Top Wine and Rata Trees at WOAP | Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd August 9, 2011

Woman in red gumboots plants a Rata Tree at WOAP.

Gumboots and spades replaced surgical tools at Wellington on a Plate's first environmentaly themed event.

Baby Rata trees (and other native varieties) were dispensed to participants for planting on the site of Newtown's former fever hospital. The assembled crowd who braved the conditions (sunny but cool) were warmed up by french onion soup, part of a Ruth Pretty hamper.

Ruth Pretty serves soup at WOAP Crimson Lunch

Ruth Pretty with two chefs at Crimson Lunch a WOAP Event

Ata Rangi wines including Crimson Pinot Noir further fortified the visitors. Ruud Kleinpaste provided a humorous commentary with his view on ecological leadership in our community before releasing his giant weta among the crowd.

Bottles of Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir at WOAP event.

Guests at WOAP Crimson Lunch, a WOAP Event.

The planting of the young rata trees (supplied by Ata Rangi) continues the six year partnership with Project Crimson. The trees were planted, guests were packed off with gifts, leaving behind the promise of a blush of crimson colour unrelated to the medical history of this Wellington site.

Rob Morrison and Burton Silver talking at Crimson lunch, a Ruth Pretty WOAP event.

Helen Masters with Rata Tree at the WOAP Crimson Lunch sponsered by Ata rangi, Ruth Pretty and Project Crimson.

Phyll Pattie and Clive Paton planting a Rata Tree at Crimson Lunch a WOAP Event in Wellington,NZ.

Gift bags at WOAP Crimson Lunch in Wellington.

NZ Cuisine to the fore at TRENZ | Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd June 12, 2011

What impressed me the most when I photographed TRENZ in Queenstown this year was the food and wine. Local caterer Flying Trestles was hired to feed 1100 exhibitors, media and buyers lunch and tea breaks throughout the four day international tourism showcase. Divine looking salad platters such as wild rice, fennel and hazelnut or tomato, bocconcini and eggplant were complemented by hot dishes of venison denver leg, kumara and lamb pies, blue cod, and more. All washed down by fine New Zealand wine (mostly from Central Otago). For dessert huge cake stands were festooned with tiny chocolate mousse cups, lemon tarts, lamingtons or miniature meringues. Lavish lunchboxes including Mediterranean salad, Turkish rolls, sushi, locally made Patagonia chocolates and Phoenix organic juice were provided one day when the vistors were taken on "famils" with the Queenstown tourism operators. Even the muffins at morning coffee provided a mouth full of excitement.

At a regular TRENZ social event the Regional Rendevous, the country's regional marketing agencies put their best foot forward presenting wines by Quartz Reef (including the fab Methode Traditionelle), Peregrine, Akarua, Astrolabe, Gibbston Valley, Mt Difficulty and Two Paddocks (complete with Sam Neil), Te Kairanga and Te Whau. Among the many pass-around foods were whitebait fritters from the West Coast and shavings from whole rounds of Balfour cheese from Gibbston Valley Cheese.

Gold medal Gibbston Valley cheese at TRENZ in Queenstown,NZ.

At tea breaks professional chefs from luxury operators put on cooking demonstrations for eager viewers who then got to sample the meals. The menus included Dale Gartlands' (Matakauri Lodge) Aoraki salmon, crayfish tortellini, scampi and chervil dressing and a Kiwiana intepretation of NZ by Sadie Richens (Millbrook) with the dessert called Hokey Pokey pavalova islands.

TRENZ visitors getting lunch in Queenstown

On the exhibition floor the Prime Minister and his entourage were handed out Roxborough dried apricots by the Central Otago operators. There was a new exhibit from Zealong Tea, the Waikato organic tea operation and a move to the national stage for Zest Food Tours now touring in Auckland as well as Wellington. Bon apetite New Zealand!

Madhur Jaffrey High Tea in Te Horo | Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd May 21, 2011

Madhur Jaffery inspecting an old cookbook

Guests mingled in anticipation of the arrival of food royalty, Madhur Jaffrey to a book signing at Ruth Pretty's Garden Room. Imbibing hot spiced tea and munching muthries the gathering perused a selection of Jaffrey's extensive range of cookbooks.

Having arrived at Wellington airport only a couple of hours previous the spritely 78 year old was greeted with loud applause. She then spoke eloquently about her personal and public life. Meanwhile exotic food and drinks circulated. The recipes including dates, seekh lamb kebabs, cheera and shaka para were each from a different Madhur Jaffrey cookbook.

The golden sun enriched the already vibrant colours of the Garden Room, decorated for the occasion by the Ruth Pretty Catering crew. The setting struck a poignant note when Jaffrey said her biggest regret is not spending as much time as she would like in her own garden.

Eating fresh Eel in Wellington | Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd May 2, 2011

Screaming Roll is the name Jeremy Wilson gave his eel inspired Californian roll I photographed at the Shinobi Sushi Lounge in Wellington. Wilson was importing processed eels from Japan but was on the lookout for a local supply of fresh eels to marinade in his kabayaki method. The flavoured imports limited Jeremy's menu options and he has since sourced shortfin eels from the Levin Eel Factory. Although it seems more sustainable to source local produce, the harvest of a diminishing population of eels in New Zealand raises sensitivities of a different kind.

Although both the longfin eel and the shortfin eel are threatened, research shows the shortfin is New Zealand's most tolerant native fish species (this might not be saying much). At the restaurant Wilson also tried to sway his diners to eat more sustainable fish by selecting less fashionable species such as warehou, moki, gurnard and pilchard.

Restaurants are at the coalface of changing public attitudes about where food comes from. It was good to see restaurants like Shinobi Sushi Lounge supporting the idea we have to be more aware of what we are eating (and giving us great food).

Shinobi Sushi Lounge is now closed.

Organic fruit at Te Mata | Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd April 17, 2011

Te Mata Wine, Te Mata Cheese, Te Mata Peak may all be names recognizable to Hawkes Bay visitors and residents but Te Mata Orchard less so. Only a stone's throw from the Te Mata Cheesery, the orchard is an organic operation growing apples, pears and plums. Ian Kiddle, who has hosted me on a couple of occasions exports produce and also supplies the Pure Fresh brand seen in New Zealand supermarkets. The domestic organic market in NZ is worth about $350 million (at last count) and more than half that value is exported. Evidence is mounting the world wants sustainable produce.

Epicurus rediscovered

murray lloyd April 6, 2011

Epicurus (341–270 B.C.) founded one of the major philosophies of ancient Greece, helping to lay the intellectual foundations for modern science and for secular individualism. Many aspects of his thought are still highly relevant some twenty-three centuries after they were first taught in his school in Athens, called “the Garden.” Epicurus primarily promoted the pleasures of the mind, friendship and contentment - pleasure without pain. However recent use of the word epicurean links this philosophy to a life frequented by bouts of hedonism especially food consumption and sex - this pleasure is said to derive from pain i.e hunger and desire

Epicurean Supplies , a garden in Hawkes Bay, spans the divide between the ancient philosophy and the recent interpretation linked to food. Indeed perhaps Clyde Potter (owner of Epicurean Supplies) is the modern Epicurus.

Clyde's disciples in this case are a small permanent staff and a varying band of itinerent woofers. I imagine anyone who has eaten his organic micro salads, fresh herbs and heirloom vegetables can attest to this. Clyde's jewel- like produce not only provides good health but allows your eyes to feast as well, bringing a sense of pleasure completely unaccompanied by pain. It is with sad news I learnt of Clyde’s passing recently.

Walnut recipes by Ruth Pretty| Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd March 31, 2011

Having only eaten walnuts sporadically I was intrigued to find although the nut has culinary use, the shells are used for making dynamite, oil paint, plastics and helping to drill oil wells. I am sure the dynamite discovery must have come from some lateral thinker watching the walnuts 'explode' from their husks before falling to the ground.

The walnuts (roasted) go well with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Champagne...

Whole Parmiganio Reggiano cheese with cheese straws and champagne.

...but if you desire something tasty on a smaller budget try this salad from Ruth Pretty

Ruth Pretty's pear, celery and walnut salad with honey vinaigrette.

True Earth Organics in NZ | Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd March 21, 2011

You may have seen the Lawsons True Earth label around town, especially as they distribute carrots, onions, blueberries and pumpkin all over the North Island in plentiful quantity. Situated in Hawkes Bay next to the Gimblett gravels (as branded by the wine industry) Scott and Vicki have farmed the 100 hectare block organically since 1992.

It seems they have brought organic fresh veges and blueberries very much into the mainstream as the produce can not only be found in the organic supply chain but also in foodie destinations (Moore Wilsons etc) and regular supermarkets.

However you won't see their organic potatoes as the pest psyllid has made it uneconomic to grow them unless dealt with in a non organic way. This is a big loss but really lives up to the the name True Earth.

Organic blueberies in factory — Blueberries in factory

Pumpkins being loaded into crate — Pickers with pumpkins

Pumpkins growing in sunshine — Pumpkins growing

picking organic carrots — Picking organic carrots

organic onions in bags — organic onions being bagged

picking blueberries — picking organic blueberries

Close up photo of organic blueberries growing — Organic blueberries growing

True Earth Organics sign — True earth organics

Hawkes Bay Organic Butcher | Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd March 15, 2011

Located in Hastings, the Organic Farm Butchery processes and distributes beef and lamb from Ti Kouka an organic farm near Waimarama (they also have some pigs). After photographing at the farm last year I thought it would would good to see another side of the operation. The mainstream media have published large quantities of material about farmers markets, local produce and consumers wanting to know where their food comes from.

However thinking more about images of beef carcasses and slabs of meat I wonder if the public is ready for an even closer viewpoint. While I was photographing, numerous boxes of organic meat went out the door. Nothing was wasted as the bones seen in the trolley were destined for the beef stock at a gourmet food supplier.

Exterior of the organic butchery in Hastings

Beer flag flies with National Flags | Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd March 8, 2011

Tino Rangatira, New Zealand, Australia, United States..... and DB Draught? The inclusion suggests the brand sees itself as imparting national identity. I am not sure it will be in consideration for the intended NZ flag redesign.

Heritage plums in NZ| Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd January 21, 2011

I had the good luck to photograph an orchard teeming with an amazing variety of heritage plums and apples. I was familiar with plum names such as Billington, Greengage and Fortune but how about Keruru Gold, Hawera, Ox heart ( deeply complex and delicious flavour), Purple King, Luisa, Casselman and Cacak? And apples - Monty's Surprise is currently being researched for cancer prevention properties. Victory Line Orchard in Levin is run by Mike and Frances Beech . They sell the plums (and apples) only at Paraparaumu Market on Saturday morning. This is the place to see the difference between a Nonnetit Bastard, a Ballarat and an Italian prune, whilst also giving your support to a very unique orchard.

Red heritage plums growing — Heritage plums

Monty's surprise growing on tree in sunshine — Frances Beech with honey from her beehives

Roti Jala at Kayu Manis Restaurant | Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd December 15, 2010

Roti Jala at Wellington Restaurant in New Zealand.

When photographing Roti Jala at Kayu Manis recently I was invited into the kitchen to see the pancake being made. After photographing the final dish, I had the pleasure of eating it. Unfortunately Kayu Manis has now closed so if If you are looking for full flavored Malaysian food in Wellington try Rasa in Cuba St.

Food Photos in Wgtn Restaurants|Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd December 6, 2010

I love photographing food and it is always a pleasure to get involved with Wellington's restaurants and food scene. These images were all photographed on location with minimal props. David Burton's provided reviews and the photos were published in the Dominion Post Wine Guide.

Shepherds Shemozle in Hunterville | Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd October 28, 2010

In Hunterville around Oct/Nov is one of the highlights on New Zealand's event calendar. The day features the Miss Hunterway Competition - "a beauty show for real bitches", a Dog barking sound off and the Shepherds' Shemozzle - a race pitting man and dog against other men and dogs along a fear factor type course (they do one for kids as well). In the past the notorious food stop has included - sheep eyes, pints of cream, bread buns, raw eggs, pints of beer, freshly dug carrots (with dirt), warm coca cola, bulls testicles, and vinegar. The food is expected to be forced down at the food stop as fast as possible by red-faced shepherds having just run/jumped and crawled several kilometers with their ever faithful dogs beside them all the way.

Food Photography on the Move | Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd October 21, 2010

Events are always places you find food on the move. Recently I was providing photography at an event at the Langham Hotel in Auckland and pointed my camera at food on the move. The results of the photographs are always random using long exposures - maybe 15th or 1/8th of a second and panning the camera while keeping the food in focus. The photographs seem to suit this method as it matches the waiters streaming into the room delivering plates of fine New Zealand food to the awaiting guests.

Food on the move at the Langham Hotel in Auckland

Food on the move at Logan Brown Restaurant

Waiters carrying food at Pinot Noir Conference, an event in Wellington celebrating New Zealand Pinot noir

Tendertips Asparagus Photos | Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd October 18, 2010

Asparagus, one of the harbingers of spring, reminds me of the difference between living here in Wellington and in a city like London. Instead of year round supply we get proud announcements at Moore Wilson Fresh proclaiming the first arrivals from Tender Tips in Levin. The photographs here show some of the Tender Tips operation.

Tentertips asparagus growing in Levin, NZ.

Fresh asparagus being sorted by hand in Levin at Tendertips Asparagus..

Freshly picked asparagus being processed in Levin at Tendertip Asparagus.

Freshly picked asparagus being processed in Levin at tendertips Asparagus.

Freshly picked asparagus being exported to Japan by Tendertip Asparagus in Levin

Burnt toast being held up with the word damn cut into it.

Playing with Food | Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd October 15, 2010

A certain teenager in our house oozed creativity but was a reluctant participant in the kitchen. On some occasions the creative spirit rescued food disasters...a few years on a she was the top illustrator when she graduated from Massey University in Wellington. What is the lesson? Let children play with their food.

Hohepa Biodynamic Cheese in NZ | Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd October 13, 2010

Multiple awards in the Cuisine cheese awards establish Hohepa as one of New Zealand's preeminent boutique cheese making operations. The staff at Hohepa could not have been more generous with their time while I photographed the cheese making operation in Hawkes Bay. I particularly like the vintage Danbo and the fenugreek flavoured cheese.

Inacio Guimares the Cheese maker at Hohepa

Dwali Festival Food in Wgtn | Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd October 9, 2010

Flag flying at Dwali Festival in Wgtn, New Zealand.

For a slice of India in Wellington you could go to a restaurant but a more authentic experience is the local Diwali Festival held each year in Wellington and Auckland. Although nicknamed the 'festival of lights', for me the undoubted highlight is the food and the frenzy that goes with it.

Food being served at Dwali Festival in Wellington.

Dancers at Dwali Festival in Wellington.

Women admiring saris at Dwali Festival, Wellington

Portrait of James Gilberd from Photospace holding an expresso.

Coffee - Art at Photospace in Wgtn | Murray Lloyd Photography

murray lloyd October 7, 2010

In Wellington, away from the looky looky crowds, Photospace is one of the places I go for good coffee. James, who has some old Italian built machine (he bought two from trade me - one for spare parts) prides himself on the quality of his brew. If you are a regular visitor to the gallery you probably will have sampled James' offering - if not, take a walk up the marble staircase, contribute koha, look at the art...you might be offered one too.