Mummy's Day in vegas

SISTER ANN REVIEW. The Regent of Rotorua has a gorgeous restaurant. They went all-out with a 50's style menu (complete with photo from an old kiwi knitting pattern) for Mother’s Day Brunch. The food was a bit of a letdown. I have Calamari Salad A LOT! It was lacking flavor here, but looked nice. The fish and chips looked very grey and tasted average. The dessert, Eton Mess, came out on the tray, one short, but this was rectified very quickly. It was fabulous darling!!! Oh what I would do for one now! The waiter was adorable, unfortunately he spoke Spanish and didn't understand half of what we said. I have eaten breakfast here before and it was a bit slow... 45 mins for 2 coffees and toast and jams. Still a lovely time was had by all.

ATMOSPEHERE 8 FOOD 7 SERVICE 7

 My thoughts on this- having just been to Cornwall Park cafe yesterday for a High Tea... why, oh why, can some cafe in Rotorua (Regent would the perfect setting) not do a nice High Tea every now and then? Mother says the Tearooms in Government Gardens is up for Lease. If I were there, I would do it.

 Here is Blair with the daintiest sticky fudge cake

and Emily and Gran in front of one of two cake stands. Mini lemon meringue pies, tiny hazelnut chocolate square, almond and orange cake, salmon puffs, scones with cream and jam, spinach and feta pastry. Delicious! Beautiful choice of teas - Stew had Moroccan mint and I had Nepal Masala. Cinnamon and orange. Gorgeous!  Christine

Central Otago Rail Trail

Who hasn't heard of this great MUST-DO activity then?
Not only is it awesome fun and fantabulous scenery, but the food and hospitality are the best I've enjoyed for some time. If you can't bike, then walk. If you can't walk, then go by horse. If you can't ride, what about an electric chair? (Or are they called something else - a disability scooter?) If all else fails get yourself there by minibus or car and stop in at least 2 different places to experience the magic.
Tunnels, amazing viaducts, accommodation in old school houses, meals that are home cooked. Grab a  few friends and make a date - March is settled and not windy. November is often blowing and more difficult. The bikes we hired were great - no escaping the sore bottom but it was minor compared to the fantastic adventure.
I'm going back!

I'm lucky to have a cook for a husband

The scenario:
Swiming squad at 5.30pm, rush to the bank by 6.45, stray into the shops and suddenly realise I'm late getting home.
But the wonderful husband meanwhile has cooked dinner, part of which is scalloped potato served in my new red mini casserole dishes and placed on some of my prototype cork placemats.

Noice!... (that's "nice" with a new zealand accent..)