Snippets of summer life in New Zealand would entail… Delicious gourmet food with friends, outdoor barbecues, Cappuccino’s in waterfront cities at early hours of the morning, great photographs, breathtaking sunrise days and full moon evenings, the best time spent with family, hours of conversation and snippets of travel. And, today, summer in this spectacular sea side location would entail the taste of a New Zealand vineyard. The taste of Montana Reserve Riesling, to be exact.
Christiana, also known as “Frenchie”, my French colleague/friend from Toulouse, France, was over at the bay apartment today where we talked about travel stories, life in France and life in New Zealand. Christiana is one of my favorite colleagues to work with, she’s one of those charismatic people that inspires but fills a room with laughter at the same time, I love her!
Mr Padre purchased a bottle New Zealand Montana Reserve Riesling. A really delicious vineyard introduction on this summer afternoon. The summer weather here is more than recent, quite hot. But it’s great weather and I’m enjoying it. On the wine list, might I add… New Zealand wines are quite popular internationally, alongside Australia. Let me suggest one favorite from a few shelf inspirations…
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc – A really delicious white wine, for those of you abroad who aren’t in favor of a strong Sauvignon Blanc, this one is a tasteful favorite. The texture is refreshing to say the least, and accompanied by fresh Greek cheeses, marinated olives and sun dried tomatoes… It is almost a heaven on earth.
And, on the French conversation note… Christiana and I talk of… Cuisine.
If there is anything that is distinctively a French talent, it is the cuisine. Not only the cuisine, the lingering flavors and precise presentation, but the overt French passion for cuisine. French chef’s are more than cooks, they’re artists. Cooking and creating tasteful cuisine is their life passion! It’s their daily inspiration and somewhat a fragment of what they live for… When I was in French Polynesia I had cuisine that I will never forget for the rest of my life. Apart from the highly expensive restaurants that I was taken to, which were, beyond this world, in standard of food, and location… Some of the greatest French cuisine that I experienced were in the small, not so noticeable seaside restaurants where the chefs cooked Ethnic food, inclusive of inspiration from all over the world with distinctive French passion and a somewhat, rustic flair.
Christiana and I are planning a gourmet dinner event next weekend between colleagues. We’ve decided to combine French and Portuguese. Artichokes with a French Vinaigrette and perhaps some red wine… New Zealand red wine. Or, perhaps a Spanish gold label?
