Restaurant Review: Orbit

We went to this restaurant for the occasion of my father's birthday. It is part of the Sky City complex, and located on a revolving floor just below the observatory deck of the Sky Tower. My husband and I were expecting it to be hideously expensive (to catch those tourist dollars) and somewhat pretentious. You know, huge plates, small servings and no extras. I must say we were pleasantly surprised.

The first thing about the restaurant is that they operate two sessions: from 5:30 and 7:30. We had only been able to get into the 5:30 session, but upon reflection decided this would be nice as we would get to see the sun set over the city. It was indeed an enjoyable experience to have one revolution around the city in daylight, and a second with all of the lights twinkling.

Although we did ask for some time to peruse the wine list, we didn't dally over choosing our main courses. After all, we were on a schedule. We were somewhat surprised by how long it took the waiting staff to ask for our orders. The wait for dinner was neatly concealed by the presentation of bread rolls and butter. On to the meals themselves. I was pleased to see a special section on the menu dedicated to duck, and I opted for the "Trio", which included a small selection of each. In order of yumminess (saving the best till last), the selections were a spring roll, filled pasta shells, and a roasted breast on mango salsa. I enjoyed the variety immensely, and everything was well cooked. I also partook of some of the side dishes we had ordered for the table - some broccolini, sauteed potatoes and a few fries - which were all quite good. The rest of my companions, predictably, ordered the steak, which was well received by all (except that my sister's portion was a bit tiny compared to the others, and my mother's steak a bit too rare).

When the staff delivered the dessert menus, we were already at our deadline of 7:30. But no-one seemed to want to rush us, and we noticed that several other tables were continuing on undisturbed as the next round of guests arrived. The men at our table ordered a selection of icecreams with a nutty caramel topping, and the ladies (myself included) a tower of berries in pastry, on a white chocolate slab, which was in turn on a slice of lemon cake. The whole thing was doused in a lemoncello sauce, and was accompanied by a dark chocolate wand. I have to say it was a lovely mix of flavours. I found the pastry tower a bit bland and passed it over to Dad, but otherwise the dessert was a lovely finish to the meal.

So in conclusion, I would recommend Orbit for an occasional treat. The prices, though high as we expected, were helped along a bit in our minds by the complementary bread rolls, free ride up the tower, and discounted parking. The staff were helpful and attentive (once we had ordered our meal). The food itself was generally of a very high standard. And the views over our lovely city were priceless.

Official site

First day jitters

I started my new job today, and consequently I got about 1 1/2 hours slept last night. That made absorbing all the information today a bit hard, but I think I did okay. The people seem nice. There's still a lot to learn as I haven't done any real work yet.

I was plagued with doubts this morning when I got a message on my cellphone voicemail about another job that I'd applied for, which would be permanent (the one I've taken is only 3 months) and might be more interesting. The flipside is that it's a little further away. I suppose I have no choice but to turn it down. It's so hard to know what to do... does anyone else battle with these issues?

Fifteen weeks to go, then. I'm going to make myself finish my novel before the contract is over, and also submit it to the first publisher on my list. I want to know if I have any hope of getting publishing before launching into anything long term again. *fingers crossed*

"G’day Youse Fullas"

Well that was an original way to start the show, Mr Campbell. I quite liked the new show "Campbell Live". It's certainly a better alternative to the other current affairs on offer, from the technologically challenged Paul Holmes, to the staid "Close Up at 7". John did seem to be quite excited, talking extremely fast about lots of different things at once - but this can be excused in his first show. The topic of the show was controversial enough to provoke interest (Asians who can't drive paying for licences) and I hope that it causes the scam to be fully exposed. Now we have an explanation for why there are so many hopeless drivers out there.

John is such a likeable bloke. His manner is down to earth and he indicated that he wants the viewers to be involved in the show. From having worked at TV3 myself I know he's a great guy in real life too. He's also great at not taking any rubbish from interviewees, though I thought he went a bit easy on the LTSA guy. It was great to see Carol out and about as well. Looking at the future line up on the show's website, I see there's a good mix of interesting but not-too-serious topics ahead. I'll be watching to see how it goes. Apparently it rated reasonably well. Hopefully they give the giants at TVNZ a good run for their money. I mean our money.

Another review

Well, I did it...

I have accepted a job offer. No more looking in the Sits Vacant... at least until mid-July when the contract finishes (it's a maternity cover position). I actually have to be careful not to drink the water there - three girls in the marketing department got pregnant all at once. No, thank you. I can start on Thursday if I like, to get a day over with before the Easter break. I'm waiting to confirm that until after I've signed the contract, which is being delivered today. What a nervewracking experience. I was on edge for most of yesterday.

That aside, our anniversary break was lovely. The house we rented was great - right on the beach and next to a park. We had a mix of hot sunshine and dramatic thunder storms on the first day, which was quite cool, and then mostly sunshine after that. We had a lovely time swimming, walking and exploring. We also had dinner at probably the best restaurant we'd ever been to... mmm I can still taste dessert. We reinacted some of the things we did when we got together. All in all a very romantic weekend.

First Anniversary :-)

Tomorrow morning we are off on our first real trip away (alone) together since our honeymoon. The occasion is our first wedding anniversary, and we are going to the beach where we first got together. The weather has been beautiful all week, and although it's forecast to change I'm keeping my fingers crossed! (It was forecast two rain the last two days and all we've had is brilliant sunshine)

We're currently deciding whether to take my car or his (will air conditioning or fuel economy win out?) and who will drive there. We're both very easy going when it comes to these decisions - which makes them harder to make. Meanwhile I've made multiple lists of what we need to pack from different parts of the house. I like ticking things off lists. Gives me a sense of achievement and control in this madcap world.

We're away for four days - so no posts until at least Tuesday. I'm going to do my best to switch off from the normal stresses of life - even though I'm going to find out if I got a job today or Monday. Wish me luck!

Book review: On Rue Tatin by Susan Loomis

I bought this book during one of Whitcoulls' fabulous 50% off sales. I'm glad I didn't pay any more money for it, as I would classify it as more of a library read. Oh, I suppose I shouldn't be too harsh - I might read it again. It's a good book for the holidays: a slow, gentle read.

You know the formula: an anglophile falls in love with a Mediterranean country and sets up a home there. They experiment with the local cuisine and are baffled and amused by the locals (and vice versa). The subtitle of this book "Living and cooking in a small French town" pretty much covers it. The author studied at a French cooking school when she was younger. Several years later, she and her husband decide to settle in France. She is heartily enthusiastic about everything she experiences. The book includes recipes which Susan has put together with French inspiration, including "Dordogne potato cake", "Goat cheese with raspberry vinegar and lavender honey", "Normandy mussels" and "Rustic apricot sorbet". I confess I haven't tried making any of these, but other readers attest to great satisfaction with them.

A great deal of the story is about the renovation of the Loomis' home. A vivid imagination is required to put all the bits and pieces together in the mind. The various descriptions of daily life and visitors are pleasant. I would recommend this book as a good light read; another addition to a crowded genre that doesn't really stand out from the pack.

Official site

Words of Wisdom

I was reading this great article today about Rebecca St James. The following bits really stood out to me. They're words I really needed to hear right now.

As Isaiah 30:15 says, "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength."

The last two days I've been driving by a sign in front of a local church that says, "The world honors success; God honors faithfulness." When you think about it, our obsession with checking things off a to-do list is a worldly success thing. We feel successful and efficient when we cross something off our list. But I've felt God tell me, Spend time with me, even though you're not being "efficient." Just love me and allow me to love on you. That's faithfulness; that's real success.

Be encouraged: you don't have to measure yourself by the world's standards. We can get so pre-occupied trying to accomplish everything that we forget - to just trust in Him and rest in His presence.

Nifty site for NZ readers and writers

I've just happened upon a site called Leaf Salon. It claims to have "the latest NZ book news, book reviews and literary events". It's a lovely looking site and it appears to have a really good mix of all of those elements, in blog form. Go have a look!

Some jokes to brighten your day

They may be old, but they're still pretty funny.

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Two peanuts walk into a bar

One was a salted.

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A jump-lead walks into a bar.

The barman says "I'll serve you, but don't start anything."

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A man walks into a bar with a slab of asphalt under his arm and says:

"A beer please, and one for the road."

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A dyslexic man walks into a bra.

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Two aerials meet on a roof, fall in love get married.

The ceremony wasn't much but the reception was brilliant.

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Two cannibals are eating a clown.

One says to the other: "Does this taste funny to you?"

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"Doc, I can't stop singing 'The green, green grass of home'."

"That sounds like Tom Jones syndrome."

"Is it common?"

"It's not unusual."

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Two cows standing next to each other in a field, Daisy says to Dolly

"I was artificially inseminated this morning."

"I don't believe you," said Dolly.

"It's true, no bull!"

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Two hydrogen atoms walk into a bar.

One says, "I've lost my electron."

The other says, "Are you sure?"

The first replies, "Yes, I'm positive..."

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I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn't find any.

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I went to the butchers the other day and I bet him 50 quid that he couldn't reach the meat off the top shelf.

And he said, 'no, the steaks are too high'.

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My friend drowned in a bowl of muesli.

He was pulled in by a strong currant.

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What do you call a fish with no eyes?

A fsh

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Two fish are in a tank

One says to the other "I'll man the guns, you drive"

CD Review: The Very Best of Gershwin (Decca)

I bought this CD when I was 18, and it was my first jazz album. And what a great introduction! The album consists of two CDs: the first features the great jazz vocalists (as well as Oscar Peterson) with their renditions of great Gershwin songs. the second CD has various American orchestras playing the most popular suites and overtures, and of course includes "Rhapsody in Blue".

My favourite track has to be #2, in which Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong sing "Summertime". It is musical perfection. From the swelling sounds of the orchestra, to the contrast of smooth Ella and sandpaper Louis - definitely one of my favourite songs ever. This, together with the two other Ella tracks on this album ("Oh, Lady Be Good" and "Embraceable You") were the starting point for my Ella obsession :-)

Other highlights for me are tracks by Sarah Vaughan, Shirley Horn, Billie Holiday, Anita O'Day and Dinah Washington.

If you're looking for a good sampling of Gershwin, or just jazz generally, I highly recommend this album.

Wonderfully made

It's not until one part of your body is malfunctioning that you realise how amazingly put together we are as human beings. The rest of creation is pretty awesome as well of course, but this week I am particularly struck by how we humans are composed.

The reason I'm more aware of this at this time is because I almost sliced off part of my thumb on Monday. Once I got over the shock and managed to bandage it, the main thing I was aware of (apart from the pain) was that I had been half way through cleaning the bathroom when I had decided to cut myself some fruit. The Toilet Duck was already casting its blueness over the bathroom, so I had to finish it off. And then there was dinner to be made. It's not easy to keep your throbbing hand above your heart while pealing potatoes.

And then of course there was the bikini expedition to finish (refer to a post further down). I'm happy to report I have bought some new togs from Postie Plus, for about a third a price of the surf shop. The task was made somewhat difficult though by the fact that I couldn't fasten (or un-fasten) my bra, or any bikini top for that matter. Thankfully I got by on separate occasions with a little help from my friends (aka my mother and husband). But you see my point. That left thumb does come in very handy. And through struggling with a multitude of little tasks, I've really come to appreciate how well the body works when it is working. We really do take it for granted. We are able to do such an array of activities. God created us in such an amazing way!

I better stop typing - my thumb's getting sore!

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvellous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.
Psalm 139:14 NKJV

Recipe: Sultana biscuits

This recipe is from Jo Seager's "Sugar & Spice", and is a somewhat healthier alternative to chocolate chip biscuits. It's also something you can bake if you're out of eggs. A note to hurried bakers - you need to allow time for the wet ingredients to cool, so it's a good idea to go away and do something else in the meantime. Don't preheat your oven until you get back.

In a large saucepan, melt 125g butter. Then add 1/2 C white sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, 1 desertspoon of golden syrup, and one teaspoon of baking soda. Mix until it fizzes. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.

Stir in 1 and 3/4 C flour, 1/2 C sultanas and 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence. Mix well. Roll into little golf balls and place on a well-greased or baking paper lined tray. Press down with a wet fork. Bake for 10-15 minutes at 160 degrees celcius. Leave on a baking tray for one minute then carefully remove to a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Apparently it's supposed to make 36... I think I made about 25.