48 Hours in Shanghai

My story about 'doing' this magical city on a stopover is in the July issue of Kia Ora Magazine, Air NZ's inflight magazine (click here to read).

Also in this issue, I chatted to Kiwi chef Samantha Dinsdale who recently moved back to New Zealand and is taking part in next month's Visa Wellington on a Plate (click here).

   

The young foodies

So San Francisco was fun and fleeting (pics to come) but I also brought back a cold, which has felled me.

So there will be pics soon of the SF/LA jaunt but in the meantime, here are a couple of stories I had in yesterday's Your Weekend Magazine. The first, about young foodie entrepreneurs and the second about acclaimed London-based Kiwi chef Anna Hansen who is coming back for this year's Visa Welly on a Plate.

     

Bristol the media star!!

Last Saturday, Bristol and I took part in the Wellington on a Plate Find a Truffle with your Dog event at Frank Kitts Park. 

That story, and the Animator's stupendous photos, are published in today's Your Weekend Magazine (click here to read).

Of course I worry I may have created a monster, who will refuse to get out of bed for less than $10,000K, à la the 90s supermodels.

Visa Wellington on a Plate

Has it been eight years? Apparently it has.

Eight years ago the three-day-a-week PR gig I was doing included launching Welli's annual calorific extravaganza. Tomorrow night I am invited to the launch of the eighth year's programme.

Launch night is always a fun night with, unsurprisingly, delicious food and wine, so I'm certainly looking forward to it.

#Wherethehelldid8yearsgo?

Visa Wellington on a Plate

Back in June, you might recall, I was invited to the launch of Visa Wellington on a Plate (or WOAP as we prefer to call it).

Today I got home to find the courier had delivered my media accreditation for the month-long scoff-fest that starts today. My elastic-waisted trousers have been ironed.

In other news, I just finished a gut-wrenching interview with a young chap who has lost track of the number times he tried to commit suicide. But he is now planning an epic journey around NZ to raise awareness of mental health issues, especially among teenagers. Can't say too much but will link to the story once it's published. But jeez, talk about an intense interview. Fascinating stuff though and I was truly humbled by his honesty and integrity. As he said to me, "I spent every day of the last 10 years wishing I was dead. Today, I'm happy to be alive."

As we all should be. Happy weekend, y'all...

     

Visa Wellington on a Plate

Last year I was overseas for the launch of Wellington's annual scoff-fest, so it's been a long time between drinks. But tonight after work I braved the chilly southerly and walked up to Old St Pauls, an oddly amazing venue, for the launch of the 2015 Visa Wellington on a Plate programme.

It was lovely to catch up with other journo mates and this year the goodie bag surpassed itself.

If you're in the vicinity of the world's southern most capital in August, I'd urge you to check out as many events as possible (just don't forget to pack the elastic-waisted pants!)