Valley D’Vine Presents Valley Vibes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eskdale, Napier – Valley D’Vine will present Valley Vibes, taking place at Linden Estate Winery on 1st February 2014, and featuring I AM GIANT, Mayavanya, Misfits of Zion, P Money, DJ Magik Johnson, and local support.

Valley D’Vine is proud to bring Valley Vibes to Linden Estate Winery for the second year in a row. Valley Vibes is an annual music festival which hosts a variety of musical performers on the first Saturday of February each year. Valley Vibe goers can sit back in the sun amongst the grape vines and relax while they enjoy the show, or they can be up close and personal right at the front of the stage, dancing and singing with the artists. Gourmet style food stores are found on premises, offering Valley Vibes goers with nothing but the best food.

Ticket prices are still to be announced however, and will be available for purchase via the Valley Vibes website, iTicket, Big Noise Audio, Valley D’Vine, and Peppers Hair & Beauty.

“Good times at Valley Vibes on the weekend! It was such a well run event, with a great lineup, and a fantastic crowd. Hopefully this will become a regular event in the Hawkes Bay” – Ninja Monkey, performers from Valley Vibes 2013.

Valley Vibes is a Hawkes Bay based company that provides a relaxing environment, with great music and a memorable experience to people of the age of 18 and up. Valley Vibes has been in operation since 2013. For more information Valley Vibes, please call Greg Miller on 0275555224, e-mail at info@valleyvibes.co.nz, or visit Valley Vibes.

On Sunday 10th November there’s a new event in town organised for there vegan and vegetarians out there. Moana Park Winery is hosting the day on 10th November and have collaborated with Chantal’s Wholefood Kitchen to provide Vegan Platters for two wine matched with Moana Park’s Vegan wines. Local artist Daniel Munro will entertain you with live music as you chill out for the afternoon in Moana’s relaxed valley surrounds. They have lots of picnic tables but you are welcome to bring your picnic blanket too.

Tickets are available at here at Eventfinda and includes the Chantal Vegan Platter for Two and Moana Park wine at package rates. I’m someone who enjoys Chantal’s salad bar at lunch, so immediately wanted to know whats on the platter. Here’s a sneak peak into what you’ll receive:

Fresh Mango Chutney with Sweet Potato and Ginger Samosas

Mushroom and Herb Pate with Garlic Ciabatta Croutes

Cashew Spread accompanied with Ume and Balsamic Marinated Seasonal Vegetables

Tomato and Basil Bruschetta served with Vegan Coconut Blinis

Green Olive Tapenade with Vegetable Crudités (Raw)

Avocado, Pine nut and Tomato Salad with mini Pumpkin and Tofu Kebabs

Spiced Chickpeas, Pumpkinseeds and Pecans

Assortment of Fresh Fruit

The winemaker presentation and tasting will be held at 12.30pm giving you ample time to taste your way through some of Moana Park’s wines and learn about their natural philosophies from dab hand James Wilkie, winemaker. It’s all about creating low allergen wines by starting with exceptional fruit quality, limited additives, no animal products used, vegetarian approved, following sustainable practices, zero spray residue resulting in hand-crafted multi-award winning wines that are friendlier on both the body and the mind.

You can of course, bring along your own vegan/vegetarian picnic if you like but then you’ll have to do the hard work.

The Vegan Society of Aotearoa will be providing free vegan samples during the afternoon and there will be the opportunity to win some free vegan goodies. See you there!

As spring brings a new garden crop, it also brings out fresh dining experiences like that revealed by the refurbishment at St Georges Restaurant. Conveniently placed between Hastings and Havelock North on the fertile Heretaunga plains St George’s it’s hard to miss. That fact isn’t lost on Chef and Restaurant owner Francky Godinho. “Growing from the land around St George’s is important to me. It’s something I’ve always done. We’re producing as much as we can here. Where else will you see seven different kinds of vegetable on a plate?”

Having brought awards to The Old Church and then to Te Awa, it would be easy to say Francky is a competition chef chasing the big accolades, but that isn’t whats driving his vision at this restaurant. Francky is making St George’s his own and he wants the dining experience to reflect what’s important to him. “We reopened three weeks ago after completely refurbishing the inside and out, adding heaters, a new pergola and entrance and completely new bathrooms. We did as much work ourselves as we could.” It’s easy to see where the effort has gone since our last visit.

There’s something to be said for simple, in season dishes done well. The crumbed free range egg with truffle oil and asparagus achieved exactly that with asparagus crunch and gooey egg deliciousness with a hint of luxurious truffle.

The Ovation Lamb shoulder is a special dish, added as part of the Signature Dish competition run by Food Hawke’s Bay. Ovation is primarily an export quality lamb product and isn’t available at any other Hawke’s Bay restaurant. Matched with Rod MacDonalds Te Awanga 2011 Syrah, this sizeable dish made the irresistible roast potato with bacon and mustard mayo side a struggle to finish – ideal for big appetites.

Getting a personal recommendation when asking ‘what’s good’ can make the difference between going for dessert or getting the bill. Eden said the lemon cake was the prettiest and the Choc Fondant most popular so in we went. The Yen Ben lemon llevant cake shows just how good home grown citrus fruit can taste. Lemons, mandarins and oranges feature regularly on St George’s plates both adding acidity and colour. Chocolate fondant with salted caramel ice cream needs 15 minutes prep and is well worth the wait delivering a decadent chocolate molten lava hit.

The upstairs area is finished and ready for private dining functions of 20 to 30 in a space not available to the dining public until now. There’s an upstairs balcony revealing wide vistas across Heretaunga Plains while the inside is connected to the buzz of the downstairs ambience while still providing enough privacy to celebrate the way you want to. “By December we should have the second upstairs dining space looking out to Te Mata Peak complete.” Of course, summer is all about outdoor dining and the sheltered garden courtyard is already a favourite for lunch.

To book your table, tweet @StGeorgesR or reserve a table here.

St Georges Restaurant is open Thursday – Monday, lunch 12 – 3pm and dinner 6 – 10pm. Phone 06 877 5356.

452 St Georges Road, Havelock North.

The Hawke’s Bay Magpies have a shot at the Ranfurly Shield this Sunday at 4:35pm. Otago are the new defenders and this is their first challenge on home turf. According to the Otago Rugby Union, they’re expecting close on 20,000 parochial fans to turn up to support Otago.

20,000 Hawke’s Bay Magpie supporters at Hawke’s Bay pubs

Could we get the same number of fans and pack out all the pubs, bars and restaurants in Hawke’s Bay showing the rugby? Share this with everyone you know and come out in support of the Magpies tomorrow. Here’s a list of places that will no doubt provide a fantastic atmosphere to support the Magpies in bringing the Ranfurly Shield home.

The Crossing – Westshore, Napier

The Crossing has huge rugby screens designed to enjoy sport. Their bar is right opposite the screens, with plenty of comfy couches and bar leaners to perch yourself. If the main room is packed out, The Crossing has a second bar area you can overflow in so there’s plenty of room for everyone. The Crossing has a legendary selection of craft beers making it somewhere you can enjoy your pint as well as the rugby.

The Station – CBD Napier

The Station bar has multiple screens so wherever you’re standing you’ll get a good view, even the garden bar has one if you need to pop outside for a quick smoke. The kitchen does a roaring trade of bar snacks, and there’s a separate restaurant, so after the game, you could easily stay on for dinner. The Station burgers are legendary and the $17 Sweet and Sour Pork is also very popular.

The Duke of Gloucester – Taradale

If you’re thinking of putting a bet on the game, or have a few mates you want to trade odds with, the Duke has TAB sports betting on site. The atmosphere here goes large as plenty of the EIT students call this home. The Duke now have both Heineken and Erdinger Weiss Beer on tap.

Indigo Function Area – Napier CBD

Indigo has a huge function area upstairs with a super huge screen and loudspeakers. If you ask @IndigoHB nicely you may just be able to book it out and get your very own bar to yourself.

The Thirsty Whale – Ahuriri

The Thirsty Whale has hosted many away teams and is renowned for it’s jovial atmosphere. There’s a super large projector down one end as well as a couple of screen dotted around the seating areas so you’ll find an angle to watch the Hawke’s Bay Magpies from wherever you are. Their 4 Heinekens for $20 is back just for the Ranfurly challenge. Remember your bar snacks, it’s a game of two halves.

The Corn Exchange – Hastings

Newly reopened with new owners and a new optimism, cosy up next the spectacular open fire and enjoy the game. If the Magpies win, the Corn Exchange are putting $2,000 on the bar for everyone to enjoy. If Zac Guilford scores the first try, everyone in the bar gets a free drink. Turn up in Magpies gear? Receive a free drink. You can’t go wrong with that.

Rose and Shamrock – Havelock North

The Rose and Shamrock is showing the game, but will only turn the volume up IF enough Magpie fans turn up. Now there’s a challenge to Havelock North locals. The Rose and Shamrock have the largest tap beer selection in the Bay if ya didn’t know.

The Gintrap Pub – Ahuriri

The Gintrap have a large open fire and will no doubt be a favourite again to watch the ruggers at. The Ranfurly Shield kicks off at 4:35pm so get there early to grab the best spots. You can stay on for dinner afterward, take a look at the menu here. The Gintrap are new to twitter at @TheGintrap.

The Bluewater Sports Bar – Ahuriri

The Bluewater is a Sports Bar through and through, providing a unique view of the harbour if you can’t bear to watch any of the on screen action “The ball was out ref!”.

Shed 2 – Ahuriri

Large screens and plenty of room make the Shed ideal for rugby games of the century like this challenge.

If I’ve missed any pubs or bars that should be on the list, tweet me @tweet2eatHB and I’ll get it added.

Wherever you watch the game from, use the hashtag #RanfurlyShield and tweet a photo to show your support to the Magpies. Go the Magpies!

Best Fathers Day pressie would be our Hawke’s Bay Magpies bringing home The Ranfurly Shield! #RanfurlyShield

— Craig Foss (@CraigFossMP) August 30, 2013

Otago v Hawke’s Bay for the Ranfurly Shield | via @skysportnz | http://t.co/l5oewbPfh9

— Hawke’s Bay Magpies (@Magpies_Unoff) August 29, 2013

Ranfurly Shield CRAZY $1000 on the if we win !!! $1000 on the bar if Zac scores the first try Free bbq and… http://t.co/pquVF1YR45

— Turks Bar (@turksbar) August 26, 2013

Magpies hope to end Ranfurly Shield drought http://t.co/ByugxAlLJO via @3NewsNZ

— Rachel Morton (@ReporterRachel) August 30, 2013

Gish is the first live comedian show at Valley D Vine, another Hawke’s Bay first by events man and wild food chef Greg Miller. When I first saw Gish, I recognised a hat nod to Billy T James kiwi humour, laden with stereotypes of kiwi history in his AotearoHa gig. Watch the first couple of minutes of his act here and you’ll see what you’re in for.

If you’d like dinner included then Greg is doing a special dinner package price of $55 which includes your ticket price. If you’d prefer to just stand with some mates around the bar at the back then you’re more than welcome to. Tickets for pre-purchase here or call 06 650 DINE. Those groups with a dinner package are seated for 6:30pm dinner, the main comedy starts 8:30pm on 31st August.

The Open White bait fritter and the Open Paua sandwich are menu staples at Valley D Vine. Both remain on offer, as is the Salt ‘n’ Pepper Squid. I got to try a little of all of them with Greg, and Trevor the winemaker at Linden Estate. Two new Reserve level wines are now available at the restaurant, Merlot and Syrah. The Syrah is light enough to accompany the seafood dishes on the menu, whereas the Merlot is a beaut match for the wild side of meat such as the seared Venison on roasted gourmet potatoes with bacon and spinach.

If you’re wondering about what’s on the menu at next Thursday’s locals night, you can find the latest monthly menu for locals night right here.

Pipi Food Truck is the mobile version of their powerhouse Pipi brand that began in Havelock North as a casual place to enjoy pizza, then expanded across the road to Pipi Bar and then flew off the foodie shelves when Pipi The Cookbook was published.

The Pipi Truck is emblazoned with everything that you’d expect. The ‘help yourself drinks’ policy is reincarnated without the alcohol on the left of the servery. The music may become the callsign that Pipi’s pizza has arrived near your place. The crown glows with pride of place above the cab.

For now, Chris and Alex are still sussing out the best possies to decamp at. Follow them on Twitter @pipitruck to be the first to know. Cootes and Shakespeare Road at the centre hub of the Napier Hill will no doubt please Hill and nearby Westshore residents comfortable with entering the Hill labyrinth.

Room for improvement only arises due to the cold snap weather in winter. Wait time is fast, under 10 minutes – still a long time standing around if it’s chilli… so put your warmest jacket on… until we get their mobile pizza app sorted.

Slightly refined selection in comparison with Pipi Havelock North

Wear a jacket when lining up in winter.

Pipi in transit!

Cappriciosa under $18

When Tweet2Eat visited Napier Thai eatery Bangkok House last week, host Gavin and chef Somjit shared some of the delicious dishes that have kept them on the map – and on many locals’ and visitors’ go-to list – throughout their eight years at the Dickens Street site. If it’s been a while since you’ve popped in for authentic, mostly northern-Thai cuisine, do make sure you visit Bangkok House over the winter months. There are plenty of hearty, warming offerings to chase away the chills, and all of those South-East Asian flavours that conjure up sunshine and relaxed adventure. Forget armchair – how about some dining chair travel!

House Specialties

Listening to Gavin and Somjit talk about the items on their menu that have diners continuing time and time again shows just how passionate they are about the food they create and the experience they offer. While Gavin is quick to point out that these aren’t totally unique to Bangkok House, they are some of the dishes they’ve become known for:

– Chang Mai Noodles. “These are delicious, and you don’t seem them in many other Thai restaurants. We like to include them here, and do them very authentically because they’re from Chang Mai, which is very close to where Somjit comes from in northern Thailand,” explains Gavin.

– Red Curry Duck – Gavin sees this is one of the most unique and sought-after dishes on the menu, and the unique combination of ingredients – including grapes, pineapple and lychee – never fail to impress diners trying it for the first or the fiftieth time.

– The Lamb Kai and the Bangkok House Spicy Squid go down a treat with the regulars, and are both examples of Bangkok House adding their own twist to common Thai favourites.

– Crispy Pork Panang Curry – again, a Thai cuisine staple, but here the dish is lifted by Somjit’s use of premium crispy pork belly to create an incredibly succulent and moreish curry.

Crispy pork – from the belly.

– Pad Ped Jungle  – This spicy favourite contains a combination of bamboo shoots and veges along with kaffir lime leaf, lemongrass, young peppercorns and galangals (a stronger cousin of ginger).

Pad Ped Jungle Curry – yum and the most popular dish.

– Crab Rangoon – Not a Thai dish, the recipe for delicious Crab Rangoon came to Bangkok House from America, via a former chef who added it to the menu, and due to its popularity, it’s stayed. “We’re the only place I know of in Napier that serves it,” says Gavin.

Crab Rangoon – this is awesome.

– Ka Nom Morgang (pictured) – this traditional Thai dessert cake is made from coconut milk and golden beans, and served with cream and ice cream. It was the hit of the evening for my dining partner and I. Sweet and light, the perfect way to finish a fantastic meal. Another popular dessert option is the Banana in Coconut Syrup (also pictured) – ideal for those with a really sweet tooth!

Ka Nom Morgang – sweet tooth heaven.

Ideal for Pre-Show Diners

Being one of a bunch of eateries handy to the Napier Municipal Theatre means Bangkok House does a steady pre-show trade. A smart idea is booking a 6pm table for a 7.30pm show to avoid rushing and enjoy the meal. This is also a great spot for larger groups to dine before an event with a popular option being to dine ‘banquet-style’ on mixed entrée offerings followed by a selection of popular main dishes for the table to share. Let the team know when you book and they’ll look after you, keeping you on time for the evening’s entertainment.

The Return of the Bangkok House Banquet

Loyal fans of Bangkok House will be aware of the Thai-style banquets staged on a monthly basis in the past. Good news – they’re coming back! The Bangkok House Banquet takes place on a Sunday night and features a ‘Chef’s Choice’ menu of three courses, and in the past diners have been treated to traditional Thai dancing during the meal. The Banquet is ideal for those who love Thai food in all its many styles, and want to be transported for an evening. Gavin makes the comment that the Banquet is a, “taste experience for people who love Thai food and good fun.”

The final date for the July banquet is yet to be finalised, but enquire with Gavin and he’ll keep you in the loop.

Delivery now Available

As Gavin and Somjit continue to find new ways to take care of locals and visitors to Napier, they’ve recently added the option of home delivery, with Gavin himself as the delivery man! This is mostly for central Napier, but might be available for those living further afield if you’re ordering a feast!

Banquet Booking and Takeaway Ordering:  06 835 5335

205 Dickens Street, Napier

Bangkok House menu

Visit: 7 days 5pm till late for dinner, 12-230pm Tuesday till Friday for lunch.

We’re doing a snap poll: Would you order more frequently from Bangkok House if they had an app? Tell them on Facebook.

Best Hawke’s Bay restaurant of the year Ten Twenty Four is now open on Friday and Saturday nights for you to experience 1024 by night. The dishes are wine matched, the best way to enjoy them – or you can choose to match just your main if you’re the designated driver for the evening. So, invariably you’re going to ask how is it different from lunch at Ten Twenty Four. Well, it feels more intimate, with Chef Kent Baddeley and Peter Sugawara doing most of the work both in the kitchen and at the table introducing the dishes and topping up glasses. The art of on a plate aspect of dining remains the same as lunch time, it’s just simplified, without the need for menus and all the choices and decisions that go with a menu. After all, if you’ve come for a dining experience, why not let the restaurant take full control of every aspect.

Dining vegetarians are very well catered for, sometimes with dishes out shining the rest, at least from a cursory look down the table.  The 1024 by night experience is bound to become just as popular as the lunches, but for now you get to enjoy it before the crowds just by making your booking.

Amuse bouche starts with a swan.

Crayfish on israeli cous cous with scallops.

Dinner for two or dinner for up to eight in the centre of the hall works well.

Pork belly, pork wonton with two sauces. Taro, pear with broccoli buried inside. Yes pear!

Kent Baddeley and Peter Sugawara prepare and serve your meals

Rum and raisin ice cream, chocolate ravioli topped with a chocolate duck.

The Common Room is a new bar in Hastings where everyone is made to feel welcome. The bench seats, couches and wooden chairs evoked memories of my own 7th Form Common Room at Karamu High School, however although we had a kitchen, we never had a range of boutique local beers and wines like this common room!

For a major urban settlement, it always surprised me that Hastings didn’t have more quality bars. Now, 66,000 people have a pre restaurant meet up place in the Common Room, with relatively new dinner choices nearby like Ten Twenty Four and Taste Cornucopia Tasty Nights just a couple of doors down. Havelock North has Pipi Bar and is closer to home for many, if you’re willing to battle the cold outside for a seat this time of year. For those familiar with Guffle Bar in Napier, this is what Guffle could be if the interior was reconfigured .

The long couches frame the standing area by the bar

The serving bar is a hole in the wall at the back of the premises, which helps maximise the space of this long but compact space. The interior reminds me much of the transition of Balham Bowls Club into the BBC bar in London, where the bar felt like it already belonged there, through the keeping of the bowling club feel. The Common Room feels like a place you’ve been many times before on first visit. A place that everyone can belong. Check it out, try their Zeelandt tap beer or a local wine choice by the glass. Stay for one before dinner, or make a night of it.

Common Room Hastings

Zeelandt Beer at the Common Room, Hastings

,