiLH1FxMb9RLeichUgY4o804BdHF7wjxfUQHy4T_g/s1600/IMG_6859.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastries made by <i>little and friday</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4Jv-QBfldVOIytCUQVWPW2oE12jF575YmLNn-RYVYl3x0IYuYhSLResXPbToxTwAU_bZrIroo0fSlU90N3BwChoNVFaUUtr-xKlV8EB3sCECTFMPBel69o0Hue_SuBQpf8IE8gvhMaU/s1600/IMG_6860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4Jv-QBfldVOIytCUQVWPW2oE12jF575YmLNn-RYVYl3x0IYuYhSLResXPbToxTwAU_bZrIroo0fSlU90N3BwChoNVFaUUtr-xKlV8EB3sCECTFMPBel69o0Hue_SuBQpf8IE8gvhMaU/s1600/IMG_6860.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fill your own cup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<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/AVvXsEjhhX2GcZWn7zPNlhokrKMnMu-FHQTIzTxZb4-2GrUf6zvLMmcBzY-rpYaBBTpVrFiZG2EpuCskxpmvH5onSH_M51HfaM4NtbD3LRWYfeqfZlHwbfgqbwnr7UzY-hcAH1Gp43yKiH1iHfo/s1600/IMG_6861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhX2GcZWn7zPNlhokrKMnMu-FHQTIzTxZb4-2GrUf6zvLMmcBzY-rpYaBBTpVrFiZG2EpuCskxpmvH5onSH_M51HfaM4NtbD3LRWYfeqfZlHwbfgqbwnr7UzY-hcAH1Gp43yKiH1iHfo/s1600/IMG_6861.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steel stools and steel tables</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEirKh7DRJ0QqUqXMJUdpqjpaoSVN0TWwHFmrb6oVRMInOqSydRav33QLDP0OhDPfzCxU43whfHjhI8yEzz2fgUac211O3vSwTHEkntV4dgyOvuvmXV1cAKQ8XEUEJb-MBqLJeOmX9ok/s1600/IMG_6863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEirKh7DRJ0QqUqXMJUdpqjpaoSVN0TWwHFmrb6oVRMInOqSydRav33QLDP0OhDPfzCxU43whfHjhI8yEzz2fgUac211O3vSwTHEkntV4dgyOvuvmXV1cAKQ8XEUEJb-MBqLJeOmX9ok/s1600/IMG_6863.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street-side drinking</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisitPabMz1kR_OXdCtEUPi49_X6IJz55C_-dzIjdD1fjVlLz4yf5Yt03QIc6VitEQ5Btxie5J_VGqox-rfBy0WdDWanMyuekjeK2bJ-5h7D7U5obrl-srFEFeFygvyE5eP1gMQn7hjArU/s1600/IMG_6865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisitPabMz1kR_OXdCtEUPi49_X6IJz55C_-dzIjdD1fjVlLz4yf5Yt03QIc6VitEQ5Btxie5J_VGqox-rfBy0WdDWanMyuekjeK2bJ-5h7D7U5obrl-srFEFeFygvyE5eP1gMQn7hjArU/s1600/IMG_6865.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the flagship shop of the <i>Supreme</i> coffee brand</td></tr>
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<br />Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-86274425822627544562014-09-30T00:41:00.000-07:002014-10-02T02:16:22.247-07:00little and friday: no longer little and now everydayThe chain of cute pastry shops called <i>little and friday</i> has a humble beginning. It was in a small place that only opened on Fridays - hence the name.<br />
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Nowadays, the shop has two main branches and the <i>Good One </i>coffee shop in Ponsonby also stocks and sells their products. <i>little and friday</i> has become a local institution and the lines of people are often long; both for dine-in and take-away.<br />
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(For my blogpost about <i>Good One</i> cafe, please click <a href="http://bankonwine.blogspot.ch/2014/09/good-one-more-like-great-one.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
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My impression of the Belmont branch of <i>little and friday</i> is so:<br />
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Overall grade: 4.0/5.0<br />
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Unique charms:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Quick and friendly service</li>
<li>There is a warm-up option available when you order sandwiches and pastries.</li>
<li>Other places give you a small sign with a number on it so that the service staff knows to which customer they should bring an order. At <i>little and friday</i>, they have small animal statuettes that are spray-painted yellow. So instead of "Chocolate croissant for #43," it becomes "Chocolate croissant for the customer with the giraffe."</li>
</ul>
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I had a small lemon meringue pie from here. The meringue was fluffy and the crust had a bit of crunch to it. However, I find most Kiwi pastries too mellow. Normally, I prefer the flavours to be quite distinct. Even though the New Zealanders don't make it the way I'm used to (as a Thai who studied in USA and France, I prefer bombastic flavours), I must say that overall, I can appreciate the style and flavour profile of a Kiwi baked product. In that regard, <i>little and friday</i> nailed it. A local would find the lemon meringue pie very tasty. Perhaps the same could also be said of a visitor who isn't partial to big flavours.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_N1WM8S2yX9_vCVKQo5SrSSoVknuq6ewtnODntne9Ni6vuim61boSp9eUHdiXuMu4Of3BzOkZwaJnsHoloFehza0BeWbuSEqa95tRq6-lyQpffeGGg0lO7w17n41m7NWnsSWD5GIVV0c/s1600/IMG_6368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_N1WM8S2yX9_vCVKQo5SrSSoVknuq6ewtnODntne9Ni6vuim61boSp9eUHdiXuMu4Of3BzOkZwaJnsHoloFehza0BeWbuSEqa95tRq6-lyQpffeGGg0lO7w17n41m7NWnsSWD5GIVV0c/s1600/IMG_6368.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shop is in a small corner of a home decoration shop where you can buy things like cutlery. This is the branch in Belmont.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrNGUJT6UkG5RX4LO3qCV47gU_oTYL9EAIbAu__DCPHIJ9PqzNLssQ82V0B79Q0NGUtdHAayvVhC9hpKcscEHaBFSmbDOKz7Ilc3GyeenhGRP9jTodcVTAZx0lR25FeH_NcEmYMm5ahk/s1600/IMG_6369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrNGUJT6UkG5RX4LO3qCV47gU_oTYL9EAIbAu__DCPHIJ9PqzNLssQ82V0B79Q0NGUtdHAayvVhC9hpKcscEHaBFSmbDOKz7Ilc3GyeenhGRP9jTodcVTAZx0lR25FeH_NcEmYMm5ahk/s1600/IMG_6369.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very packed vitrine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVjxavQ3CSzLZaNBaKjUFNZzBLts-SeYgsfcAvUU3zxZih3enlUDPrkXzv094WSbH-Fn1WWySC9CjMdL7ky-P4iP73PNS05FkSrK_C-HAwxwtvOI7YrCLaxSmGeYEIL3eS-X0F2i5gx4/s1600/IMG_6380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVjxavQ3CSzLZaNBaKjUFNZzBLts-SeYgsfcAvUU3zxZih3enlUDPrkXzv094WSbH-Fn1WWySC9CjMdL7ky-P4iP73PNS05FkSrK_C-HAwxwtvOI7YrCLaxSmGeYEIL3eS-X0F2i5gx4/s1600/IMG_6380.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mini lemon meringue pie I had.</td></tr>
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Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-1948558405965015352014-09-29T06:39:00.001-07:002014-10-02T02:22:40.728-07:00Kokako: hands-down the best coffee shop in Auckland!In my opinion, the best coffee shop in Auckland is <i>Kokako</i>. <br />
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It is so good that I went there twice during my 10-day sojourn in Auckland. The first time was on a Sunday morning, and the second time was also in the morning, but of the following Saturday.<br />
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Located on the <i>Great North Road</i> in the <i>Grey Lynn</i> neighbourhood, this trendy indie place is neither in the heart of the city nor is it near a famous tourist attraction. You will have to "go off the beaten path" if you want to visit this coffee spot. This cafe is loved by Aucklanders, especially by those who live in the surrounding areas.<br />
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The cafe is named after a bird species - the <i>Callaeas cinereus</i> -<i> </i>which is one of three species of New Zealand wattlebird. If you're into bird-watching, this bird is famous for its distinct blue wattles (the parts under the the beak on each side of its face similar to a human's jowl).<br />
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Below is my evaluation of the place...<br />
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Overall grade: 5.0/5.0<br />
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Unique charms:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Casual, minimalist interior decor</li>
<li>Casual, friendly service</li>
<li>Arguably, this place serves the best cold-brew coffee in Auckland</li>
<li>Breakfast menus are available from an open-kitchen - humble dishes like rhubarb rice porridge start from NZD14.00, while more elaborate ones like scrambled eggs with avocado start from NZD17.90.</li>
</ul>
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Tasting notes of the <i>Ugandan Mt. Elgon</i> brewed coffee which I drank on my second visit:</div>
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<u>Nose</u> earthy, with a hint of red beans</div>
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<u>Palate</u> slightly acidic with a solid earthy backbone even despite a thinner body</div>
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<u>Finish</u> medium-short taste finish, but the aroma lingers at the back of the throat for 20-30 seconds. The finish has notes of oranges, followed by smokiness.</div>
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Also, as I was enjoying the <i>Mt. Elgon</i> coffee and rhubarb rice porridge, I noticed that I was sitting next to David Shearer, the Labour Party MP for the <i>Mt. Albert</i> area. He was there to enjoy his breakfast and get in touch with his potential constituents after his morning jog (I assume this because he was wearing tracksuit pants with a hoodie). The September 2014 elections resulted in Mr. Shearer retaining his office. Out of respect for his privacy, I have not taken any photos of him.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shop's sign is very indistinct, so it's easy to walk or drive past this cafe without noticing it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfiBnXlvHVb2dmhbpNQZ7FRS8EKoWhhw3UUiXV8_XQlHeFFIW86iDLuJsleh2IZRW3O-mUocBssOTJUwopOvqfWWIdR9Idr9oqsqlfYmV1Cj4G3Qsl_RCQsQKQtW3CeSlu89HCQHTn1iw/s1600/IMG_6454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfiBnXlvHVb2dmhbpNQZ7FRS8EKoWhhw3UUiXV8_XQlHeFFIW86iDLuJsleh2IZRW3O-mUocBssOTJUwopOvqfWWIdR9Idr9oqsqlfYmV1Cj4G3Qsl_RCQsQKQtW3CeSlu89HCQHTn1iw/s1600/IMG_6454.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked goods, sandwiches and wraps. A very pretty vitrine, indeed!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bottle costs NZD5.00, slightly above market prices for cold-brew coffee.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLBcP-wGbpcwwP9SrUmN-y1opdbw7VP780YZzJ3zTtlmEx_Br7KXXOcwOIIumG8erEJK2HDOSvlFVAFbWh3gPBg2S2ENxiS569G58CqWwmD6an9wq9fudNVOBYnjI9cFOCWIBmH5dws0/s1600/IMG_6457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLBcP-wGbpcwwP9SrUmN-y1opdbw7VP780YZzJ3zTtlmEx_Br7KXXOcwOIIumG8erEJK2HDOSvlFVAFbWh3gPBg2S2ENxiS569G58CqWwmD6an9wq9fudNVOBYnjI9cFOCWIBmH5dws0/s1600/IMG_6457.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cafe's open kitchen that prepares extremely tasty menus!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26hcawh_z6_l7ASFwbX2ICDsuO8qrXf2Pg0cguBNYh8S4t8_bWcQLc4GHesFc-gNqAgumuaUF4q1GcMioFNP3-1FKq8CmEKXNYChKVXIMlNL4LPGhsaIvs8eQYagcmkSocSH8m1rntvs/s1600/IMG_6458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26hcawh_z6_l7ASFwbX2ICDsuO8qrXf2Pg0cguBNYh8S4t8_bWcQLc4GHesFc-gNqAgumuaUF4q1GcMioFNP3-1FKq8CmEKXNYChKVXIMlNL4LPGhsaIvs8eQYagcmkSocSH8m1rntvs/s1600/IMG_6458.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The barista team at work</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGszhreXy2xE_CH7bOhYt_M_mRqxfb-jlCc_Y_c7iTSp-iSqutQaAUKa0yKY9XH0TP5M8-k6ej2CagVuK6bXq3iofzYhghedeY1rUgNoKLM-E91ucaqDt12d-J9dQfMoAm_NQJ_JXODPY/s1600/IMG_6459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGszhreXy2xE_CH7bOhYt_M_mRqxfb-jlCc_Y_c7iTSp-iSqutQaAUKa0yKY9XH0TP5M8-k6ej2CagVuK6bXq3iofzYhghedeY1rUgNoKLM-E91ucaqDt12d-J9dQfMoAm_NQJ_JXODPY/s1600/IMG_6459.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just one niche of the dining area of this indie cafe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVACkrEzKRkGlcJkJfL9NIz5B0086il9ef2ijZeTVvze77oel5RA1s2dpXL3M5gqQ-OU7Q88avCAOan9e4NaICDhytAI6VkW1vavEvb-g_xDBQ5qY-rytNtO9vuJbAfoGamVcXAdlbIEI/s1600/IMG_7053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVACkrEzKRkGlcJkJfL9NIz5B0086il9ef2ijZeTVvze77oel5RA1s2dpXL3M5gqQ-OU7Q88avCAOan9e4NaICDhytAI6VkW1vavEvb-g_xDBQ5qY-rytNtO9vuJbAfoGamVcXAdlbIEI/s1600/IMG_7053.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ugandan Mt. Elgon brewed coffee</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DOVfOrDoBupxU50-S0RsubP9ov-MvNB1qyU_mLQDy7cNKCbOP4DTdWKz1Zd5Tnh_lD8CCCYQgwxWCSCkMmsExMc1zRZsWaqdazTZw3aHQ1QGDbvoVV3N_IGZjj5Gvw-LzJdiyoLQ8XM/s1600/IMG_7056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DOVfOrDoBupxU50-S0RsubP9ov-MvNB1qyU_mLQDy7cNKCbOP4DTdWKz1Zd5Tnh_lD8CCCYQgwxWCSCkMmsExMc1zRZsWaqdazTZw3aHQ1QGDbvoVV3N_IGZjj5Gvw-LzJdiyoLQ8XM/s1600/IMG_7056.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhubarb rice porridge with the cup of Ugandan Mt. Elgon brewed coffee</td></tr>
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Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-88352948735452226482014-09-25T04:51:00.003-07:002014-10-02T02:26:08.402-07:00Bledisloe Cup: Trans-Tasman rugby union rivalryAs former prefect of Cuthbertson House of Geelong Grammar School, I should technically be rooting for the "wallabies" (Australian rugby union national team). However, while still a student there, Ireland was the team I rooted for in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and never picked any union or league club to support.<br />
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My recent trip to Auckland has shown me "the flip side of the coin" regarding the trans-Tasman rivalry between New Zealand and Australia. I must admit that the former appeals to me more; the nature, the cuisine, and in particular: the mutual respect and peaceful coexistence of native and settler cultures.<br />
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Therefore it was a real treat that my host bought me a ticket to the final match of the annual Bledisloe Cup - a rugby union competition between the two nations Down Under. My trip happen to coincide with this game and I consider myself fortunate to experience an international match at the place that pretty much every New Zealander considers as "The Temple of Rugby": <i>Eden Park</i>. In particular, it was because I got to see the pre-match <i>haka</i> by the <i>All Blacks</i> live!<br />
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If you don't already know, and are curious, please click on the following link to learn about the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRUHxGwv_VY">differences between rugby league and rugby union</a>.<br />
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For those of you who are wondering... The All Blacks beat the Wallabies by a score of 51-20 and captain Richie McCaw got to lift the Bledisloe Cup yet again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6PG2AccJJyXq4ioKdbH243mpLydWJ3z2i-5sEJvhPEo2xhb3_JYqZBdiZ46mOo2l7bpVvMSxFQzQXAba0rDLGcMO_Dl-BGOgPnjBcrWi_RnfV1T5Quzvn14KR8SQgfQqZSBQSdTCuCo/s1600/IMG_6321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6PG2AccJJyXq4ioKdbH243mpLydWJ3z2i-5sEJvhPEo2xhb3_JYqZBdiZ46mOo2l7bpVvMSxFQzQXAba0rDLGcMO_Dl-BGOgPnjBcrWi_RnfV1T5Quzvn14KR8SQgfQqZSBQSdTCuCo/s1600/IMG_6321.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I still keep the ticket stub in my wallet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-match report</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckpoN5TBVhx2OO9zomfpMl-6kjjk2OVFvYt-BiEHGVMZCRoiRdCY_JSWi7TS_novUO1x6nHuXKCv3N0nApk4mwOU22zu2UoKocuPScD5LSVJqxi_JY0qY50pobIbWpFzN0f8pLlihRrI/s1600/IMG_6392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckpoN5TBVhx2OO9zomfpMl-6kjjk2OVFvYt-BiEHGVMZCRoiRdCY_JSWi7TS_novUO1x6nHuXKCv3N0nApk4mwOU22zu2UoKocuPScD5LSVJqxi_JY0qY50pobIbWpFzN0f8pLlihRrI/s1600/IMG_6392.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Betraying my secondary school education - I pledge allegiance to the Silver Fern.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODjUnthyphenhyphenUa4u58EW9xwNHHIUjT3pGXggOYG1c1lHl2PYnSl1-Q3D7cn39vJllTn5FB7lBedGCAL2248kR3gQ3aXuooEpd5W7Qf8SYDWPfLAWbNoaOChj-J4Bruxyo-_NuGUqAP3oeMKE/s1600/IMG_6397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODjUnthyphenhyphenUa4u58EW9xwNHHIUjT3pGXggOYG1c1lHl2PYnSl1-Q3D7cn39vJllTn5FB7lBedGCAL2248kR3gQ3aXuooEpd5W7Qf8SYDWPfLAWbNoaOChj-J4Bruxyo-_NuGUqAP3oeMKE/s1600/IMG_6397.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately this buggy had to be used. A fireworks shard cut the forehead of a woman as it fell from the sky. She was rushed to a hospital.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tastiest stadium food I've ever had. The traditional beef pie was actually filled with quality beef chunks in a stew akin to boeuf bourgignon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each ticket sold contributes to the Cure Kids charity. Their symbol is the red clown nose. They encourage you to wear this during the match.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richie McCaw lifting the Bledisloe Cup</td></tr>
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<br />Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-88754100541698668552014-09-25T04:27:00.004-07:002014-09-25T04:54:52.447-07:00Coffee General: the commanding presence in North Harbour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Across the bridge north of Auckland, there is a small coffee shop called <i>Coffee General</i>. This gem is hidden at the far end of Birkenhead's high-street. However, if you do get a chance to go outside New Zealand's largest city, please don't forget to put this on your list of places to get your caffeine fix.</div>
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Overall grade: 5.0/5.0</div>
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Unique charms:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Small and cozy</li>
<li>Friendly staff who like to share knowledge with you, particularly about the processes of making their different specialty drinks such as drip coffee.</li>
<li>Art is present in all parts of the coffee shop, from the front-of-house to the bathroom.</li>
<li>Service with a personal touch - the staff are curious to get to know about you and why you, as a tourist, made the trip from shining Auckland to sleepy Birkenhead. Because of <i>Coffee General</i> coffee, of course!</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yet another coffee shop that has such a small sign.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art on the bathroom wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The friendly and welcoming barista</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Advising a new staff member on the tricks to brewing drip coffee.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A complementary mini chocolate in the shape of a coffee bean</td></tr>
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<br />Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-49811635962375749242014-09-23T08:16:00.003-07:002014-10-02T02:28:27.820-07:00Blue Elephant: an adapted Thai modern cuisine locale behind Parnell Village<i>Blue Elephant</i> is located behind Parnell Village if you are walking from Parnell Road.<br />
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This place is very popular amongst the locals. The restaurant's menus are thus presented and cooked to suit local palates. If you're a true-blue Thai, you will find the food rather bland, quite sweet-ish at times, and might not be used to some of the ingredients that seem out-of-place in certain menus. However, that being said, I loved how their food was presented on the plates, and also how they innovate Thai classics.<br />
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Overall grade: 2.5/5.0<br />
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Unique charms:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Some wines are available in "tasting sizes" (in small aperitif glasses). So if you are dining alone and want to taste several different ones, you will not burn a hole through your wallet here.</li>
<li>Traditional Thai furnitures and fabrics decorate the dining area and give an ambience that you're eating a quick dinner in the old town of Krung Thep (that's "Bangkok" for all non-Thai speakers) if you factor out the winter chill.</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhvFkvOFnc7reAxhwLDvyz3kQd2ljxIAMSoZnQt25Bi04sKdyXYPgKgaSoTzjAWtjiZaaO12Bh6MoL-vugdUA4EQzKkv9uJBIeKrtmK5eJHgpr98oQio_lIYUSUGmUk-mbecRSK895TI/s1600/IMG_6304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhvFkvOFnc7reAxhwLDvyz3kQd2ljxIAMSoZnQt25Bi04sKdyXYPgKgaSoTzjAWtjiZaaO12Bh6MoL-vugdUA4EQzKkv9uJBIeKrtmK5eJHgpr98oQio_lIYUSUGmUk-mbecRSK895TI/s1600/IMG_6304.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The name is inspired by the famous culinary institution in Bangkok, but it is unaffiliated.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasting size Pinot Noir from Otago</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shrimp cakes with the same reddish tint like traditional fish cakes with tidbits of scallops in individual spoons</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crispy almond chicken in red curry sauce. The vegetables have been parboiled and have no flavour. The sauce was watery and insipid. Finally, the crispy chicken was dominated by the oiliness of the sliced almonds which have been "toasted" in vegetable oil. This dish has a lot of room for improvement.</td></tr>
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Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-14240650492127367072014-09-23T07:56:00.002-07:002014-09-23T07:56:25.958-07:00Supreme Seafarers coffee shop: off the beaten pathDespite being located in Britomart Place, the transportation hub in downtown Auckland, <i>Supreme Seafarers</i> requires a determined mind to find.<br />
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The main thoroughfare that leads away from the transportation building of Britomart Station has a multitude of eateries, coffee shops, and other retail spaces on either side. <i>Supreme Seafarers</i> is on Tyler Street, which runs parallel on the waterfront-side to the plaza walkway. Its relatively small shop sign makes it even more difficult to spot from a distance.<br />
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However, once you have arrived there, you're in for a real treat. Please read below for a summary of this coffee shop.<br />
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Overall grade: 5.0/5.0<br />
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Unique charms: <br />
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<ul>
<li>Minimalist decor featuring light-coloured wooden stools (both low and high) paired with round metal tables (brass-alloy surfaces?), high ceiling with exposed cables and pipes, floor-to-ceiling windows and glass main door</li>
<li>Coffees presented on trays with information leaflets about the origins of the beans and the way they were roasted</li>
<li>FREE brewed coffee refills!!!</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AsDm5mmPfxDOOq3miSF3vcdA_l7Fa0eN_37Tp5KGrDVnhCbbBPqvsVjVQWur8h5ep-xpo3rmC45Za55V7qIBDQVXm6mTDIRvrO6cjg5j3N0wzEBvxTMbXJ-v6mnfmsmDyJfDZ-zLLCo/s1600/IMG_6579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AsDm5mmPfxDOOq3miSF3vcdA_l7Fa0eN_37Tp5KGrDVnhCbbBPqvsVjVQWur8h5ep-xpo3rmC45Za55V7qIBDQVXm6mTDIRvrO6cjg5j3N0wzEBvxTMbXJ-v6mnfmsmDyJfDZ-zLLCo/s1600/IMG_6579.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very small sign, be on the lookout for it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LC2FaPVNe_3iOvW0c8DBFuyyr5eArbPNHcJqLQ6PYhMmXu6YrfxrRs8wHN1cUyX-WRp7kSLT-ZDz5u7K1nQBH9CJCoCiCiqt4LBI9LVKy6LhB5rdfSYQRrZkQ9L5nF-lQCYLRajMYqo/s1600/IMG_6576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LC2FaPVNe_3iOvW0c8DBFuyyr5eArbPNHcJqLQ6PYhMmXu6YrfxrRs8wHN1cUyX-WRp7kSLT-ZDz5u7K1nQBH9CJCoCiCiqt4LBI9LVKy6LhB5rdfSYQRrZkQ9L5nF-lQCYLRajMYqo/s1600/IMG_6576.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I was done with this mug, the kind lady asked if I'd like a refill. Of course!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3HoDe5pWDi6S5LT0BJe6gzACdds6eXyeqrAFD084RuPEFA4BeBV-A7A7iTHWteiLcQ3Oyui_CEfY-d48khd06NuFwm_MJ1_C1mrxlmm65xidMbz0YV7gXZE8l8lnCc5usks78zvjgjs/s1600/IMG_6577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3HoDe5pWDi6S5LT0BJe6gzACdds6eXyeqrAFD084RuPEFA4BeBV-A7A7iTHWteiLcQ3Oyui_CEfY-d48khd06NuFwm_MJ1_C1mrxlmm65xidMbz0YV7gXZE8l8lnCc5usks78zvjgjs/s1600/IMG_6577.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Information leaflet with diagrams about the beans' origin and how they were roasted</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6AvNyPhwcfJIzvabxT88BHeEFs1-SfnMtvY5CFtu6itvTobmxgovrG8G7wjnbR7AIux8v9tw6DkLqjhReo_zOiwxMhYD7HmeikbCiD1wovgpPnziFWMxD6o76rtYezcExLRV5sACsnI/s1600/IMG_6578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6AvNyPhwcfJIzvabxT88BHeEFs1-SfnMtvY5CFtu6itvTobmxgovrG8G7wjnbR7AIux8v9tw6DkLqjhReo_zOiwxMhYD7HmeikbCiD1wovgpPnziFWMxD6o76rtYezcExLRV5sACsnI/s1600/IMG_6578.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A clean, minimalist appearance of the location. I highly recommend this place!</td></tr>
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Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-84980134831432957842014-09-22T06:31:00.000-07:002014-09-24T00:35:41.934-07:00Auckland War Memorial Museum: a place for history enthusiastsMy fondest non-food, non-wine related experience of the trip to Auckland is the day I spent at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.<br />
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What astounded me most about the place is the friendliness of the staff, who also encourage you to take photos. Never before have I been to a museum like that, as most want to prevent light damages to the artefacts from camera flashes and also want to keep certain popular exhibits "secret".<br />
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If you ever do visit Auckland, be sure to spend at least a day in this 3-storey museum. It is quite large and has extensive collections on natural history, New Zealand history and a war memorial. You'll need plenty of time to thoroughly enjoy it all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgeUZmXdWIulN3wpgzsHxaRFTIuUMmnpEMbJSqXuX09fzNacjGhgXDPmd6OTPbN6dlh-0GVtRf_8K2jVr-5pmieY8-ODMZN-_49Q5JVopf8OBbH80IpEYsO7ewHMp54b1qGl_akrAgmY/s1600/IMG_6876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgeUZmXdWIulN3wpgzsHxaRFTIuUMmnpEMbJSqXuX09fzNacjGhgXDPmd6OTPbN6dlh-0GVtRf_8K2jVr-5pmieY8-ODMZN-_49Q5JVopf8OBbH80IpEYsO7ewHMp54b1qGl_akrAgmY/s1600/IMG_6876.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auckland War Memorial Museum is located on top of a hill</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJl3SeapNuotgYNe3yL3_GUHCI2f97Oy7ciwQUfD51evIssa4CC908UH9GcxBav41Xjciq3kX0Jf_dbXo01s5P19uZr4ZfW8aqrAQu3pW8hIRlL05J2houpYoQ-LtlnfoFLNXl7PIl88/s1600/IMG_6877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJl3SeapNuotgYNe3yL3_GUHCI2f97Oy7ciwQUfD51evIssa4CC908UH9GcxBav41Xjciq3kX0Jf_dbXo01s5P19uZr4ZfW8aqrAQu3pW8hIRlL05J2houpYoQ-LtlnfoFLNXl7PIl88/s1600/IMG_6877.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As I came to learn from this museum, the phrase "Kia ora" means multiple different things - not only "welcome".</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pristine example of Kiribati armour. They are made from pufferfish and woven coconut fibre.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The curators even encourage you to witness and document them at work!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The national animal symbol of New Zealand</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every description is bilingual</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9msqHOVuC4NNY3W1ITIer_RdgOGtzTexfSiXiPu4gSPN4i-BxqJSQplXgn6wxOhj47Hzs8t-xWhfjh_PUQ_ZxU1nFjeCA83Q_TdUXU90Xr40pjiDurV-8PLxz78UvpeFa9xOjS5kPgk/s1600/IMG_6950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9msqHOVuC4NNY3W1ITIer_RdgOGtzTexfSiXiPu4gSPN4i-BxqJSQplXgn6wxOhj47Hzs8t-xWhfjh_PUQ_ZxU1nFjeCA83Q_TdUXU90Xr40pjiDurV-8PLxz78UvpeFa9xOjS5kPgk/s1600/IMG_6950.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cute folklore of why the brave and selfless kiwi no longer can fly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWbBDpRXskjMgD_xnAS0zzWQ8ivkE_fSi_HTrgfMbQbW547XiWVm5jDZzybFaBte4MZXmhAyFLvwd3jWFgIzc0d9yFeMspRjQW7KEGxuD0OBE3NfBTjrQls5UN9QSrkJftdjLst18wds/s1600/IMG_6959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWbBDpRXskjMgD_xnAS0zzWQ8ivkE_fSi_HTrgfMbQbW547XiWVm5jDZzybFaBte4MZXmhAyFLvwd3jWFgIzc0d9yFeMspRjQW7KEGxuD0OBE3NfBTjrQls5UN9QSrkJftdjLst18wds/s1600/IMG_6959.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Buddha statue with Greco features from the Middle-East. Maybe every religion is worshiping the one same deity, but in different forms. Either that or there are multiple deities who form the Truth. Take your pick.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGIVO6fkP7vzcYu9oKi8jDkYhnQIQcM2ZQgjCsCni4thI_XH2KzXHWf_O2ZujrpU2tYULzvycYtPLaM5lHV3x_NIBtr3WpxS4AgVUqda8iOh9yeE4asZjhGTd21u2rxl9VrIVmmNlP5U/s1600/IMG_6964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGIVO6fkP7vzcYu9oKi8jDkYhnQIQcM2ZQgjCsCni4thI_XH2KzXHWf_O2ZujrpU2tYULzvycYtPLaM5lHV3x_NIBtr3WpxS4AgVUqda8iOh9yeE4asZjhGTd21u2rxl9VrIVmmNlP5U/s1600/IMG_6964.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"For an undivided country"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4jfPr_iHL7eU5Hm0dxv98JKZ_UqvEQ6Pdgf7v3rOZY09HAbqOYanz4hGOHnFeZ59rsYPA-ztW03nyH1qqtjVAH5BaqO1umuH7LR9tvDj-l3pxXUb8cfrZjdSYl0wYbegzhS-HL0nI2o/s1600/IMG_6968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4jfPr_iHL7eU5Hm0dxv98JKZ_UqvEQ6Pdgf7v3rOZY09HAbqOYanz4hGOHnFeZ59rsYPA-ztW03nyH1qqtjVAH5BaqO1umuH7LR9tvDj-l3pxXUb8cfrZjdSYl0wYbegzhS-HL0nI2o/s1600/IMG_6968.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fighter plane that protected Britain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1vTrmm2b6arvKIdUBIpz1EhgR9rwnYT3-SDIq-_83SYrwSY3DUFKqJ-pClexVr_6_xji-LJJZV7sosooMwCZizLwTjRASC_qKvMgO0YZRA73kk0nULqBQYXWoKaAsT_mQ5DYY7yXA4E/s1600/IMG_6969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1vTrmm2b6arvKIdUBIpz1EhgR9rwnYT3-SDIq-_83SYrwSY3DUFKqJ-pClexVr_6_xji-LJJZV7sosooMwCZizLwTjRASC_qKvMgO0YZRA73kk0nULqBQYXWoKaAsT_mQ5DYY7yXA4E/s1600/IMG_6969.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a button that you can press to start the Spitfire's engine. Needless to say, every boy (and boy-at-heart) compulsively pressed it --- repeatedly!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEVu6x5oE6HdYwFgOwiTDOcm4Sjst0DGiHzyYq3lkCL1tURplZRUC27080T8cdhxJlIrifd4MUSOmf9E2ONJabY89u42NCbSdBA79A8irZygJ8rfUMZbkB5dXrComr3hvvLm1NMiULKM/s1600/IMG_6975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEVu6x5oE6HdYwFgOwiTDOcm4Sjst0DGiHzyYq3lkCL1tURplZRUC27080T8cdhxJlIrifd4MUSOmf9E2ONJabY89u42NCbSdBA79A8irZygJ8rfUMZbkB5dXrComr3hvvLm1NMiULKM/s1600/IMG_6975.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A WWII Stengun team</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWiTZ1HccwQbE_-Aw4rOoUCk4_aHtXr5yCb1Lfn1qb_ZObgklnUohyphenhyphen7FNEMH98mC9YU710l0ORE6yg6heAVYc_rx7QaJ70ogSvvTHIvKt1O2ukZ8gjvTfpfdXcZmHKROK9Zld067QQJ0/s1600/IMG_6982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWiTZ1HccwQbE_-Aw4rOoUCk4_aHtXr5yCb1Lfn1qb_ZObgklnUohyphenhyphen7FNEMH98mC9YU710l0ORE6yg6heAVYc_rx7QaJ70ogSvvTHIvKt1O2ukZ8gjvTfpfdXcZmHKROK9Zld067QQJ0/s1600/IMG_6982.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May it be so!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zKtuSEhrMvdnl2jVMZlAgzKunuUrLnB5Rpibh-5DmQmFBpTDoEaDgDGc-OInR7LDgyifgJFMk6vnoCLKlgSR0YSve5ds5c5Gqi-2t-F2svQGKZgxywQB7VEx9ZSrb2FrCmNKX98AXPY/s1600/IMG_6983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zKtuSEhrMvdnl2jVMZlAgzKunuUrLnB5Rpibh-5DmQmFBpTDoEaDgDGc-OInR7LDgyifgJFMk6vnoCLKlgSR0YSve5ds5c5Gqi-2t-F2svQGKZgxywQB7VEx9ZSrb2FrCmNKX98AXPY/s1600/IMG_6983.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite motto in Latin is also the RNZAF motto.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoHh4en2iO-lUiixuxRm_ZNi7KCaYVEcSrlfH4UktjrHJXD4AfYSyxY-q3Sx5eIyngtJNLEy68Gc3kbC4OY-GvSFRtLq3pUeCPLpFaYWy3wMMHNby5SrVgt45bbAiA2-Ku7x_n3zZgvY/s1600/IMG_6985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoHh4en2iO-lUiixuxRm_ZNi7KCaYVEcSrlfH4UktjrHJXD4AfYSyxY-q3Sx5eIyngtJNLEy68Gc3kbC4OY-GvSFRtLq3pUeCPLpFaYWy3wMMHNby5SrVgt45bbAiA2-Ku7x_n3zZgvY/s1600/IMG_6985.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"RAT-TAT-TAT!!" As you walk through reproduction trenches and round a corner, this machine gun nest is what you encounter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miserable living conditions of soldiers during WWI.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyqruH_UurfISduCkiEKD9O3d_UFxPx_KBu50-pft8Muy2YPaBL8ZILMgjTiYvQapMpJs0aUA7uk4j4dlJ-BPa5Ilz4N5iwXSUWaG4ljhGHt6MzbJJBClZA6Nox-M6S3v_rz5xzKH7LI/s1600/IMG_6992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyqruH_UurfISduCkiEKD9O3d_UFxPx_KBu50-pft8Muy2YPaBL8ZILMgjTiYvQapMpJs0aUA7uk4j4dlJ-BPa5Ilz4N5iwXSUWaG4ljhGHt6MzbJJBClZA6Nox-M6S3v_rz5xzKH7LI/s1600/IMG_6992.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zealandia: the personification of New Zealand</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPmwzNUFjF21hC1PdALCJH5T-grv7HGWOMQYuFy18mMKIlOBiNOHIyWDE6OzvEU23f2r7K5pGj2sr-I_Sz17sgdWxSKqhhrFtdVVr1jf4vIdENQBS4bZ0w2aXZ9QxMmxjkTcMlVl5SA4/s1600/IMG_6997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPmwzNUFjF21hC1PdALCJH5T-grv7HGWOMQYuFy18mMKIlOBiNOHIyWDE6OzvEU23f2r7K5pGj2sr-I_Sz17sgdWxSKqhhrFtdVVr1jf4vIdENQBS4bZ0w2aXZ9QxMmxjkTcMlVl5SA4/s1600/IMG_6997.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As a Chinese-Thai, viewing this fighter plane gives me the chills.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhxj-Rv8TS7twRqlWKJFii19Rt_ibnqwBP6llWG-c-NoCD9I3ncJsH6YTVN0RJK21kwa6Ty6MTGy3zyRF80sUmHjRiT11eRp9Igok9HHOc0aGr6oHdrKf_4228jXbND-I8eDM6iI0vDs/s1600/IMG_6999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhxj-Rv8TS7twRqlWKJFii19Rt_ibnqwBP6llWG-c-NoCD9I3ncJsH6YTVN0RJK21kwa6Ty6MTGy3zyRF80sUmHjRiT11eRp9Igok9HHOc0aGr6oHdrKf_4228jXbND-I8eDM6iI0vDs/s1600/IMG_6999.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stepping back in time: Auckland in 1866.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Navy band</td></tr>
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<br />Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-23566673967017651132014-09-12T08:55:00.002-07:002014-10-02T02:34:48.457-07:00Down-to-earth locales: K-Road and Mercury LaneEvery coin has two sides, and every city's ritzy glamorous "high-street" is contrasted by at least one down-to-earth or even "seedy" neighbourhood.<br />
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For Auckland, the edgy neighbourhood has Karangahape Road running through it. "K-Road" as it's more affectionately called by the city's inhabitants, is quite long and is therefore intersected by many streets, akin to San Francisco's Geary Boulevard. One of those that crosses K-Road is called "Mercury Lane". <br />
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On this side street, you'll find a building with a food court comprised of bargain eateries that offer hearty and affordable fare. Mostly known by locals, prices of individual plate menus start as low as NZD7.00, and are very filling. Japanese, Japanese Ramen, Chinese, Thai... Plenty of choices of Eastern cuisines for the diner. <br />
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This food court isn't far from the downtown area, so if you ever want to stray further than the usual tourist attractions in search for a budget meal, this is the place to go.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K-Road</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The building that has the highly affordable food court.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A large bowl of ramen for only NZD8.00</td></tr>
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Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-4513739068375441952014-09-10T04:11:00.005-07:002014-09-10T04:11:45.473-07:00Getting the best views: vantage points in and around Auckland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What fascinated me the most about Auckland is its geographical location. </div>
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With sea water on its north and south sides, the inner city acts as a narrow land-bridge that connects the parts called "North Bay" and "South Auckland". Even if this city isn't the northernmost in New Zealand, its inhabitants and visitors still benefit from warmer winters. To see Auckland in all its glamour and beauty, you need to visit at least one (best if you go to all three) of the vantage points.<br />
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1. Mount Eden<br />
2. One Tree Hill<br />
3. Mount Victoria<br />
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The first two are in the city itself, and are close to each other. The third one, however, is outside of Auckland and you'll need to drive or take the ferry to Devonport. Similar to "Vista Point" of Marin County across the Golden Gate Bridge and looking back at San Francisco, Mount Victoria has the prettiest view, because you are across the bridge and are looking back at Auckland, instead of looking out from the city at the surrounding areas. From Mt. Victoria, you can enjoy the skyline and a view of the alabaster yachts docked at Auckland's multiple marinas during the day or the flicker and glimmer of city lights in all their vivacity at night.<br />
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<u><b>ONE TREE HILL</b></u></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>MT. EDEN</b></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUue9Fb2tdo9kfL-UWgY9h1IJm1HD2Tz_-JjMPGciDnOLoM-zL0_PfrpGq2PsvjewG8DdIxL29g4Y9LynfWQNc4FNYi3qT5DLbDk-awWjK0oJ9nn-0FXulpI5-Vx57QryWdQJ1Y1IH8Hs/s1600/IMG_6347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUue9Fb2tdo9kfL-UWgY9h1IJm1HD2Tz_-JjMPGciDnOLoM-zL0_PfrpGq2PsvjewG8DdIxL29g4Y9LynfWQNc4FNYi3qT5DLbDk-awWjK0oJ9nn-0FXulpI5-Vx57QryWdQJ1Y1IH8Hs/s1600/IMG_6347.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTU0d1Ozq6MxOoLoVf_bA9DpI7FMJ-PvSlJIrLYWdfekt84faRnoOQRHshQdXuCgpsvywhZYoxXCtJi-NpDpCeyZXjNWs1OK7iWxAiD1_pbqGKvOE9TBnSLGxCf5s1Yhwnl3X09tXy5U/s1600/IMG_6348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTU0d1Ozq6MxOoLoVf_bA9DpI7FMJ-PvSlJIrLYWdfekt84faRnoOQRHshQdXuCgpsvywhZYoxXCtJi-NpDpCeyZXjNWs1OK7iWxAiD1_pbqGKvOE9TBnSLGxCf5s1Yhwnl3X09tXy5U/s1600/IMG_6348.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How do you mow the grass in an inactive volcano? Send in the sheeps!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUBpr4inCBarexVffugAdCvuVLmZ2rK0F-aF-YOflsA6zksbcas9RVnzIMINlag0yhOZr_CRFo-laJYxpTc4KeqhcK7x1GQafvgCyC-Lbet5501xplhHi7IJLJxs4ZV3pYSBHBLFAvUY/s1600/IMG_6349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUBpr4inCBarexVffugAdCvuVLmZ2rK0F-aF-YOflsA6zksbcas9RVnzIMINlag0yhOZr_CRFo-laJYxpTc4KeqhcK7x1GQafvgCyC-Lbet5501xplhHi7IJLJxs4ZV3pYSBHBLFAvUY/s1600/IMG_6349.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaGv1NOqW00AamZJzXNOgb0nMc4r88zaLYY_f8uE_7QbNE0wD8TgiiGT0_2xSj72XWXGT7ixwvKySDtH8LxopjqRevPuMO9YbwATRd5bV7agfHjkVt7TZk605ZcHHYg7okli2U_athII/s1600/IMG_6350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaGv1NOqW00AamZJzXNOgb0nMc4r88zaLYY_f8uE_7QbNE0wD8TgiiGT0_2xSj72XWXGT7ixwvKySDtH8LxopjqRevPuMO9YbwATRd5bV7agfHjkVt7TZk605ZcHHYg7okli2U_athII/s1600/IMG_6350.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only 10,489 kilometers away lies the fairest city of them all.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xTVtxdaIM6381ZWKDnH7U50IIRw2nTKMDDe7H1rGFt-ABsXgafDQKDQlrHz_iYFqpR2yObqf1xaGrsi_on05Qn3I4JU0tTRz1sKvmSyExVRGkWcJqGJrBsm3X9F7uJtFaU5uPPrmq9Q/s1600/IMG_6352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xTVtxdaIM6381ZWKDnH7U50IIRw2nTKMDDe7H1rGFt-ABsXgafDQKDQlrHz_iYFqpR2yObqf1xaGrsi_on05Qn3I4JU0tTRz1sKvmSyExVRGkWcJqGJrBsm3X9F7uJtFaU5uPPrmq9Q/s1600/IMG_6352.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCB7V2t9fYiJo00G6pfaiTnIis5X64soliwYcY_I7VX6KDITu0euSyYOpwKPVFmtsfOr8XKrVo3rNcKcB2ZMzlF-5m7QcNtzy8DrXdU852LkhRHlJ5mnRfgG-owJFV2ayE1eqD38VkIKY/s1600/IMG_6355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCB7V2t9fYiJo00G6pfaiTnIis5X64soliwYcY_I7VX6KDITu0euSyYOpwKPVFmtsfOr8XKrVo3rNcKcB2ZMzlF-5m7QcNtzy8DrXdU852LkhRHlJ5mnRfgG-owJFV2ayE1eqD38VkIKY/s1600/IMG_6355.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The summit of Mt. Eden during the day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKNBwVpaVyvu3loU1GzS4koa7VJGjuiZZNmLv-JMgfsJFrSp3toeJKOLBmA8OjJf0c4bepaPY373nvXLhfo5vJSvW2ldDjHGfvdocLmBlnCd4SRg31qQsCHdFOkERNEckxS5z3ZGeLhE/s1600/IMG_6361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKNBwVpaVyvu3loU1GzS4koa7VJGjuiZZNmLv-JMgfsJFrSp3toeJKOLBmA8OjJf0c4bepaPY373nvXLhfo5vJSvW2ldDjHGfvdocLmBlnCd4SRg31qQsCHdFOkERNEckxS5z3ZGeLhE/s1600/IMG_6361.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very daring person is someone who sits at the lip of the volcano under a tree, reading a book.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_sRwYwHWlqMEUSwkezSQ_N_UxqoZeSN5HZhhOsJrKMWLsOvZUXLhN1OFWg0j0xEtIq9tehBWdvyQHlTKKBTg9vpNwArPeofzbOm258CANIP16wsvqp1OxqHPxgLsUJyYjws9A9MJuKE/s1600/IMG_6828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_sRwYwHWlqMEUSwkezSQ_N_UxqoZeSN5HZhhOsJrKMWLsOvZUXLhN1OFWg0j0xEtIq9tehBWdvyQHlTKKBTg9vpNwArPeofzbOm258CANIP16wsvqp1OxqHPxgLsUJyYjws9A9MJuKE/s1600/IMG_6828.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The summit at twilight</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharl4263CaerhPGZNuAeT9DEziCQTj3b_tj9mmrDq5ejAWTNDT4T_tCd0GytnoaENk5Mck31v-2Tl0NB2yIeagVck99I1e7r_gjjZhAYuP0DFdseiAPNLUAgr999GMniBK7bwwSKLYrjY/s1600/IMG_6829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharl4263CaerhPGZNuAeT9DEziCQTj3b_tj9mmrDq5ejAWTNDT4T_tCd0GytnoaENk5Mck31v-2Tl0NB2yIeagVck99I1e7r_gjjZhAYuP0DFdseiAPNLUAgr999GMniBK7bwwSKLYrjY/s1600/IMG_6829.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auckland's lights flickering to life at twilight</td></tr>
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<u><b>MT. EDEN IS ALSO A NEIGHBOURHOOD THAT HAS MANY INDIE SHOPS & EATERIES</b></u></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRy8WtV3l_VrEJCtTMoWlbO62nX_P3U3nlks0ndD6cJqEAW3CWqj1vFbPTnDzryua3lOLqV9DPiH5dpAnggcSg8Bd4duUCNp5N_wMMvAGJY8o1Cc5mqz-nasmNWXsZenYEnt5nHZ43JE/s1600/IMG_6330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRy8WtV3l_VrEJCtTMoWlbO62nX_P3U3nlks0ndD6cJqEAW3CWqj1vFbPTnDzryua3lOLqV9DPiH5dpAnggcSg8Bd4duUCNp5N_wMMvAGJY8o1Cc5mqz-nasmNWXsZenYEnt5nHZ43JE/s1600/IMG_6330.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auckland's equivalence of San Francisco's "Green Apple Books"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrRHQ39SEcThTRc8_dAYdrKNEnEUeHI7CMi97atz1UVgaNr7lT50kjrQGfyMS74WBDggFcOdNapkhmGmESZXiyvsc2Xxv39D-fnhlSTNlGjZjymisL9eCc3c70hTFcn5uONXAuQxKI9g/s1600/IMG_6332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrRHQ39SEcThTRc8_dAYdrKNEnEUeHI7CMi97atz1UVgaNr7lT50kjrQGfyMS74WBDggFcOdNapkhmGmESZXiyvsc2Xxv39D-fnhlSTNlGjZjymisL9eCc3c70hTFcn5uONXAuQxKI9g/s1600/IMG_6332.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Election was about to take place during the time I visited Auckland.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTijJ1LLG_n5WCKwsEa9ZHiuU7lNzE_wXlPMe1GlyH2D8RpeNvJt-b2N3p6ym1ozYQ_umreXvuI9jYXYH-hVN7k1PX3TeL0lgxZBQf6KCZ9sByzV-g0cZnQNHRHjBDu7xtvAEHBz2nEQA/s1600/IMG_6334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTijJ1LLG_n5WCKwsEa9ZHiuU7lNzE_wXlPMe1GlyH2D8RpeNvJt-b2N3p6ym1ozYQ_umreXvuI9jYXYH-hVN7k1PX3TeL0lgxZBQf6KCZ9sByzV-g0cZnQNHRHjBDu7xtvAEHBz2nEQA/s1600/IMG_6334.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wonderful discovery in Mt. Eden neighbourhood: Village wine shop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SNt8-rFUWkRqKiTgSDIHIh4zTCM25nt1M5-0MZkiNJX3Sq2bH9wKdinDBkJEvlGKE1Q7XU_xHkJ4rg8cuASFzEgouERbLudmFf59J4Vk09Voimuqm3_khbfidDgx5plmtMBu7wKTV_U/s1600/IMG_6337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SNt8-rFUWkRqKiTgSDIHIh4zTCM25nt1M5-0MZkiNJX3Sq2bH9wKdinDBkJEvlGKE1Q7XU_xHkJ4rg8cuASFzEgouERbLudmFf59J4Vk09Voimuqm3_khbfidDgx5plmtMBu7wKTV_U/s1600/IMG_6337.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">According to the sales staff, it's the only place in NZ where you can buy those high quality and rare whiskey: Japanese.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGg-7hpGZBgkcRL3GjPQcC9wGr5dISLyvDKsOspBF7U29ivQWSWa03lBfk2g_HxdKmzqnt4-094YGWNidBdp4CuajNeUMbDiqMZllAxGq6JKkIKjWfQuz8QssPtADQhY3ijc0ObYZ-AG4/s1600/IMG_6339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGg-7hpGZBgkcRL3GjPQcC9wGr5dISLyvDKsOspBF7U29ivQWSWa03lBfk2g_HxdKmzqnt4-094YGWNidBdp4CuajNeUMbDiqMZllAxGq6JKkIKjWfQuz8QssPtADQhY3ijc0ObYZ-AG4/s1600/IMG_6339.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbdMI5zO6aaCkAVL5DERkvBEh_R2aVWJjsp0Uz1-3P_dHhNlU9aQHHgG_zBfcv3WE0WdtmqPavmurpvzhliKRr-uzm1B0tUdB2ADCXBvG5gp-blFumHYCidv5BoE70EaCeyFbuiPx_io/s1600/IMG_6340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbdMI5zO6aaCkAVL5DERkvBEh_R2aVWJjsp0Uz1-3P_dHhNlU9aQHHgG_zBfcv3WE0WdtmqPavmurpvzhliKRr-uzm1B0tUdB2ADCXBvG5gp-blFumHYCidv5BoE70EaCeyFbuiPx_io/s1600/IMG_6340.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A local institution</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5UlCrkkLjW8e9Cy0iRooh2KeYQkDKjZyu4967so4jnmdEfZ-ACPJiVoHDn1Pu_a7czAZGpJZjesoIhkvxFjhdvs2tYqIQzWMuP7G-vrdtNZPKlN4sYE0hWRYPDpBtozkXDFeoc7HRnw/s1600/IMG_6341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5UlCrkkLjW8e9Cy0iRooh2KeYQkDKjZyu4967so4jnmdEfZ-ACPJiVoHDn1Pu_a7czAZGpJZjesoIhkvxFjhdvs2tYqIQzWMuP7G-vrdtNZPKlN4sYE0hWRYPDpBtozkXDFeoc7HRnw/s1600/IMG_6341.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A circus-themed restaurant that serves all-day American-style breakfast.</td></tr>
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<u><b>MT. VICTORIA</b></u></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9I_ZR6IKhVDrjG5-PoF2KnE0lHuCqrz7hvekVCph15FryadiCJit6K33Tg1kFv70nimey1Mh7P_XC4bfuXrlUN3O03ZFrjzMIPzVwig8BfwRzRzvVQr3saa5BF_qnmodncJgs2f1Wp4/s1600/IMG_6477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9I_ZR6IKhVDrjG5-PoF2KnE0lHuCqrz7hvekVCph15FryadiCJit6K33Tg1kFv70nimey1Mh7P_XC4bfuXrlUN3O03ZFrjzMIPzVwig8BfwRzRzvVQr3saa5BF_qnmodncJgs2f1Wp4/s1600/IMG_6477.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Auckland from Mt. Victoria</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDK4vv5CGUCerpKOIxhdExG-wrwjJKb-55B0d2YUFvkVYlGt5OC4tpPYMmwWmWz-3tkWXIOzJOZJFkv9aAo4P4R_1pq-RQa-SvmnkPl8PiUYup_ilAFrkELN8g7oN2HBN8Yi27C3W9rs/s1600/IMG_6488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDK4vv5CGUCerpKOIxhdExG-wrwjJKb-55B0d2YUFvkVYlGt5OC4tpPYMmwWmWz-3tkWXIOzJOZJFkv9aAo4P4R_1pq-RQa-SvmnkPl8PiUYup_ilAFrkELN8g7oN2HBN8Yi27C3W9rs/s1600/IMG_6488.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgrgs5GwFuqqdV2HRGtRyt9LUmfRTo2MfACOSt9Yvgwgf3SJ0Z98UcYAc8GWlgYJUZv-MvoiLeDctOgTzc1RYZkemEWHAOInBUnPCXbVwDFXrCS8xgbnIQD9ldIOAOZqE8acTuqJeXto/s1600/IMG_6494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgrgs5GwFuqqdV2HRGtRyt9LUmfRTo2MfACOSt9Yvgwgf3SJ0Z98UcYAc8GWlgYJUZv-MvoiLeDctOgTzc1RYZkemEWHAOInBUnPCXbVwDFXrCS8xgbnIQD9ldIOAOZqE8acTuqJeXto/s1600/IMG_6494.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Victoria is also famed for the stools that are painted to look like cartoon mushrooms.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKa-fO0orI7KjTeGUeU-FQaTTTyS4_HIXELjvFyPjaUL_dbJMO9RLI9GZbP34fLkTgJkQdQXX4j05o1O9jHadbmTKkfjhvGJBzQwI02UlEH9aZ_bLkq55kVZSJsrUqZjGIMycifKvSmBA/s1600/IMG_6497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKa-fO0orI7KjTeGUeU-FQaTTTyS4_HIXELjvFyPjaUL_dbJMO9RLI9GZbP34fLkTgJkQdQXX4j05o1O9jHadbmTKkfjhvGJBzQwI02UlEH9aZ_bLkq55kVZSJsrUqZjGIMycifKvSmBA/s1600/IMG_6497.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weather station at the summit of Mt. Victoria</td></tr>
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Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-16577567411993061352014-09-04T22:30:00.002-07:002014-10-02T02:38:54.121-07:00Chocolate Boutique: satisfying your sweet tooth in AucklandOn the recent trip I took to Auckland, I became so fascinated with <i>Chocolate Boutique</i>. So fascinated, in fact, that I went there three times on my 10-day trip.<br />
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The interior of <i>Chocolate Boutique</i> fits the atmosphere of where it is located: the street block known as <i>Parnell Village.</i> For more information on Parnell Village, please read my blog post <a href="http://bankonwine.blogspot.com/2014/09/parnell-village-aucklands-dainty-quarter.html">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5_84sobhDcE8dgypjkTWIuj5rQZCNXoEuQk37DnLF9HRSCjWFVggz7vjQA5_MPpbzh8qnLUj1aTYtRcABHHSTEoa93w_n2erzHjcPOEqlwVXTS7nPKaPh1q_aIBHiSN_oR2Mk8Ic1HU/s1600/IMG_6312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5_84sobhDcE8dgypjkTWIuj5rQZCNXoEuQk37DnLF9HRSCjWFVggz7vjQA5_MPpbzh8qnLUj1aTYtRcABHHSTEoa93w_n2erzHjcPOEqlwVXTS7nPKaPh1q_aIBHiSN_oR2Mk8Ic1HU/s1600/IMG_6312.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 1st time I went was at night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsT_G4888LE1LGOxOJI7YTrsLlmGIDwczkUytQ9bPZO-G20E2Bt1MQNPrAXsjw1ibxlqI4AYa7jd373zChlJyNXGvooVqOH179V6G5MFyGQ4F_AVyXTGTX7MM3YoWmh7nCBq-6FnduhgU/s1600/IMG_7020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsT_G4888LE1LGOxOJI7YTrsLlmGIDwczkUytQ9bPZO-G20E2Bt1MQNPrAXsjw1ibxlqI4AYa7jd373zChlJyNXGvooVqOH179V6G5MFyGQ4F_AVyXTGTX7MM3YoWmh7nCBq-6FnduhgU/s1600/IMG_7020.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2nd time I went was in the afternoon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDJ9RnPlEX01koWvuZ70y6k0L-oP6J19ulX5tqfgRvIfljYGxGWLdpkmRyNHGgfjV7kOrUjXAb_NBKdX2HIU89UB6-JsVcDeFPEqtVvDgPFJqTFWde8tTKKZ6-_utW0M0z7LcP73x-k8/s1600/IMG_6314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDJ9RnPlEX01koWvuZ70y6k0L-oP6J19ulX5tqfgRvIfljYGxGWLdpkmRyNHGgfjV7kOrUjXAb_NBKdX2HIU89UB6-JsVcDeFPEqtVvDgPFJqTFWde8tTKKZ6-_utW0M0z7LcP73x-k8/s1600/IMG_6314.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinks-making area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dSxfVE90G2lh5plwbV522Pn67OXH6nw3pcju4Nk9-dTuM8ASM2YeWucEdyGGDreoP69YA37iqrPYKVVcRAm0HfW6hI_5Mro06x6neCq4G9M2sacP5erds_WCJZbPG29kal_9_RMLN68/s1600/IMG_6315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dSxfVE90G2lh5plwbV522Pn67OXH6nw3pcju4Nk9-dTuM8ASM2YeWucEdyGGDreoP69YA37iqrPYKVVcRAm0HfW6hI_5Mro06x6neCq4G9M2sacP5erds_WCJZbPG29kal_9_RMLN68/s1600/IMG_6315.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelves full of goodies</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0By-Z-VnIQap9i5T9nrDZ7GuBPxPCfvzO05of-SX1-oT5DpGQ869DRXm6UEM3lpS31xQ4fTcmBlUN0ijgsbWrHWYPVPmJ2U5ywNmUNMnFFdlKgAbUHfZIEAFAU18_sNhZ2w5YlLJYic/s1600/IMG_6316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0By-Z-VnIQap9i5T9nrDZ7GuBPxPCfvzO05of-SX1-oT5DpGQ869DRXm6UEM3lpS31xQ4fTcmBlUN0ijgsbWrHWYPVPmJ2U5ywNmUNMnFFdlKgAbUHfZIEAFAU18_sNhZ2w5YlLJYic/s1600/IMG_6316.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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The prices of hot drinks vary from market average to significantly higher than market average, depending on which one you order. The shop's famed <i>Italian Denso</i> costs NZD 6.50 (61.54% higher than the market average of a hot beverage). If you'd like to taste a thick-set hot chocolate drink (consistency of custard sauce) with whipped cream on top, then this is the drink for you. Apart from cocoa based goods (beverages, sweets, desserts, etc.) the kind and friendly staff at <i>Chocolate Boutique</i> also sell other products such as beverage accessories (coffee filters, drip-brew sets, et. al.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6Wk7yv5A29xMXM29ptLEQfaBcIz0K1uTyXy2j7duxOZTnzI0IiEo1Lqk4474C6OKZ881VN2Zz_s619LQ1QvY5ps4BiJCaefTG_aiW3jc33FlqlVkVx3vVeWuOkLZHfIV-6tgERUHKZU/s1600/IMG_6319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6Wk7yv5A29xMXM29ptLEQfaBcIz0K1uTyXy2j7duxOZTnzI0IiEo1Lqk4474C6OKZ881VN2Zz_s619LQ1QvY5ps4BiJCaefTG_aiW3jc33FlqlVkVx3vVeWuOkLZHfIV-6tgERUHKZU/s1600/IMG_6319.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first drink was a Viennese hot chocolate</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7LRnLcZ8fcRs1ONq6yzgh6iu4olWnTkwVa_gR5EsPPSwBzcfKrTd5dwaeC7CoYwdV27yJ9qAQOaoRKjMj7kFZNpwJvZWaITb6tE7Ys2a61OfYYeuHClb8yq5vARY3DR8fEAr09ztq08/s1600/IMG_7021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7LRnLcZ8fcRs1ONq6yzgh6iu4olWnTkwVa_gR5EsPPSwBzcfKrTd5dwaeC7CoYwdV27yJ9qAQOaoRKjMj7kFZNpwJvZWaITb6tE7Ys2a61OfYYeuHClb8yq5vARY3DR8fEAr09ztq08/s1600/IMG_7021.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My second drink was a cappuccino.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kv7VzCCVOY2N98nzz0TQNMJdd0yzpPYlBsy8vRS7pbPwihFNeofRVHjExeGMq5ZOz-I02MFJB-Tz1L5bQGyVl22wseQ-TQdvxZW1auwgNWjveEOd9g3HVPvp4i3ent95AedVsMIZLn0/s1600/IMG_6318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kv7VzCCVOY2N98nzz0TQNMJdd0yzpPYlBsy8vRS7pbPwihFNeofRVHjExeGMq5ZOz-I02MFJB-Tz1L5bQGyVl22wseQ-TQdvxZW1auwgNWjveEOd9g3HVPvp4i3ent95AedVsMIZLn0/s1600/IMG_6318.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My third drink was the "italian denso".</td></tr>
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I highly recommend that everyone who has a sweet tooth must visit this place if they ever travel to Auckland.Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-72521069265318855032014-09-04T22:28:00.000-07:002014-09-04T22:31:52.031-07:00Parnell Village: Auckland's dainty quarterThe part of Auckland that I fell in love with is called <i>Parnell Village</i>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf21sspJgg6h2A08tYgDQDWxY8Nhqf1E2cf87ogcpDU8FUBHLUY2SVO928Np24e_zz0TPEZp5tTQz6JCGWKbesxLpdQy3wK6aBtmCPlc9pYt3Cd2S3hawclmfpBo5BCsvbDxT32CPj_IA/s1600/IMG_7026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf21sspJgg6h2A08tYgDQDWxY8Nhqf1E2cf87ogcpDU8FUBHLUY2SVO928Np24e_zz0TPEZp5tTQz6JCGWKbesxLpdQy3wK6aBtmCPlc9pYt3Cd2S3hawclmfpBo5BCsvbDxT32CPj_IA/s1600/IMG_7026.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's not to love about this place?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaA9fjFZ84DOGJfHhLu1BN_f8TuMIEMS9pYxbolLqslZynp8aAv-FBv4LJbyC6fTnJGUGN8Yaex0-iEgOah-Xbhh80kfcpyxfcKBTsaFNnPK3YjcLCbHC95RhWc-CLM_RzwpgnNWYZ_I/s1600/IMG_7028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaA9fjFZ84DOGJfHhLu1BN_f8TuMIEMS9pYxbolLqslZynp8aAv-FBv4LJbyC6fTnJGUGN8Yaex0-iEgOah-Xbhh80kfcpyxfcKBTsaFNnPK3YjcLCbHC95RhWc-CLM_RzwpgnNWYZ_I/s1600/IMG_7028.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gilded bridge beyond the ivy trellis roof. It was winter when I visited, so the vines were dormant.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLoRlEqQsST4nCC790kEn0WWvDrvpemhT-DP9qU7d6odHFgyw1wBGqjN6Fgp8yJvtNEhfSPAO1va-Zjt85ZIN2NrIwz_N20CertCEtc9qyaS3tcI0SLcNn_ZD9qzIt_AVdqMsiSH-wws/s1600/IMG_7019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLoRlEqQsST4nCC790kEn0WWvDrvpemhT-DP9qU7d6odHFgyw1wBGqjN6Fgp8yJvtNEhfSPAO1va-Zjt85ZIN2NrIwz_N20CertCEtc9qyaS3tcI0SLcNn_ZD9qzIt_AVdqMsiSH-wws/s1600/IMG_7019.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the sign for public WC is stylish.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVdNB-4tpa9YCkkdSIJgf1jSo9S8eQ4Cx3mTC8ZloL2xoBFcm7uKNoIkz_Q8pHewnICPTaNlY__eRNdbFpnxLzDGEmD4k57zQYHTLEDFnXjwHeN1P4iyW_wBttHHWLsixhSOMsAPEF50/s1600/IMG_7035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVdNB-4tpa9YCkkdSIJgf1jSo9S8eQ4Cx3mTC8ZloL2xoBFcm7uKNoIkz_Q8pHewnICPTaNlY__eRNdbFpnxLzDGEmD4k57zQYHTLEDFnXjwHeN1P4iyW_wBttHHWLsixhSOMsAPEF50/s1600/IMG_7035.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the back patio dining area of the Thai restaurant called "Thai Friends".</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, there's even a horse-drawn buggy there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parnell Village at night</td></tr>
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Located roughly a kilometre away from the Central Business District ("downtown" to my North American readers), the street block named <i>Parnell Village</i> stands out from its surroundings. The quaint Victorian houses on this plot of land were preserved from demolition by Mr. Les Harvey in the 1970s.<br />
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For the history of Parnell and a 24-minute interview video of Mr. Harvey, please click <a href="http://www.parnellvillage.co.nz/history/">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFzTYSltmz0vOjStv9FCP_RrMtAM-6ptfPYG4VCHMmsnTyL1DrNvMx48uM4AN8itsmAAiLUGbjRScmBT7-sfdyWfYk5RbO1gOjjuRI4CzSchkeyIr_Cnvn6LXS2uwgONyVaTy3NzeZic/s1600/IMG_7018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFzTYSltmz0vOjStv9FCP_RrMtAM-6ptfPYG4VCHMmsnTyL1DrNvMx48uM4AN8itsmAAiLUGbjRScmBT7-sfdyWfYk5RbO1gOjjuRI4CzSchkeyIr_Cnvn6LXS2uwgONyVaTy3NzeZic/s1600/IMG_7018.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tribute to Mr. Les Harvey</td></tr>
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There are many shops, restaurants and cafés in Parnell Village. You can find my other blog post about one of them <a href="http://bankonwine.blogspot.com/2014/09/chocolate-boutique-satisfying-your.html">here</a>.Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-37164208060241276182014-09-03T02:11:00.002-07:002014-10-22T01:37:06.358-07:00Waiheke Island: a North Island wine paradiseA relatively short ferry ride (roughly 40 minutes) away from Auckland lies Waiheke Island. <br />
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The South Island may be internationally famed for the wine producing region of Marlborough, but the North Island also has quality wine making regions of its own. Hawke's Bay with its Bordeaux-blends is well-known amongst wine enthusiasts, but arguably the most famous region of the north is Waiheke, which has even earned the title "New Zealand's island of wine".<br />
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For the price of NZD 96.00 the <i>Winter Wine & Dine </i>package at<i> </i>Cable Bay Vineyards includes a return ferry ticket, a light lunch at the winery, and a shuttle bus service (ferry building-vineyard-ferry building). The only thing I regret about this tour package is that it is relatively inflexible in terms of transportation. You won't have enough time to explore other areas of the island. This is aimed at bringing customers to that <i><u>one particular winery only</u></i>. <br />
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If you're interested in visiting multiple vineyards and getting a good look at most of the island, I recommend buying some other tour package like the <i>Fullers</i> tour company's "Taste of Waiheke" for NZD 129.00 (ferry & tour), which includes a guided tour ride around the main areas of the island as well as tastings at several wineries. For more information, please visit www.fullers.co.nz<br />
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Alternatively you could choose another wine tour company, <i>Waiheke Island Wine Tours</i>, which places customers' needs first and offers "highly personalised guided tours of Waiheke Island's boutique vineyards". The offers start from NZD 110.00 per person for shared tours, and NZD 250.00 per person for exclusive tours. However, the prices listed by <i>Waiheke Island Wine Tours </i>do not include the ferry rides to and from Auckland. For more information about the company, please visit www.waihekeislandwinetours.co.nz<br />
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Cable Bay strives for a modern look to its brand image. The ambience of the locale and the company's wine style reflect this. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Private tasting room in the cellar next to some wine barrels</td></tr>
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In the tour package that I bought included a light lunch (two tasting plates of food) and a glass of wine. Served in a chic dining room, the dishes I picked were <i>pumpkin humus</i> and <i>paprika prawns</i>. <br />
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The humus was extremely tasty, because it had contrasts. First, a contrast in textures between the soft pumpkin and the crunchy toasted pumpkin and sesame seeds. The other was a contrast of flavours: sweet pumpkin with earthy pumpkin seed oil and toasted cumin seeds. This dish is served with griddle-pan grilled mini slices of flatbread, which offers the whole menu more taste and flavour dimensions: smoky and crispy.<br />
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The quality of the ingredients in the second menu of the ones I picked was immediately evident. The prawns were <i>al dente</i>, which reflects their freshness and skills of the kitchen team in preparing and cooking them for exactly the right amount of time and heat. The dish was made tastier by the grilled slices of focaccia which had chopped black olives in them and were rubbed with garlic after coming off the heat.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paprika prawns and pumpkin humus</td></tr>
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I succumbed to the temptation of ordering another item on top of the two from the tour package. The third dish did not disappoint. It was <i>shoestring fries with aioli dipping sauce</i>. It was perfection. The potatoes used in this menu are not peeled (in my opinion, they're tastier like this) and spent the right amount of time in the deep-fryer. This resulted in a crispy pale gold exterior and an almost hollow and soft interior. Garnishing the fries were little squiggles of grated parmigiano cheese and a gentle sprinkling of kosher salt. The accompanying aioli dipping sauce was also spectacular, as the garlic flavour played first fiddle, rather than the creaminess.<br />
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The wine I tasted was Sauvignon Blanc. Its tasting notes are as follow:<br />
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Appearance: clear, pale hay with hints of green<br />
Nose: citrus fruits (pomelo in particular), slight vegetal notes and a not-so-pronounced alcohol<br />
Palate: crisp, clean, medium-low alcohol with grilled green bell peppers, lime, and a low astringency level<br />
Finish: long<br />
Conclusion: An elegant wine that <i>hypersensitives</i> will love. Already at its peak, drink now.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yours truly drinking a glass of Sauvignon Blanc</td></tr>
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<br />Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-67162732160221803942014-09-01T05:14:00.002-07:002014-09-01T05:14:31.482-07:00Auckland Maritime Museum: a sea travel aficionados' heavenI highly recommend the Auckland Maritime Museum to people who love history, especially the history of travelling by sea.<br />
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In there, you'll find exhibits about the history of maritime travel in New Zealand, from the time of natives to European settlers, but in my opinion, the most exciting section is the one that tells you the story of Team New Zealand in sailing competitions throughout the years. Free-of-charge if you're an Auckland resident, but for an affordable price, this place is a must-see for tourists!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please don't litter the seas and oceans!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restoration programme</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Play area for kids</td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEjxEglhM9GCKFIg3WVjIiRoqsW-ewzncsQX-I2ylNdq7N5h01sOZmtpKjiqhQIh_ml7AN9TQLF17QzhgUcYdvW4y3Dh6C5zjKjQIpi9sXqLGOWQOHQelKFo-ukoQ9mPaGVQtJIeH9B6Anc/s1600/IMG_6618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEglhM9GCKFIg3WVjIiRoqsW-ewzncsQX-I2ylNdq7N5h01sOZmtpKjiqhQIh_ml7AN9TQLF17QzhgUcYdvW4y3Dh6C5zjKjQIpi9sXqLGOWQOHQelKFo-ukoQ9mPaGVQtJIeH9B6Anc/s1600/IMG_6618.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pick a ticket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDQP_EeaeSW5wGCjMj21KNAQXlwoQG1pFSje4_wdOjnN8wWUXNAEBXgTNeFl94mUckFTn6R5s7_feJ_CtMFmDGMuBtn7nW3eNCEAZ-3N25uvERpup67MCXg_kBF0RqER4obwMbVY-93s/s1600/IMG_6619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDQP_EeaeSW5wGCjMj21KNAQXlwoQG1pFSje4_wdOjnN8wWUXNAEBXgTNeFl94mUckFTn6R5s7_feJ_CtMFmDGMuBtn7nW3eNCEAZ-3N25uvERpup67MCXg_kBF0RqER4obwMbVY-93s/s1600/IMG_6619.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently I'm Agnes, a Prussian immigrant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitors are encouraged to leave messages.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZHc-SbyiC476jW4ACx2XNsnYXT8H141Rzt_sVy59EyrSZymyWz1HOjZg-_OuoCSkLSo23AOg9kpSd5j6U1d9Bs7gV1XbBj_GjjD1E-o9ldK5hs_kSzMWVF-2ywVO9s4Tf-Lfdmpzl9k/s1600/IMG_6631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZHc-SbyiC476jW4ACx2XNsnYXT8H141Rzt_sVy59EyrSZymyWz1HOjZg-_OuoCSkLSo23AOg9kpSd5j6U1d9Bs7gV1XbBj_GjjD1E-o9ldK5hs_kSzMWVF-2ywVO9s4Tf-Lfdmpzl9k/s1600/IMG_6631.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was what happened to Agnes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLruovYsCC2Xl8th6K4YJjqQVJX2B6mr6kZcumB-mPgQLa9yW8jQgeLeoEHghZPjw1COMhNsSVTZB43k_Hl-W7q_TOIDRdxr-FA-BQwhpY5Q45wELCk79ZeXD3MT88wymwqKpfads5UoQ/s1600/IMG_6650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLruovYsCC2Xl8th6K4YJjqQVJX2B6mr6kZcumB-mPgQLa9yW8jQgeLeoEHghZPjw1COMhNsSVTZB43k_Hl-W7q_TOIDRdxr-FA-BQwhpY5Q45wELCk79ZeXD3MT88wymwqKpfads5UoQ/s1600/IMG_6650.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The holy grail of sailing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_keJnC2jALJhiBF_wV6iifL8ltvYWA0ggHFhxqyjfYWV2CYMzSbgLCcHc8wvoYAQIrBRL8ySPibODPGNWc2ZV4oPMeKKCBlNTdtqVXl_w6ccm6JruJnZcuie46KFG_Go5zmkSm-P7Gno/s1600/IMG_6652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_keJnC2jALJhiBF_wV6iifL8ltvYWA0ggHFhxqyjfYWV2CYMzSbgLCcHc8wvoYAQIrBRL8ySPibODPGNWc2ZV4oPMeKKCBlNTdtqVXl_w6ccm6JruJnZcuie46KFG_Go5zmkSm-P7Gno/s1600/IMG_6652.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lucky socks of Sir Peter Blake, a sailing legend.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can drive a motor boat in this simulation.</td></tr>
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<br />Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-53361771463177255572014-09-01T04:05:00.002-07:002014-09-01T04:08:44.410-07:00Auckland: a city that embraces diversityThis is the first of many blog entries about Auckland and the surrounding areas.<br />
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After having had the pleasure of spending 10 days in Auckland, I must admit that I consider New Zealand to be the fairer of the two lands down under, even if this betrays my educational upbringing, as I was a boarder at Geelong Grammar School in Australia.<br />
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The largest city of <i>Aotearoa</i> (the Mori name of New Zealand, which means "long white cloud") is a place where cultural diversity embraced. This is namely reflected in how official documents and signs are in multiple languages, in the eclectic mix of store-fronts on its "high street", and in the fusions of various cuisines in its trendy restaurant scene.<br />
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Below are photos of downtown Auckland:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Street - the quintessential name of a street in a Commonwealth country. In Auckland, it's the main street.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appetite-provokingly named chocolate products to take home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new water-front district: the "Viaduct"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best sailing team on earth!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Wynyard Quarter" - the new Viaduct area, a little further from the original</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Would you like to ride the shark bus?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To all my readers from New Zealand: please don't forget to vote.</td></tr>
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<br />Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-16395158747219544872014-08-18T06:18:00.000-07:002014-08-18T11:20:29.833-07:00"Cold Mountain": A Contemporary Literary GemFor those of you who are solely interested in wine, please skip ahead and read only the last section titled "For vinophiles."<br />
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<br />
I fell in love with the story of Ada and Inman from watching the film that was showing on the big screen during a flight from Australia to Thailand, back in my good ol' days as a boarding school pupil in 2003. Yes, that was the twilight of large screen in-flight entertainment and the dawn of a new era, where personal mini screens are available to all passengers - even in coach/economy class.<br />
<br />
A quick briefing of the storyline, for those of you who have never watched "Cold Mountain" before:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Based on a novel by the same name, written by Charles Frazier who was born in North Carolina</li>
<li>Set during the American Civil War</li>
<li>A tale of love and survival told from the perspectives of...</li>
<ul>
<li>W. P. Inman, a wounded Confederate soldier who is weary of the war and abandons his post to walk from the field hospital in Virginia to his hometown, Cold Mountain in North Carolina.</li>
<li>Ada Monroe, a southern lady who waits at the home front for the return of her enlisted beloved, Inman.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
Whenever asked what my favourite film is, I never hesitate to give "Cold Mountain" as the answer. Re-watching it over the years, the movie never fails to impress again and again. The pantheon cast; Jude Law, Nicole Kidman and Renée Zellweger; bring to life, through their superb acting skills, the brutality of war, from the up-close shots that vividly portray the ferocity of battlefield <i>mêlées</i> to the bleakness of empty towns ravaged and attrited by years of conflict. Contrast that all with the splendour of lush landscapes where tall mountain ranges dominate the horizon, and you get a grand setting for a love story. </div>
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<div>
Despite the 11 years that have passed since first watching the film, I have never read the book. This is due to the unavailability of this book in my native country (Thailand) and my host country (Switzerland). Therefore, to receive it recently as a present from my wife was a delightful surprise, indeed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div>
About the book...</div>
<div>
ISBN 978 0 340 93632 0</div>
<div>
First published in 1997, but the edition I'm reading was published in 2011.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Compared to the storyline of the film, the book is quite different. First off, its first scene is set in the field hospital where the injured Inman spends his time to recover from the bullet wound in his neck that he received at the Siege of Petersburg in the last remaining months of the war.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Charles Frazier wrote this work with his literary artistry in full display. The words the author used to describe the thoughts of characters, are so striking that you as the reader feel like you are there in that event and are experiencing the exact emotions that the characters are feeling. Besides first-person narration, flashbacks, foreshadowing, the author's use of other literary devices such as pathetic fallacy and the occasional instances of alliteration help the audience gain insight into the characters' perceptions of their duresses and struggles. Through Frazier's prowess at "painting pictures with words," I, as a reader, am transported into the story and feel like I am living it, even when I read the book in a busy and noisy Thai shopping mall.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A conversation between Inman and an old and blind peanut vendor at the field hospital shows what I mean about the author's aptitude at conveying to you what the characters feel. After asking the blind man what he'd give to be able to see, Inman was conversely asked if there were any instances he wished he would never have seen. The protagonist then recalled his participation at the Battle of Fredericksburg, how it was a lop-sided butchering of Union soldiers of which he wished he wasn't a part.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>The Federals kept on coming long past the point where all the pleasure of whipping them vanished. Inman just got to hating them for their clodpated determination to die.</i></div>
<div>
<i>The fighting was in the way of a dream, one where your foes are ranked against you countless and mighty. And you so weak. And yet they fall and keep falling until they are crushed. Inman had fired until his right arm was weary from working the ramrod, his jaws sore from biting the ends off the paper cartridges.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
and about the cold-blooded systematic <i>coup de grâce</i> of Union soldiers through the night after the battle...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Inman walked through the house and out the back door and saw a man killing a group of badly wounded Federals by striking them in the head with a hammer... the man moved briskly down the row, making a clear effort to let one strike apiece do. Not angry, just moving from one to one like a man with a job of work to get done.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
and the most macabre part is that the executioner...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>whistled, almost under his breath, the tune of Cora Ellen.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
So, did that evoke some emotions in you? Disgust, perhaps? Shock?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It really gets under your skin, doesn't it? Not all of the book (or film) is about cruelty and the ugly nature of humans. However, it is a love story set during a period of war, so tenderness goes hand-in-hand with savagery. And this is precisely one of the two reasons why the film AND the book are my favourites. The other reason? You'll find out at the end of it all when you read or watch Cold Mountain.</div>
<div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b>For vinophiles</b></u></div>
<div>
<br />
For those of you interested in the wine of North Carolina, this part is for you. <br />
<br />
In Asheville, the birth town of Charles Frazier, there is the <i>Biltmore Estate</i>. (http://www.biltmore.com) Here you can stay, wine, and dine in plush luxury. You can even have your wedding (or reconfirmation of your vows) there. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In nearby Hendersonville (SSE of Asheville), there are</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><i>Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards</i> (http://www.saintpaulmountainvineyards.com), famed for their Viognier and Chardonnay</li>
<li><i>Burntshirt Vineyards</i> (http://www.burntshirtvineyards.com) - they make a <i>Spätlese</i> style dessert wine out of <i>Petit Manseng</i> blended with <i>Traminette</i> and <i>Riesling</i>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For more information about wine in North Carolina, please visit: http://www.exploreboonearea.com/PlacestoPlay/Attractions/TheBooneAreaWineTrail/tabid/368/Default.aspx</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A map of the locations of wineries in North Carolina can be found here:</div>
<div>
http://www.ncwine.org/wineries</div>
Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251538718212156721.post-793204588870234972014-08-10T11:45:00.000-07:002014-08-10T11:45:34.016-07:00PB Valley: Defining the Future of Thailand’s Wine IndustryRevisiting the place that confirmed my spark of desire to study a master’s degree in wine business has been a delightful experience and has affirmed to me the niche that I want to evolve in my career as a wine professional.<br />
<br />
Before I delve into further detailed information about this brand and the Thai wine industry, here is a quick review snapshot of PB Valley. I’ll be rating the estate on six different areas on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 reflecting the highest level of satisfaction:<br />
1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lodging: 3.5/5<br />
2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Wine tour: 3/5<br />
3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Gift shop: 4/5<br />
4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Food: 2.5/5<br />
5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ambience of the facilities & surrounding vineyards: 5/5<br />
6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Wine: 4.5/5<br />
<b>Overall grade: 3.8/5</b><br />
<br />
Please bear in mind that this review is based on my personal thoughts and feelings, and are thus subjected to my personal set of idiosyncrasies and preferences.<br />
<br />
Below is a more detailed run-down of the review.<br />
<br />
<u>Lodging</u><br />
For THB3,000 net price per night, you can stay in the luxurious bungalow called “The Great Hornbill’s Nest” (this bird is the logo of the winery). <br />
Pros:<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nestled into the main garden and surrounding vineyard, peaceful and serene, particularly at night<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A short half-minute walk away from the restaurant and reception area<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Amenities included: razor kit, soap, shampoo, a sewing kit and hair dryer, but no dental hygiene kit<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>WC and shower room are separated<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A small cable TV (Who cares about how large the screen is? You’re not there to watch TV; you’re there to taste wine and enjoy nature!)<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Air conditioning but alternatively, there are also fly-wire screens on windows and doors. So if you want mountain breeze but not insects to fill your room, you can.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A large double bed – if you like your mattresses very soft, then this is definitely for you.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A large sofa next to a window for a third member of your party to sleep on. It’s also ideal for lounging around and catching up on your reading (i.e. on viticulture).<br />
Cons:<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No room service<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No Wi-Fi connectivity (that’s only available in the restaurant area)<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No bath towel (luckily I brought my own)<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No porter/bell-hop service (so bring just a backpack like me)<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No replenishments of water and other beverages in the mini bar by house keeping<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Frequent power outages when heavy rain occurs<br />
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<u>Wine Tour</u><br />
Because I stayed at the estate in low season, the guide was able to give me a personal tour. High season lasts from October to February, as that is the period of cooler weather in Thailand, and with plenty of public holidays, many big-city dwellers do day-trips up to Khao Yai, which is only a 1.5 to 2 hour-drive away from Bangkok. However, despite being the only person on the tour, it still felt rushed, in particular the last part, which involved tasting the wine. 4 different wines downed in less than 2 minutes, without much information about the vinification processes and then you’re shuttled back to the entrance of the estate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F3uT7JWRgFiRERJM-dpCMTEkbpn8TUAUAM75G1zxGVsfHigr0mCrMrXRrLn8Kr8fKdePVj-24qbhR8q4hqvDpi0GCjKU0t0PcEl2Ts34f9wuo4mhlu5hpcZBHro93bhcs_6jaoY4_bs/s1600/IMG_5966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F3uT7JWRgFiRERJM-dpCMTEkbpn8TUAUAM75G1zxGVsfHigr0mCrMrXRrLn8Kr8fKdePVj-24qbhR8q4hqvDpi0GCjKU0t0PcEl2Ts34f9wuo4mhlu5hpcZBHro93bhcs_6jaoY4_bs/s1600/IMG_5966.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tour caravan is a tractor pulling two open-air seating carriages</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The neighbour's plot has gac, a contribution to the terroir?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visionaries</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two old-timers are just for show</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasting time, 4 wines in 2 minutes</td></tr>
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<u>Gift Shops</u><br />
There are 2 gift shops at the estate; one right at the welcoming area and the other is opposite the winery building. There are all sorts of items available, from wine (of course) to products derived from grapes (e.g. grape seed soap, red wine vinegar salad dressing, shiraz grape juice, etc.) to fan clothing such as PB Valley polo shirts.<br />
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<u>Food</u><br />
Pros:<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Over 80 menus for guests to enjoy<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A variety of cuisines: such as Thai, American and German<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Breakfast menus are available all day-long<br />
Cons: <br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Late breakfast service, starting from 09:00<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dinner service is only until 20:00<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Menu descriptions are written in broken English with glaring errors that cause confusion for non-Thais. This problem is also present the descriptions of wine in their product catalogue. It is a pressing issue that they must address and improve, in order to better cater to foreign tourists. <br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Light rock cover versions of pop songs and oldies – the terrible sort of music you hear in shopping malls all across Thailand – is the stuff you’ll hear when dining at the one-and-only estate restaurant.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mediocre ingredients – Thailand is leagues away from having Michelin-starred restaurants in the wine country, but this sector certainly has a lot of potential. After all, Thailand is a land famed for its cuisine and locals enjoy a “whenever” dining culture.<br />
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<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/AVvXsEhmboCtzLBmRbalJXPGFaAlBoBZCyd8Znsr0OVZxjn4JLxYGJj1cibbkUBiqEfyHOFwTtEY51PgPIfzYvp1AfWX2p4r1sYYLdzvJca3zoyk1VzoU6EEo3D4SP0ECZAQ9W2Oyj8TKujFt84/s1600/IMG_6039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmboCtzLBmRbalJXPGFaAlBoBZCyd8Znsr0OVZxjn4JLxYGJj1cibbkUBiqEfyHOFwTtEY51PgPIfzYvp1AfWX2p4r1sYYLdzvJca3zoyk1VzoU6EEo3D4SP0ECZAQ9W2Oyj8TKujFt84/s1600/IMG_6039.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical Thai lunch menu: "American" fried rice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<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/AVvXsEh7_1x022EXNPx7hluhqluzlLEkCfof5HUPtUWdrLXSv4no4zu2prq7AUgZs_ughXq7gHXD6NKzTXAveDSxtHk5DDlvrJkeZOn2tnU55zfQaEOqJSh3KU1lJ39hzFZavmTfMR3Shq0rjPo/s1600/IMG_6045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_1x022EXNPx7hluhqluzlLEkCfof5HUPtUWdrLXSv4no4zu2prq7AUgZs_ughXq7gHXD6NKzTXAveDSxtHk5DDlvrJkeZOn2tnU55zfQaEOqJSh3KU1lJ39hzFZavmTfMR3Shq0rjPo/s1600/IMG_6045.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appetiser course of the 3-course dinner: smoked salmon salad with Thai style lime-garlic-chili dressing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<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/AVvXsEhhjYbyKAY1QU9qroyevHemH0oTH9YY1lu_LwttwGwpAXcM9Mibj3eFsCgl8Qlv3kUBv9zARQv417bzN1pcSsyuw95I20mdelfMGhJmEKH04LSW5JKYz5VoQ-_dSNPvUEw_3J6VzB81chk/s1600/IMG_6050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjYbyKAY1QU9qroyevHemH0oTH9YY1lu_LwttwGwpAXcM9Mibj3eFsCgl8Qlv3kUBv9zARQv417bzN1pcSsyuw95I20mdelfMGhJmEKH04LSW5JKYz5VoQ-_dSNPvUEw_3J6VzB81chk/s1600/IMG_6050.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main course: red wine beef stew with buttery rice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<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/AVvXsEjJf-QrTwFHwD-45SRjmB6AZe0xiLVPCNrRLDMAQOXkMexW1K5LNTqBlfa-YESorHwB3Ee9U5Ckpyjjl8KKGRcGddNeFjQGv4CMvotFARLL6dizMNV2QVFZO9ebzxAG_-40izvurwug4IQ/s1600/IMG_6052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJf-QrTwFHwD-45SRjmB6AZe0xiLVPCNrRLDMAQOXkMexW1K5LNTqBlfa-YESorHwB3Ee9U5Ckpyjjl8KKGRcGddNeFjQGv4CMvotFARLL6dizMNV2QVFZO9ebzxAG_-40izvurwug4IQ/s1600/IMG_6052.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert: cherry cheesecake with a small bunch of grapes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0H0dlBkux3BNY7pU72XF2BN_Dd3v9F4stqKNZX20jf-i07CfM-h5P-gcsMt0aOSAAH2Xej2RPdqH5PIFpCyY0J9p1EHtM1TKLsnoUR0s3FT2tv5NzTc-HLP6faqexlcriK3KMN_vtZQ/s1600/IMG_6054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0H0dlBkux3BNY7pU72XF2BN_Dd3v9F4stqKNZX20jf-i07CfM-h5P-gcsMt0aOSAAH2Xej2RPdqH5PIFpCyY0J9p1EHtM1TKLsnoUR0s3FT2tv5NzTc-HLP6faqexlcriK3KMN_vtZQ/s1600/IMG_6054.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you appreciate fine details - note that all placemats are right at the edge of the table.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRV1NV4zJkpMUQUoHvqvTVkMY-N57BY61eGr-7FijNZbKjJWoXmfLBxH_JqJyF6t8bYdidlgC1BNVgy5l25XlVcABNucCr5njiatVHUaKpypgTsC375UF88OYf1xW1hNMhOY2twFPWSYs/s1600/IMG_6057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRV1NV4zJkpMUQUoHvqvTVkMY-N57BY61eGr-7FijNZbKjJWoXmfLBxH_JqJyF6t8bYdidlgC1BNVgy5l25XlVcABNucCr5njiatVHUaKpypgTsC375UF88OYf1xW1hNMhOY2twFPWSYs/s1600/IMG_6057.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Complementary American style breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<u>Ambience & Surrounding Vineyards</u><br />
Pros: <br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Service roads are easy to follow. So if you ever want to stroll down rows of vines, it’s easy to find your way back to your lodging.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The winery building wasn’t built to accommodate wine tourists. However, this means that as a visitor, you get to experience walking through the facility itself, see the machines up-close and take photos of vintage-marked barrels, rather than on a catwalk high up above.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cute nature-themed details within the buildings, such as the sink tap handle in the restaurant’s bathroom, and grapes hanging from the canvas roof of the terrace.<br />
Cons: <br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Wheelchair accessible only in certain parts of certain buildings.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Not enough lighting on the roads and paths.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Bumpy roads, even in the paved ones – lots of puddles after rain, take care when driving.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInWFUooULtBnNwu5HYV7ohLjP-d7nwWZL6cSdPqQukCY-u7Jlyg14rciuwGa60SPdkDMF_aroa5nLW9pOhK2S_MRh_ErEOWCRnfJ7TkFu5D3ynmi-11hhtNtcj4hVhcgpkW-SzZrRoJk/s1600/IMG_6071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInWFUooULtBnNwu5HYV7ohLjP-d7nwWZL6cSdPqQukCY-u7Jlyg14rciuwGa60SPdkDMF_aroa5nLW9pOhK2S_MRh_ErEOWCRnfJ7TkFu5D3ynmi-11hhtNtcj4hVhcgpkW-SzZrRoJk/s1600/IMG_6071.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the irrigation pipes along the wires of the trellises</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFkXezPWOhypB4sMsKR2tYfbO5kxTJFoaZRM1Nr0-kFuBQryB68Sa2rWm5uUZm6l-h6VEnNHefOKpW2IFqkSTzIZGgL4UTgP6KZiBfjrPmdXHHDE4SAapdl_czJykea_acXU_NLb6LEw/s1600/IMG_6081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFkXezPWOhypB4sMsKR2tYfbO5kxTJFoaZRM1Nr0-kFuBQryB68Sa2rWm5uUZm6l-h6VEnNHefOKpW2IFqkSTzIZGgL4UTgP6KZiBfjrPmdXHHDE4SAapdl_czJykea_acXU_NLb6LEw/s1600/IMG_6081.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kind ladies of the gardening team</td></tr>
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<u>Wine</u><br />
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<b>Chenin Blanc</b><br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Appearance: Clear and brilliant straw-blonde colour<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nose: Clean citrus fruit and water lilies form the foundation of the wine’s nose and finishes with mellow hints of vanilla.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Palate: The wine has a crisp and clean structure with no tannin, a low-medium level of alcohol and a long finish.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>myVinotype</i> Summary: A finesse wine that many <i>Hypersensitives</i> should include as another option to their list of everyday-drinking wine.<br />
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<b>Rosé</b><br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Appearance: Pale and clear pink, like a blushing sweet pea flower<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nose: Clean and pronounced acidity, with notes of delicate small blooms.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Palate: Flowery and dry with no tannin and a fairly pronounced alcohol level gives this wine warmth.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>myVinotype</i> Summary: A pretty powerful rosé that <i>Sensitives</i> would love, particularly if they want to want to add another change-up to their (wine) repertoire.<br />
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<b>Shiraz</b><br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Appearance: Clear garnet with a pinkish rim<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nose: Clean and oak-driven, with a bouquet of fresh berries<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Palate: It’s a spicy, fruity and dry wine with notes of prunes and has a slight hint of charcoal.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>myVinotype</i> Summary: <i>Tolerant</i> vinotypes would enjoy the powerful, oakiness of this wine with a fruit-driven front palate, tannic structure of the mid-palate and its long finish.<br />
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<b>Tempranillo</b><br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Appearance: Intense deep purple center with garnet rim and the wine is slightly opaque<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nose: It leads with aroma of cooked fruit compote and notes of leather, slight smokiness in the background<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Palate: A fruity wine with slight acidity, akin to a cherry crumble pie. Smooth tannins form the backbone and<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>myVinotype</i> Summary: <i>Sensitives</i> would appreciate the subtleties and multiple dimensions in the bouquet of this wine while <i>Tolerants</i> would love its bold nose and palate.<br />
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<u>Brief History</u><br />
Around 4 years ago, I took a day-trip to PB Valley in the Khao Yai (alternatively spelled “Khaoyai”) region of Thailand. It confirmed my interest in studying a master’s degree in wine business, and started the path that led me to be the wine professional that I am today. <br />
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This is a winery that is belongs to <i>Boonrawd Brewery</i> of <i>Singha Beer </i>fame, Thailand’s premier name in the beer market. <br />
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In 1989, Dr. Priya Bhirombhakdi had the vision that Thailand ought to start making more wine domestically, rather than relying solely on imports to satisfy local demands. He named his wine estate "PB Valley", after his initials. However, the honour of being Thailand’s first winery belongs to <i>Château de Loei</i>. PB Valley’s vines yielded the first fruits worthy of vinification in 1998, nine years after the first planting.<br />
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<u>Facts about the brand</u><br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One harvest per year (Jan.-Feb.)<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>150,000 to 170,000 bottles per year, but has the capacity to produce 600,000<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Vineyard geographical location: Latitude 14.3 N<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Soil: loam and clay loam (water retention and mildew are common problems, especially during the monsoon season)<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Elevation: 350-380m above sea level<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Grape varieties: Shiraz/Syrah, Tempranillo, Chenin Blanc, Dornfelder, Colombard, Cabernet Sauvignon (with newer varieties being tested)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbKunjiAZqbAkhLR4sEt9GV_dqpa67ya5ZAWoII-ORdtsxXD6hJw4BlpsUqYyzRZtG7wAvxp8GPLqBmUybSXJDpT0TZ_kTpOpZHU6EIBAkHb8M-qSnIGlyhGlQi4o07QPMvxfqjbxy-8/s1600/IMG_5961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbKunjiAZqbAkhLR4sEt9GV_dqpa67ya5ZAWoII-ORdtsxXD6hJw4BlpsUqYyzRZtG7wAvxp8GPLqBmUybSXJDpT0TZ_kTpOpZHU6EIBAkHb8M-qSnIGlyhGlQi4o07QPMvxfqjbxy-8/s1600/IMG_5961.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living history: Mr. Prayut Piangbunta is the first Thai-born wine maker</td></tr>
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From the conversation I’ve had with PB Valley’s winemaker, Mr. Prayut Piangbunta, the three major challenges that affect the brand are:<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Laws and regulations governing sales, promotion and consumption of alcoholic drinks in Thailand are very strict. The company recently won silver awards for its 2010 Shiraz and 2011 Shiraz-Dornfelder blend at the 2013 Vienna Wine Challenge. The latter was also awarded a prize by the Decanter Magazine. However, the company couldn’t make its successes known domestically through local media due to strict laws.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Could “edutainment estate tours” be the way to promote wine tourism to the Thai public? The locals’ interest in this beverage stretches only so far, and the general majority doesn’t yet possess the vocabulary to describe what they perceive on their palate when tasting wine.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Overcoming the inertia of the consumers (perception of alcoholic drinks and increasing and sustaining demands of the market). This problem is similar to trying to make NFL widespread in the UK or football/soccer popular in USA. However, who knows, this could all change very soon. As we saw from the 2014 World Cup, more Americans became increasingly passionate about global football and fell in love with their domestic league, the MLS. <br />
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Perhaps one day in the not-too-distant future, Thais would be enamoured with locally made wine.<br />
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Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01210956251315875769noreply@blogger.com2