Villa Maria

After assuring Eva that we were not going to the distribution centre next to the airport, we arrived at Villa Maria and it was like entering another world.

Anyhow, it is very nice sitting here with my darling after having to endure the very informative wine tasting with Karen, a flirtatious young thing who...Sorry, where was I?

After trying the Arneis,  dry Riesling and getwurtztrainer it was time to move onto the reds. Pinot noir, Merlot/Cab Sauvignon and a Syrah from Gimlet Gravels near Hawkes Bay. My word, this has become an educational tour.

Eva ordered fish of the day and I had the eye filet with a caramelized tart tatin, creamed potatoes and a peppercorn jus. Mmmm..

I think I just recognized one of New Zealand's wanted criminals! Captured on CCTV and displaying his give away trait while stealing several slabs of RTDs,  the Bum Crack Burglar has just settled his account at the bar. Maybe it wasn't him. Just someone who is seeking some notoriety by sporting a bit of crack.

And then came dessert.

Eva had the chocolate pudding with vanilla bran ice cream and anglaise. I had the creme brulee with a strawberry send a biscotti,  which I dunked in my latte as I didn't want to lose another filling.

Light refreshment at Charley Farley's

Caught the bus here from Mudbrick and had a tour commentary from the driver. Stopped for passengers at a couple of the other wineries that sounded nice and looked tempting. One day doesn't do this place justice.

This pub is situated right on the long beachfront and the breeze is beautiful.

Heading back to Auckland, too stuffed to jump.

Light refreshment at Charley Farley's

Caught the bus here from Mudbrick and had a tour commentary from the driver. Stopped for passengers at a couple of the other wineries that sounded nice and looked tempting. One day doesn't do this place justice.

This pub is situated right on the long beachfront and the breeze is beautiful.

Heading back to Auckland, too stuffed to jump.

Mudbrick on Waiheke Island

After humming and haaing about coming here, we boarded the ferry and then jumped on the vineyard hopper and, like kids at the show, jumped off at the first winery we came to. The vintner was very knowledgeable but not smart enough to realise that we there for a drink and not to hear about the machinations of wine making.

After having my fill (5 tastings for $10) we joined "the girls" from Auckland for a walk up the road to Mudbrick Winery and restaurant.
Eva nearly karked it  and was in great need for a refreshment. Ginger beer at the bar, which had the added advantage of a cooling breeze.

We decided to have lunch here rather than walk to the next winery.

We began with complimentary shots of granny smith and celery soup. Quite refreshing.

My twice cooked pork Belly was accompanied with pineapple slaw, parsnip, filo, smoked jus. Yummo! Had a glass of their 2010 merlot cabinet sauvignon.

Eva had snapper fillet with potato croquettes, smashed beans and some sauce.

We are now awaiting the petit fours to have with our slim milk cappuccino.  Who are we trying to kid?!! Even the coffee had a little cube of mudcake that we consumed with petite porcine glee!

If it gets any better than this, good luck to you.

Lunch at La Vista

Situated opposite the harbour in St HelIiers Bay, we are having lunch at a nice little restaurant.
Eva is taking in the ambient music (headache music she calls it).
We managed to score the table by the open window but had time get it closed when a couple of women (the place is frequented bt couples of women) started smoking.

Breakfast with Scotty, Hamilton

Eva gets a pot of tea without the teabag and I lose a filling while hoeing into my muesli. Who said muesli was good for you?
It was very nice though.
Eva is scratching around for change in her new little change purse.

It's our anniversary

Just think; 31 years ago it was a stinking hot day. Uncle Brian took me wind surfing and if it hadn't been for a yacht moored at St Kilda that I grabbed hold of, I could have ended up in Tasmania.

Eva spent the morning getting her hair all tizzed up, only for it to come a tumbling down in the 42º heat.