Blackbird Ensemble Performs Björk: All Is Full Of Love — Review
Blackbird Ensemble are “NZ’s most exciting chamber orchestra”, and Thursday’s homage to Björk supported that claim more than competently. A collection of strings, horns, percussionists, and Claire Cowan’s multi-instrumentalism brought director Cowan’s arrangements to vibrant and emotional life. The musicians were more than just that; in their glowing boiler suits they became part of a sensory […]
Review: Woop Balance meal
Remember when we reviewed My Food Bag a bunch of years ago? We got approached by another company, and offered one meal. Unfortunately, they sent us shrimp. Have I mentioned lately in every single food review that I’m allergic to shellfish? Luckily I found a taker to make the dinner instead. Thanks Megan, take it […]
Graze at the Portlander
A couple of weeks ago I was invited by the lovely people at the Portlander to head in one freezing evening, along with a number of Instagrammers, to feast on their new grazing concept. From our signature long bone OP rib-eye presented at your table, to our on the bone grass fed Sirloin dry aged in house […]
Review: The Big Show
The Big Show is a 100-minute extravaganza with three UK comedians who you may or may not have heard of. (The comedy world is big, okay?) Despite my utter obliviousness to whom two out of three of them were, this three-act show was a whole lot of fun. Ian Smith Acting as our MC for […]
Review: Kátya Kabanová
Kátya Kabanová was the first opera I ever saw, back in 1996 when it was here for the International Festival. I was 16, and we got $5 tickets to the dress rehersal through drama class. I was overwhelmed by the music and the draaaaama and the rain on stage and the cliff that rose up on hydraulics […]
WOAP 17: wine and whisky
It’s day five of this year’s Wellington on a Plate and the city seems to be buzzing. So let’s get down to it. Here’s two events I went to on Saturday. Tapas & Tastings with Matahiwi Wines at Avida Bar Woodfire & Whisky at Sterling Tapas & Tastings I wrote about this last year, which maybe […]
Review: Oikos Hellenic Cuisine, Miramar
Oikos is the new Greek Restaurant, in the the southern most southest part of Miramar, on the 2 bus route, and close to the cycle tunnel. This is firmly in Greek territory of Wellington. The local fish’n’chip shops also serve a variant of Greek food (yeros mostly), which is a delicious alternative to fried fish. […]
Tosca top notch
When I invited my friend Keith to Tosca and he told me he’d seen it before, I asked for no spoilers. He sent me a text saying “Psh. It’s an opera. There is singing. People die. From a feminist view it is problematic. That’s about all there is to it”. His text was true, but also […]
Our food bag(s)
There was more than the usual grumbling on Twitter this week when the Wellingtonista (slash some of the individuals contained within) tweeted about the food bags they received from My Food Bag. Here is the thing: in order to be able to review something, we have to see it/hear it/taste it/use it. So yes of […]
Fairtrade coffee that you make for yourself
Fairtrade Fortnight may be over, but that doesn’t mean it’s not something to still think about. When someone else is making the coffee for you, you may be drawn to particular beans because of their fair trade status. Why not apply the same criteria when you’re drinking it at home or work? Handily the good people […]