The Luscious Foodstore--Te Atatu Peninsula

The Luscious Food Store is can be found about 15 minutes from the Auckland CBD or in my case about 20 minutes from Hillsborough. On a beautiful Autumnal day like today the journey is always somewhat magic if you take the North-western Motorway. I love the way the sae reflects the sunlight; the view across the expansive northern reaches of the Waitemata harbour, only briefly interrupted by the high fences screening the work being undertaken on the Eastern lanes. Apparently there is a dire need to reconstruct parts of the motorway as it is sometimes invaded by the slowly rising water at King-tides. (Another example of Global warming?)

Once you turnoff at the Te Atatu turn-off, it is only about a kilometre on your right, before pulling into the car park, offset from the road.

The entrance isn’t fancy; in fact I would place the whole appearance of the café as on the slightly rustic side. Perhaps that is a little surprising, given the solidly middle-class housing just down the road. There is an advantage however: I was told that the business used to be a garden centre, so it is lucky to have something that many cafes’ lack---space. There is a large garden area, where miscreant kids can be sent to play with the toys and for those who take their dogs (yes Perdy came—but she was more interested in barking at the birds than chewing on toys) the welcome mat is out.

We met my cousin and his lovely wife at the café. The first thing we wanted to know from the friendly, efficient waiting staff, was ----is this café anything to do with the café using the same name in Onehunga?  Short answer---No.

We were left to ponder the menu. It included a section for gluten free, always a plus for my group. I was pleasantly surprised to see some additions that I had enjoyed at other cafes I had visited---more than just the usual bacon and egg+ selection. Don’t get me wrong--- I love my variations on the afore mentioned option, but to be able to choose from what I would describe as slightly ‘Latin/ Mexican’ was quite refreshing. The garden-like outdoor area added to the charm.

The waiter was attentive and gave us plenty of time to choose, bringing water and taking our coffee orders while we perused the menu. I chose chilli-black beans accompanied by sour bread, and eggs poached/stewed in a ceramic dish with tomatoes and more mild chilli. No doubt if I had wanted it to be on the spicier side, the cook would have obliged. The others ordered dishes ranging from bacon and eggs with various options on the side. Two of the party had requests to suit their particular health issues and there was no problem choosing from the menu. The waters were knowledgeable, so we were well satisfied with our orders.

More diners arrived and there was plenty of room to accommodate them all, without infringing on our ‘space.’ One of the waters appeared several timers to replenish our water and to check that everything was in order. We were able to inform him that we were all enjoying our meal.

The café has the right balance: no prolonged waiting for coffee or meals and leaving us feeling satisfied with the entire experience.

Would we come again? --- Yes. We would like to try the lunch menu. I was also informed that the café can cater for special functions at night. It is certainly well suited to a range of possibilities.  I think it felt like a Greek Taverna--- even the sea isn’t that far away!

 Well done Luscious Food Store.

DIJATC part 4

You may have been wondering when the next DIJATC episode was going to appear. Well--- here goes.

It’s time to consider some budgeting matters.  Yes, I have a good job, and I have been used to going off to the supermarket and just wandering down the rows of tempting offerings and just sticking anything that takes my fancy in the trolley. Lately, I have made a conscious effort to check the prices and have some sort of idea what is on the menu for the coming week. Not only that, I am tending to split my shopping between the large supermarkets and the specialist butchers and green grocers.

If I buy at the Aussie Butcher, there is an added advantage of having a large fruit and veggie shop next door. If I spend more than $50 I get a great discount on my fuel bill--- Last time I filled up at the garage, I was surprised to see a $10 discount.

We have also started cook on what I call the (sorry—I know that sounds like Miranda’s Mum speaking) 1-3, 2-4 plan. We cook larger meals on Mondays and Tuesdays. We eat Monday’s planned leftovers on Wednesday and Tuesday’s on Thursday. All we have to cook on the alternate nights is fresh (or frozen) greens and rice (or potatoes when I get sick of rice). It definitely saves money and has another advantage of keeping ‘intake’ in check (see me ‘Fat Buggers’ blog).

OK, now for a little bonus. Next time you see ribs (it can be any—lamb, pork or beef) on special, grab them and stick them in the freezer. The night before you want to cook them, put them in the fridge to partially thaw. Make up a marinade, using your imagination. You could follow the ‘something ‘salty, sweet, sour and hot’ theme. With that in mind make up a combination of left over red wine (is that really possible?) any sort of vinegar, some chilli, honey or brown sugar and soy sauce. There are endless possibilities. Just get to know what comes under the four categories. It does not have to be expensive. Each time you go shopping, try to purchase something for you wonderful marinades and spice cupboard.

OK, you have your marinade. You could of course take the frozen ribs and stick them in a plastic bag along with a generous portion of the marinade and leave them in the fried. Alternatively, next morning place the whole mixture into your ‘crockpot’ or ‘slow cooker’ and turn it onto low. It can cook all day and won’t come to any harm. I  find the old fashioned crock pot set on low gives a better ‘cook’--- I find the modern slow cooker a little too ‘FAST.’

When you come home, the house is filled with a mouth-watering aroma. All you have to do is steam some greens and cook rice or potatoes. That little bit of organization saves you time and your long-suffering wallet. If you want crunchy/crispy ribs, drain off the fluid into one of those plastic jugs with the pourer coming from the bottom. The idea is to let the fat rise to the top and then you can thicken the tasty gravy and not feel too guilty. Turn up the fan grill and zap the ribs for a wonderful treat.

Enjoy and let me know how it goes.

Fat Bugger Part 5

Oops--- it’s been a while. So, how have I gone? I have had lots of good walks. We had ‘sports day’ at the school where I work and my job was ‘wandering security’ on the tennis courts. None of the students are anywhere near there, as they should all be on the large fields and I very much doubt that anyone would be able to climb the high fences. ‘Course they can,’ you say. ‘After all they are teenagers; no fence could keep them out.’ You’re wrong. These fences are something else. Now you’re saying, ‘But why would you want to keep students out?’

Fair question, however it’s more about keeping students safe and that my friends is the reality in many schools now.

OK, back to the ‘news.’ I am getting fitter and not fatter. I don’t know what the scales will say, but when I weigh in next time (in about two months, hopefully the figures will be more favourable. I know that I felt good when I walked around my patch and I regularly left my lonely ‘post’ and trooped off to see the kids in all of their crazy ‘house colours.’ Like most NZ secondary school, we have a system of House Colours and in this case they are named after five NZ native trees. I have to say that I enjoyed walking around for four hours, catching up with the students and teachers.

After school, which finished early, I was able to take Perdy down to the lagoon. (Watch out for my upcoming blog, where I am going to release my latest book, chapter by chapter---TALK TO ME---Perdy features under a pseudonym and I star as a ‘talk back radio host). I managed two rounds of the lagoon--- no it’s not a fancy name for a golf course--- and only then did I feel tired.

What about my ‘fuel intake’? Well my kilometres per litre have definitely improved. I can walk further without making an excuse like:  ‘I’ve got a sore leg so I will have to stop now,’ or ‘I have to get home because my Aunty is coming for dinner.’

‘Cut to the chase,’ you say and, ‘stop dicking around.’ Well, I don’t know. I refuse to use my lying bathroom scales. I only weigh myself at the doctor, after he has chased me around his office and I have prevaricated for several minutes.

I have really tried to watch what I eat. I don’t need any advice, because I have heard it all before. (Like Madonna says---‘I don’t wanna hear, I don’t wanna know; please don’t say you’re sorry!’) I do fine for breakfast and lunch. It is AFTER DINNER that causes me trouble or to be more honest; that is when trouble finds me. I get ‘pleas for help from the cookie canister, imploring me to ‘liberate’ them. They hate been shut away in the confines of that narrow tin. Sometimes the bread demands that I spread it with peanut butter and chuck on a slab of cheese. OMG, it makes me salivate to think about it. Herein lays my demise and I fight it like its WW3.

I seek out allies in my battle and that’s where you all come in. COME ON, MAKE SOME COMMENTS. Like I said before---‘I don’t care if you’re rude, or bring out all the old clichés’--- just do it! You may inspire others--- there are so many of us out there, fighting to get control.

OK—that’s enough for today. Remember to look out for my blog about a café in Te Atatu tomorrow.

OH YES-----PERDY IS COMING, SO SHE CAN HELP WITH THE REVUE

I am going to review another cafe this Sunday!

I shall visit a cafe in the Te Atatu  area this Sunday. Which one will it be? Find out on Sunday afternoon.

Kissing cousins and the nephews

Just in case you think I am about to launch into some sordid little expose on an unsuspecting family, then stop right there. I don’t do that! I am referring to the relationship between ‘Old Limey’ and Uncle Sam, with a little bit about the propensity of the nephews and nieces, (Australia and New Zealand) thrown into the mix. It still adds up to some pretty crazy reading though.

I guess I am really following on from my previous blogs on the subject of the USA’s and Britain’s position as ‘savours of the world.’ I am a bit concerned that some sort of action around the nuclearization of Iran is going to play out. Of course there is also Syria, luring in the background too, but I suspect that eventually (after a lot more bloodshed of innocent civilians) the incumbent regime will fall.

What are we faced with? ---some sort of military pre-emptive strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities?  Will it be the USA ably assisted by Britain? Perhaps--- Just look at the way both powers are maximizing their strategic resources in the Gulf. We can also be sure that the Israeli’s are watching the situation and planning a response.

I hope that none of the above eventuates. NO one can win, but that leaves the unanswered question about Iran’s intentions. I doubt that any country wants to see Iran in possession of a nuclear capacity. Even its neighbours would be nervous at the prospects of such a possibility. If the fears of most of the ‘thinking world,’ actually occur, the region could become a cauldron of radioactive clouds.

If diplomacy fails, we all suffer. The implications for the world are too horrible to think about--- but that we must all do. Russia and China must realize that they will also be part of the ‘fall-out.’ Both countries are now locked into the larger picture and their present posturing only encourages the regime in Iran to follow through on its plans. It is time for these two nations to forget about their positioning to regain or grow their influence with the ‘rogue nations’ and come aboard with world opinion. We must stop the proliferation of these nasty weapons (along with their biological cousins) or face a future that returns us to the past.

I don’t blame the USA and Britain (and their lackey relatives) for the positions they take. The rest of the world keeps their arses up and faces well and truly in the sand. We all have to speak with one voice.

Do you have to choose between God and the Devil?

Provocative? Good---then hit back—say something. Call me names--- I’m a big boy! (It’s true).

This one is pointed right at the situation my friends in the USA face. When I look at the candidates the Republicans face, I really feel for them. Where the hell do these people come from? ‘Middle America’ and the ‘Good Old Boys must be drinking up large in an effort to throw some clarity into their decision making processes. Lets look at some of the choices you have.

It seems that for two of the characters (maybe more) religion plays an important part of their make-up. Romney’s faith is probably a ‘sticking point’ for many Republicans. I don’t think it is the same as the position Kennedy was in when he became President. Somehow Catholicism doesn’t scare people quite so much as the spectre of a Mormon President. I know a lot of your commentators are not putting it as bluntly as me, but I wish I was a fly on the wall in some of the bars across America--- I bet there are some hard-assed assessments, flowing as freely as a well-topped beer.

That’s OK though, because you have plenty of other wonderful candidates to choose from--- or do you? Mr Santorum is something else---- what? He also springs from the Bible-Belt. I wonder what his stance is for ‘Evolution.’ Listening to some of the crackpot comments he has made in the last few weeks, makes one wonder who he represents. His vision for the USA is quite scary.

The stance the above candidates take on issues like abortion, gays in the military, marriage, single parents, just to name a few, leaves one thinking that any progress the more liberal politicians have battled for over the last few decades is seriously at risk of being unravelled.

The other two candidates, Gingrich and Paul, may not be as ‘out there’ in their positions, but seriously, is the USA going to elect and ‘oldie’ or a ‘has been?’ OOOH --- I can hear you say. What would a Kiwi know about American politics?  Hheheheheheh--- (Sounds maniacal eh). Enough to say   that Obama must be laughing all the way back to refurbishing the White House.  

On ‘paper,’ I believe that the American system of government is the best in the world. It is an incredible model that many nations around the world have tried to copy, but fallen well short of achieving even a murky image of the real thing. It’s a pity that the ‘paper’ version doesn’t flow through into the reality of everyday life. I think many Americans don’t even bother to vote or take part in a way that portrays---OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE.

Vietnam, Afganistan, Iraq---Iran?

Do we ever learn? BY ‘we’ I mean the old Colonial’ powers and the USA, and by the inclusion of our relationships (trade and historical) it always manages to get NZ involved in some way. The Soviet Union learnt the hard way, by getting its nose poked when it had its little adventure in Afghanistan. France may have learnt in Algeria and Vietnam and Great Britain in Afghanistan in the late 19^th Century.

There are few examples of a major power winning when they attempted to invade or ‘protect tier interests, from list of countries at the start of my blog. Perhaps the Brits came closest in the Malayan emergency in the early 50’s.

But still, we see action in the Middle East. I am sure we all understand the link between oil and strategic issues like free access to shipping lanes. Little has changed in the years since WW2.

We used to follow Britain---‘where you go we follow.’ That lasted right up to the Falkland’s war in the 80’s. We may not have sent troops, but we freed up a British ship so that it could support the war effort in the South Atlantic--- what is that--- support by proxy?

The USA came to our aid in WW2 when there was a very real danger that Japan would venture far enough south and we have linked our fate to that of the new Super-Power ever since. Vietnam followed Korea and along with our contributions to United Nations causes, we have been in most scraps, led by the USA.

Some would say that ‘trade interests’ and the fear of been left alone have been strong pulls to jump on the USA lead quest to keep the world a ‘safe place.’

Has it worked? Is there any country where peace reigns as result of these interventions? As I have said in my previous blog in this issue, it is the poor who pay and the rich who gain. Of course there are lots of examples of Ivy-League graduates who have given their lives, but in the same proportions? --- I doubt it.

I am so sad to keep seeing that young soldiers from the USA led coalition forces are paying the price; with their blood and their horrible injuries; then to return to civilian life unable to follow their dreams. ‘Small-town USA and Britain have paid the price.

This is not a rave against the people of the USA (and others). It is a plea. Once again I say--- GET OUT! You can’t do anything right. If it’s not burning sacred books, it’s bombing innocent civilians and villages.

Look at Iraq and Afghanistan. There is a resurgence of anti-American sentiment. Do they really want you there? (And NZ Special Forces?).

Now, there is the threat of Iran. That really scares me. It is going beyond ‘Sabre-rattling.’ The prospect of Iran possessing nuclear weapons and a jittery Israel really throws a massive hammer into the works. Is that the background to what compares to the position Europe was in with the rise of Nazi Germany?

This is where my argument for the USA to back-off comes apart. I admit it. Nothing is ever simple. I very much doubt that there will be any energy on the part of the Euro-zone (except maybe Britain) to enter into another fray, this time with Iran.

Add a bit of the irrationality of extremist clerical states and the picture is even more uncertain. I bet the ‘Armageddon brigade,’ is having a field day and the manufacturers of cardboard for the inevitable signs stating that ‘the end is nigh,’ are doing really well.

In summary, I still say, pull back as much as you can USA--- you can’t do it on your own. To my Russian friends--- I feel for you. There are deep issues that you are facing. I hope your elections later in the week, are free of corruption and manipulation. I would have thought you have seen enough of extremism. You don’t need a new Tsar or rampant Stalinist visitation.

China? --- Well—you have a lot of catch-up, but you too need to come on board and not just oppose everything that the USA represents. You are now well and truly ensconced in the real world of the new world order.

Ain’t it all one big f---p