So, you know I like to at least TRY the traditional local fare when visiting places far and wide…hence the fried whole fishies and hot snail juice in Sevilla. Which means I had to sample the famed (or infamous) Marmite of New Zealand, known as Vegimite in Australia, or the West Island. I made some observations. First off, it is AWFUL!!!!!! Like sucking on a boullion cube! But, I guess that might appeal to some. My other notations are the size of the serving…All other such packets, similar to the one shown above, offer honey, peanut butter or jam (you know, normal condiments!) in amounts close to the size of the top. Why is it the Marmite is condensed to a fraction of the size of the packet? I have a theory. I think the restaurants and hostels got tired of throwing away the unfinished portions of myriad “sampled” Marmites! Because, we all like to be adventurous, no? But not totally insane, and actually consume the entire 2 grams! Also, I believe it is regulated under the Public Health and Safety codes whereby the packaging must be in the internationally recognized colors for caution: red and yellow. As must the lettering be a certain font size, so as to avoid accidental ingestion. Sorry Kiwis, just having fun!
So, on a happier note, we have stumbled accidentally into fine and unexpectedly delicious cuisine in every town and city. Without referring to guide books or even menus, without exception, we have indulged in tasty fare at every turn! I can’t even describe it but to happily report they tend to use creative combinations and fresh ingredients, like pumpkin, cauliflower, roasted beets, every kind of mixed green, satay, curry, pastry, pumpkin seeds, various cheeses, various meats…and in the desserts…lemon, passion fruit, kiwi, almond paste…you get the picture?
Below, you’ll see evidence of my foray into a fine, albeit informal, Auckland steak house…where you select your raw cut (a challenge for a fallen veg.) and hand it to the chef where you discuss your preferred preparation. Wow. One of the best steaks I’ve ever indulged in. 
And finally, after a familiar food quest…but this one for the famous Pavlova, of which we had much anticipated and sought, we had the good fortune of finding the most beautiful (and quite delectable) desserts I had ever had laid in front of me. It is a kiwi creation of merengue, passion fruit sauce, kiwi and plums. Wow! Thank goodness we are trekking!
And the PIES!!!!! Did I neglect to mention the pies???!!!!??? They are everywhere and fantastic! They sometimes offer 2 dozen or more varieties. Always served warm, in a little paper sack, so you can munch it down while walking down the street. No fork, no plate…a napkin if you’re lucky! And you are lucky to have one of these! My favorite place featured this darling girl who, when asked which was her favorite dessert, generously exclaimed the neenish tart – she must have seen me oggling it! It was gone before I could take a picture – sorry! It was sort of lemon-y condensed milk filling with half of it covered in a thin layer of chocolate. Hmmmm. Heaven. And she was darling! She loved Shag, and posed for me in her cute purple and green monkey apron. We went back several times as they had won awards for their pie creations.
Learning more lingo…Flat White is coffee with milk.
Finally, we also had the pleasure of a real English tea in the country, and Shag and I enjoyed a scone with devon cream and jam.
Oh – and my favorite edible encounter to date? Our hosts at our “Backpackers” in Picton rang a dinner bell and called us all over for warm apple crumb dessert with ice cream. What an icebreaker! I actually made a good friend in Carolin that evening. We chatted ‘till 1am.
Hope you are all well and well fed!
(All photos by G. Stark)
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