Tagged: Cheese
Yelping @ The Kapiti Store With Wild Side Cider
Happiness is cheese, right? Last night I attended the “Yelp’s Powerhouse Pairing: Kapiti & Wild Side” event which was outstandingly sumptuous. I had never even heard of ‘Wild Side Cider’ until yesterday; now it’s my favourite (low alcohol) beverage. No spoilers – however the winning cider/cheese combination (for me) has to be ‘Wildberries’ paired with glorious grilled (Tuteremoana Aged Cheddar) cheese. Just wow. I then sampled the refreshing ‘Feijoa & Passionfruit’ cider with Kanuka Waxed Havarti. Apparently this is the most popular cider, however it is a little sweet for me, just saying. The Havarati was extraordinary: rich, dense & creamy. Next up is the ‘Strawberry & Lime’ cider with Kikorangi Blue. This cheese is my favourite, by far. Smells divine & is explosively flavoursome. ‘Blackberry & Plum’ cider with Tuteremoana Aged Cheddar was delightfully paired with fruity & sharp flavours to satisfy. Lastly ‘Apple & Pomegranate’ Cider poured over Spicy Apple Crumble ice cream was orgasmically exciting. I wanted more – a lot more. Meg from ‘Kapiti’ was extremely erudite about cheese, which made me smile ear-to-ear. Andy from ‘Wild Side’ knew a thing or two about cider – loved their logos and each back story behind the animal – especially the ram. There was also a special treat on offer from ‘Chuffed’: Ginger crunch, chocolate fudge and gluten-free bread I think! Truly a flawless ‘Yelp’ event that showcased some of the best & ‘hot’ NZ brands in the market. 
Yelp Event: #Aucklandmade With “Bonnie Oatcakes” at The Cheese Room
Recently I attended the much anticipated second event for #Aucklandmade – in conjunction with Yelp Auckland, ‘Auckland In A Box’ and Bonnie Oatcakes. This startup began a few years ago – founded by Morgan Claire Maw. These wheat & dairy-free oatcakes have no added sugar and taste wholesome & delectable. The Yelpers sipped complimentary Huia Brut & Huia Chardonnay from Marlborough which I’d never had the pleasure of tasting until now: sumptuous. ‘The Cheese Room’ is truely an orgasmic experience for all cheese-lovers & enthusiasts alike. I indulged in heavenly Smoked Paprika, Canterbury Linseed & Orginal Oatcakes with lashings of goat, cheddar or blue cheese. Morgan shared her entrepreneurial, engaging story about the small beginnings of ‘Bonnie’ making oatcakes in her own kitchen to now stocking into 60 NZ select supermarkets, delicatessens, Artisan markets & specialised foodie stores nationwide. Now ‘Bonnie’ is in my pantry instead of buying my weekly ciabatta. Sold: hook, line & sinker.
Yelping At Ponsonby Central
Recently I attended a Yelp event: Yelp Pairs Cider & Cheese at The Dairy, Ponsonby Central. Hosted by the cool crew from Yelp Auckland namely Alex the Community Manager and Tara, Owner of The Dairy & Foxtrot Parlour. A good crowd attended (as always) and we were educated about the hip ‘Zeffer’ Cider brand established in 2009 and has been successfully winning awards internationally. All the cider was partnered with heavenly cheese from The Dairy: St Benedict Buffalo Brie with Zeffer Crisp Apple, Mahoe Blue with Zeffer Pear, Wangapeka with Zeffer Hopped Up Pippin and lastly Earth Sheep Cheddar with Zeffer Mahana Red Apple. It was indulgent, superbly overwhelming and undoubtably enjoyable – with all the tastings and information buzzing in my head. I loved all the cheese and craved more. My favourite cider was the Crisp Apple that is honest, simple and deliciously dry. Cider is slowly taking preference in the supermarket aisles and as for the cheese – you need to shop at Ponsonby Central, and be wowed at The Dairy.
Yelp Out: The Kapiti Store
Have you been to Auckland’s best kept secret? Apparently, ‘The Kapiti Store’ has been residing in Shortland Street for 2 years, without my knowledge! Time to make up for lost time, I think.
‘Yelp Elite’ team was in for a treat, without a doubt.
There were 5 delectable cheese’s on offer, matched with some top notch Church Road wine.
The #yelpsdairydream event was hosted by Rachel from #kapitistore who educated and inspired the yelpers to taste the Aorangi, Ramara, Smoked Havarti, Tuteremoana and Kikorangi cheeses, with appreciation and a deserving palate.
The selection of Church Road wines on offer from Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon complimented the fare exquisitely.
Last up was the ‘Kiwiana’ icecream to die for. The (quad) flavours were Blueberry Muffin, Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch, Lemongrass and Ginger, Nectarine and Muscavado icecream which was (literally) knockout gastronomy.
Thanks to the other #kapitistore crew, Meg and Paul who had a full-tank of product knowledge, were quick to refill wine glasses and make the experience, unique and standout sublime.
‘The Kapiti Store’ is about to go global and I know why.
Yelp and more yelp.
melissafergusson 