a few of our favourite things

Miriam & Becky: We had a LWD reunion in Papamoa this weekend. We loved the sushi which we enjoyed at a wee place "Sushi Takeaway" in Tauranga (109 Devonport Road, at the top end near Farmers). Despite the name they do have tables, some on the street. The sushi was all beautifully presented in huge glass cabinets, with lots of interesting combinations to choose from. We selected our own platter and shared a rice ball, tempura prawn, teriyaki chicken, roasted mushroom with sping onion and eggplant and toasted sesame. We were so taken with it we had to go back for more (pieces with calamari, roasted asparagus, chilli pork, yum!)



Another culinary highlight was a vist to the Good Food Trading Co which is a Nosh/Moore Wilson Fresh type store in the industrial area between Tauranga and the Mount. We had a lovely browse here, and picked up a delicious tiramisu for pudding among other things, and went back for a take away coffee and brioche the next day.

a few of our favourite things

Libby and Becs: On Monday we enjoyed fish & chips at the wharf in Tauranga to celebrate Dad's birthday. This has to be one of the best fish & chip shops in New Zealand - the fish (we ordered snapper) was deliciously fresh and comes in light, crispy batter and the chips were perfectly cooked. But what really makes it is the location right on the water. There are plenty of picnic tables outside the shop overlooking the sea where you can enjoy dinner in the evening sunshine. We're told some locals even bring along their own table cloth and wine glasses! We advise coming early - on the evening we visited, the queue was well out the door by the time we left just after 6pm.

Miriam: for as long as I can remember, my parents have given my brother and me separate Christmas presents. I suspect this is because Mum would veto the novelty presents Dad suggested, so he was forced to go it alone. Last Christmas, just after my boyfriend and I had broken up, my Dad ever so thoughtfully(?!) presented me with 'The Blue Day Book' and a game entitled 'The Art of Conversation' - I guess he hoped it would help me meet someone else.

This Christmas, I was presented with Nelson Mandela's new book. At face value, it didn't seem in keeping with Dad's usual style, until I read the title; 'Conversations with Myself'. One can only postulate this was selected because I hadn't brought a suitor home for Christmas! Despite our groans at the Dad's presents, they are somewhat entertaining and have certainly provided us with a few laughs over the holidays.