Coffee Beans......

Coffee Beans

Freshly Roasted

@

Coffee Culture Sumner

http://www.coffeeculture.co.nz/

Morocco Bound.......

......Well…. I’d like to be and here’s the perfect way of doing it…a foodie’s foray into the seething souqs and the ancient alley ways of fascinating cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Fez and Marrakesh among others, with Christchurch-based Moroccan chef, Simo Abbari, owner of the very delicious Simo’s Moroccan Restaurant in Cashel Mall, where I dined (with great satisfaction) a few nights ago. Once again, it’s the coming together of all good things – food, travel, photography, people – a feast for the senses and the stomach. Simo of course, knows his own country like the back of his hand and his 14-day tour, complete with cooking demonstrations, visits to local markets and picnics in the countryside, leaves Christchurch on July 7th. I think I might have to sell off the family silver for this one. In the meantime, if you’re looking for a meal to remember, head straight for Simo’s Restaurant. www.simos.co.nz www.beatson.co.nz

Moroccan Lights

Simo's, Christchurch, June 2008. Ajr

Dinner had to wait - I was completely captivated by these Moroccan lights in the stairwell leading up to Simo's Restaurant. Reflections in kaleidoscope-like patterns. Lovely! http://www.simos.co.nz/

Cool Cars - 9

One fabulous 1960s Lincoln Continental with 'Suicide doors' - spotted in Santa Ana, California by my 'Foreign Correspondent' - my Los Angeles-based brother, Murray Macy.

On the Wine Trail

Images supplied. Top: Church Road wine Cellar Hawke's Bay; Bottom: Marlborough Wine Region

I don’t know about any of you but when I’m travelling I’m constantly thinking about food and drink. It’s all about indulgence for me and I defy anyone to tell me that that’s not exactly the way personal travel should be. Enter The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail – a food and wine extravaganza undertaken at your own pace and tailored – by you – to suit your time and taste preferences. Even better, the new 50-page Trail Guide is free and all you have to do is get in your car and follow the brown signs and the bunches of grapes – how hard can that be? As it takes you 380 kilometres, through some of New Zealand’s most scenic regions, the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail introduces you to three of our major wine regions – Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa and Marlborough - that collectively represent 74% of the country’s total wine production. The guide also offers you suggestions for places to stay, things to do, farmers’ markets to visit, fruit to pick and restaurants to visit – and that’s just the beginning. As the people at CNZWT would say: Go Slow and savour! It’s all about indulging in the best of provincial New Zealand. www.classicwinetrail.co.nz

Remembering

Bridge of Remembrance, Christchurch. June 2008. Ajr

This is our very own little Arc de Triomphe – and like the Parisian icon, ours is also a war memorial. I took this shot last night when I was wandering the disappointingly-empty Cashel Mall on my way to dinner. (It was only 7pm – where were the people?) This is The Bridge of Remembrance, designed by Wellington architects Prouse and Gummer, with sculptural elements by local sculptor Frederick Gurnsey and his assistant, Lawrence Berry. It was unveiled on Armistice Day, November 11, 1924 and dedicated to the memory of those who took part World War I. Further plaques were added to commemorate the soldiers of World War II.

Art on the (High) Rise

The Gallery Apartments, Christchurch, 2008. Ajr.

I’m going through a bit of a stage – photographing high-rise apartment buildings. This tall, elegant stretch is The Gallery Apartments in Gloucester Street, designed by Christchurch architect David Hill, of Wilson & Hill Architects and completed in late 2007. The fourteen floors house 19 apartments and, on the ground floor, The Arthouse Gallery, which is currently showing the splendid exhibition “Converse” by Christchurch sculptor, Graham Bennett (but only until June 15). www.thearthouse.co.nz and www.wilsonandhill.co.nz

Barry's Provocative Unpublished Minutes - 20

"The Installation - Turning the Tables."

And here we are at our 20th wonderful inkjet print from our favourite New Zealand printmaker - a little artistic levity as we flounder our way towards the weekend.....

The Collectors - 5

Moorehouse Avenue, Christchurch. June 2008. Ajr

How's this for a quirky variation on The Collectors theme?

A collector of old red phone boxes!

Small Moments of Beauty

Quail Eggs

All

In A Row

Cool Cars - 8

One Red Jaguar 3.8 Mk 2 - Spotted at Edgeware Christchurch

A Slice of History

Okains Bay Store. March 2008. Ajr

I see in The Press this week that the very cute and historic Okains Bay Store on Banks Peninsula has been gifted to the Okains Bay Museum. Built in 1873, it also served as a post office from 1892 to1988; and more recently, in 2006, it shot to fame when a police raid busted a P-lab that tenants of the upstairs flat had begun operating. It’s the only store operating in the tiny village of Okains Bay and locals will be thrilled to know that it will continue to operate as one of those quintessential old time country town general stores – the sorts of places where you can buy anything from gumboots and milk to icecreams and hose fittings.

Tram Tracks

Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch. 2008. Ajr.

This is one of the Christchurch trams - the tram you have when you’re not really having a tram. This could in fact, be one of the shortest tram rides in the world – just 2.5km and all of 25 minutes around about four city blocks with 11 stops along the way. Sometimes it seems like a bit of a joke and I often wonder what the tourists think as they’re rolling along the rails. However, they are at least passing by some of the city’s best historic architecture and that can’t be a bad thing. Back in the old days -1905-1954 – electric trams were a feature of the inner city Christchurch transport system. They were brought back as a tourist attraction in 1995 and now there are five restored trams and two trailers. One of them, a 1926 restored Melbourne tram, serves as the Tramway Restaurant, which takes 36 diners on a five-circuit spin of the tram tracks while they tuck in to a 4-course dinner. I wonder what happens if you haven’t finished your meal by the time the tram rattles to a stop. www.tram.co.nz

Bring Home the Bacon

Christchurch Butcher Shop. 2008. Ajr

Arrhhhh....sigh... the power of the media!

Sacked

Ajr 2008

There's just something about rice sacks that always draws me in.

Something comforting and attractive - a bit like teapots.

I find them both very pleasing visually but there's also some other, deeper response.

Heavy Skies

Tuam Street, Christchurch. June 2008. Ajr

A late afternoon manifestation of the famous Canterbury Nor'west Arch - the distinctive cloud pattern that draws itself across our sky in a (more-or-less) straight line. It usually comes with balmy temperatures and, in summer, hot, relentless winds.

After the Snow

Manchester Street, Christchurch. June 2008. Ajr

Looking towards the Port Hills on Sunday morning after winter's first light dusting of snow

Water's Edge

Hobson Bay, Taylor's Mistake, Christchurch. June 2008. Ajr

Here's a closer view of one of the quirky seaside baches at Hobson Bay, just around the corner from Taylor's Mistake. (see below post). When the tide is in, the water laps right around the base of the dwelling. I'm not sure it's the sort of place I'd want to retreat to in a storm.

Taylor's Mistake

Yesterday I drove over the twisty little snake of a road that takes you from Sumner beach, up and over Scarborough Hill and drops you down in Taylor’s Mistake, a popular surf beach and home to one of the best clusters of old seaside baches that remain anywhere. There’s a line of them tucked into the base of the hills within walking distance of the sand; and a few sheltered by old macrocarpa trees on the beach edge – as illustrated in the photos above.
If you walked around the rocks at the north end of the beach, you’ll find yourself in the cute horseshoe of Hobson Bay, which is home to the now-famous cave baches (below) that were first established in the cliffs in the 1800s. There’s only one or two left now and the best example, Whare Moki (bottom right of four photos below) appears to be unused.

Taste Treats.......

Banana Cupcakes

for a cold

Winter Afternoon

When the Snow Falls

Toward the Southern Alps. June 2008. Ajr.

It snowed across most of the South Island last night. There wasn't much to show for it in Christchurch this morning but further afield, the Southern Alps are covered. This is the view from half way up Scarborough Hill, overlooking Sumner Beach, the estuary and the alps in the distance.

Sunset City

Oxford Terrace, Christchurch. June 2008. Ajr

I'm seldom in the city at sunset but when I am I'm usually busy with the camera - catching the light and shadows on buildings. This is a side view of the new(ish) Warren and Mahoney-designed apartment block on Oxford Terrace that overlooks the Avon River.

Into the Blue

Victoria Street, Christchurch. June 2008. Ajr

Even simple security lights can be made to look good it seems.

These ones, high up on the side of a building in Victoria Street.

Bridging the Gap

Posters. June 2008 Ajr

I was out photographing street art and graffiti this morning when I came upon these posters by one of New Zealand's leading artists, Philip Trusttum. Produced as part of his current series "All What Trucks" that also includes billboards, a gallery exhibition and a film clip, the posters are pasted underneath one of the city bridges and have merged seamlessly with the graffiti and street art that has been scrawled around them. They look quite at home and I love the irony of one of our most esteemed artists 'exhibiting' with generally-scorned street artists. www.trusttum.co.nz

Palliser Paradise

Wharekauhau Country Estate. Photos Supplied.
Cape Palliser at the southern tip of the North Island can be a wild, windswept place. That ought to be all the excuse anyone needs to curl up in the sublime comforts of Wharekauhau Country Estate. It’s the ultimate escape from the rat race – just you, the elements, a host of luxurious comforts, dozens of nearby Martinborough wineries and a 2,000 hectare working sheep station to explore. And then there’s the food – a delicious rotation of local seasonal ingredients presented in award-winning dishes that you can now ‘take home’ with you – well…… you can take home Wharekauhau’s new “Taste & Flavour Cookbook” at least. Signature dishes like the lodge’s Wild Native Bush Honeycomb Ice Cream are among the culinary secrets revealed. www.wharekauhau.co.nz

Barry's Provocative Unpublished Minutes -19

"DIY Wars"

Another in the ongoing series of inkjet prints from one of New Zealand's top printmakers.

The Collectors - 4

I'm always fascinated to learn what motivates a person to start collecting.

The owner of this amazing collection of brown and white china - and this is only part of the collection - was motivated by two things: the gift of a brown and white plate and a desire to move beyond the more commonly collected blue and white china.

The end result, or more precisely, the result thus far, is remarkable.

Tick-Tock

The Victoria Street Clock Tower looked particularly handsome yesterday.
I've written about it before -put clock tower into the Blog Search to find out more.

Night Skies

Madras Street, Christchurch. June 2008. Ajr

Sometimes chance puts you in the right place

at the right time

And you see something delicious.

Another Night, Another Dessert

Chocolate Fig Pudding

at

chef/owner Ed Wall's

Sevanti Restaurant

Christchurch

A perfect winter treat!

Tonka-Land

Tonka Truck. Joe's Garage. June 2008. Ajr

Yes, I have been lurking about in Joe's Garage again.
I like the coffee.
I like the staff.
I like the toy trucks.
So shoot me!
www.joes.co.nz

Red Cars at Night

Motion on Madras Street, Christchurch. June 2008. Ajr

This is what happens when I have too much time on my hands!

Sitting in the car.

Waiting for an exhibition to open.

Red cars flashing past in the rush hour traffic.

I couldn't resist.

Sweet Talkers

Devonport Chocolates. Photos supplied.

It goes without saying that for most people, chocolate is the ultimate indulgence.

At Devonport Chocolates, on Auckland's North Shore, they handcraft dark, milk and white chocolate into perfect 'chocolatey' treats that you can't leave alone.

And here's some good news for Aucklanders - Stephanie Everitt and her daughter, Caroline have just opened a new Devonport Chocolates store in ever-popular Ponsonby Road. And with flavours like sweet curry and coconut and cappucino crunch, you'll find plenty to indulge yourself with. As far as chocolate is concerned I think it always pays to remember that new research has shown that 10 grams of dark chocolate eaten daily enhances antioxidant levels. That's got to be the best news of all. www.devonportchocolates.co.nz

Signed, Sealed and Delivered

"My Sister, My Self 2006" Michael Parekowhai. June 2007. Ajr

Back in 1950s-1960s New Zealand you’d often see an assortment of residential garden ornaments that seemed perfectly ordinary – concrete seals with balls on their noses, white swans cut out of car tyres, gnomes, butterflies on walls – ornaments that today epitomise a slice of our suburban culture. So it was with great delight that I ‘welcomed’ “My Sister, My Self, 2006,” to the top of the Christchurch Art Gallery stairs yesterday. The sculpture is by one of our most renowned sculptural performers, Michael Parekowhai. It pays homage not only to those garden seals but also to Marcel Duchamp, who in his work “Bicycle Wheel,” attached a wheel to a stool in 1913 and later described it as ‘readymade.’ Parekowhai’s work is constructed in fibreglass, mild steel, wood and automotive paint and this work, from an edition of five, was purchased by the Christchurch Art Gallery in 2007. www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz

Bouncy Marae

"Bouncy Marae" Inez Crawford. June 2008. Ajr

I love it when contemporary art moves away from the traditional confines of an art gallery and ‘merges’ with everyday life. It goes a long way to breaking down barriers, to making serious art much more accessible to people who would not otherwise bother. This work – “Bouncy Marae,” by Inez Crawford – at the Christchurch Art Gallery is a classic example. I sat on the stairs yesterday and watched a whole bunch of kids tearing off their shoes so they could leap about inside the ‘sculpture.’ That’s the aim of things – to let kids get inside and have fun. It’s made of PVC and is filled with air, creating an inflatible trampoline like ‘environment.’ Crawford was inspired by her childhood impression that her local marae was a fairytale castle. This ‘bouncy wharenui is chocolate brown on the outside and hot pink on the inside. And didn’t I time it well….just in time to catch a young girl in a hot pink outfit playing inside. www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz

Small Moments of Beauty

Bottles & Shadows

All

In a Row

Which Way Up?

Pond Reflections. May 2008. Ajr
You decide.

Night Lights

Shop window, Christchurch. May 2008. Ajr

Bright Night Lights

Three Times the Talent

I think collaboration is one of the most exciting words in the English language and putting a group of multi-disciplinary talents in one room and letting them brainstorm has to be one of the most exciting things any creative person can be a part of. Esther’s Place in Napier is the brainchild of one such group – it’s a stylish modern apartment over-flowing with the best of New Zealand art and design and it’s there for us all to enjoy as holiday accommodation. The Collinge family had already established a divine vineyard retreat, Millar Road, in nearby Tuki Tuki Valley. Esther Diamond is a seriously stylish Napier design company founded by Sandi Reefman, which produces bed linens, lamps and cushions, featuring original artworks by some of New Zealand’s leading artists. And Eon Design Centre is a leading New Zealand design outlet based in Auckland’s Britomart Precinct. When these three entities put their heads together they came up with Esther’s Place, a gorgeous waterfront hideaway in Napier’s quirky, historic suburb of Ahuriri.
This shot of the apartment’s main living area features red cushions from Esther Diamond’s “Fall 2007” range; a painting (right) “Study for We All Need a Lie Down”” by Napier artist, Martin Poppelwell; “White Jugs” (left) a photograph by Napier's Brian Culy; the fruit bowl is “Bol” from Eon; the sofa is “Chester” from Eon; The table, chairs and sideboard are from the “Dom” range from Eon; the lamp and base are new from Esther Diamond. And the above photograph itself is by Brian Culy.
www.estherdiamond.com www.eon.co.nz www.millarroad.co.nz www.esthersplace.co.nz

Shoe Shuffle

Red & Green

Complementary Colours

Always Resonate

Self-Portrait 3 - In a Paddock

Me. May 2008. Ajr

Now that I've discovered how to give myself long slender legs, there's no stopping me!

Meat on a Stick

Spit Roast, Claremont Country Estate. May 2008. Ajr

You've gotta love those big country appetites!

Meat for kings.

Tender spit roasted prime Angus beef.

En Masse!

Photographed at yesterday's equestrian fund raiser.

At Claremont Country Estate.

www.claremont-estate.com