I used to write the plan in a professional-looking document, accompanied by a shopping list that I'd then print out and take to the market. Recently I've gone paperless, using Evernote, planning the meals and creating the list in my laptop computer then syncing it with my smart phone. Definitely a lot more efficient, with the added flexibility of making last minute changes while shopping. This lets me take advantage of what's in season, or try out new artisan products I find at the fresh market.
We're so lucky in Wellington to have Moore Wilson's Fresh, which sells not only fresh produce and artisan products, but has a whole section dedicated to fine wines from around the world, craft beers, and liqueurs. They also have a wholesale dry goods section, and an Alladin's Cave for cooks filled with culinary implements and gadgets to help you become an expert...or just to impress your friends :) I've got my eye on their ceramic tapas bowls and plates collection for a while now.
It's best to be early to beat the rush at the market. Parking becomes nearly impossible after 10 a.m.and you'll have to elbow your way to get to the herbs and vegetables. Or queue up to get your pancetta sliced! This being my favourite cured meat means I have as much as 500 g sliced sometimes and this takes a very long time, indeed!
Once were done with shopping, it's time for Wellington's most popular weekend foodie activity: brunch! I've got one criterion for choosing a place to eat: must have great coffee!! Luckily, this is also the coffee capital of New Zealand so we're generally spoiled for choice. The Top Notch Brunch Spots is a great guide to get you started brunching in the city.
A couple of weeks ago, I went to Flight Coffee Hangar for the first time. It was pretty busy but the staff were friendly and they had one of the best single-origin filtered coffee selection I've seen around town. I had a light, floral Sidama from Ethiopia and a fragrant, sweet Kenyan Wakulima.
It started to rain while I was at the cafe. So I had to wait a bit before going on a short walk back to the carpark. On the way, I stumbled on this neat little place called Wellington Apothecary Co. An apothecary, strictly speaking, is an old name for what has now evolved to become a pharmacy or chemist. This one is actually a "dispenser of herbal remedies," according to its web site.
I was offered a warming cup of herbal tea, and spent a good 20 minutes exploring and discussing the merits of various essential oils with the lovely herbalist on duty. I was really impressed by her knowledge and the number of dried herbs on display. Went away with a couple of herbal teas: a depurative blend to cleanse the blood, and an expectorant to strengthen the immune system for the coming change of season. I also bought a Eucalyptus essential oil and almond oil to act as a carrier. This oil is great for easing the discomfort from coughs, colds and the flu. I will visit again and perhaps get them to custom-blend some teas for me.
We're so lucky in Wellington to have Moore Wilson's Fresh, which sells not only fresh produce and artisan products, but has a whole section dedicated to fine wines from around the world, craft beers, and liqueurs. They also have a wholesale dry goods section, and an Alladin's Cave for cooks filled with culinary implements and gadgets to help you become an expert...or just to impress your friends :) I've got my eye on their ceramic tapas bowls and plates collection for a while now.
It's best to be early to beat the rush at the market. Parking becomes nearly impossible after 10 a.m.and you'll have to elbow your way to get to the herbs and vegetables. Or queue up to get your pancetta sliced! This being my favourite cured meat means I have as much as 500 g sliced sometimes and this takes a very long time, indeed!
Once were done with shopping, it's time for Wellington's most popular weekend foodie activity: brunch! I've got one criterion for choosing a place to eat: must have great coffee!! Luckily, this is also the coffee capital of New Zealand so we're generally spoiled for choice. The Top Notch Brunch Spots is a great guide to get you started brunching in the city.
A couple of weeks ago, I went to Flight Coffee Hangar for the first time. It was pretty busy but the staff were friendly and they had one of the best single-origin filtered coffee selection I've seen around town. I had a light, floral Sidama from Ethiopia and a fragrant, sweet Kenyan Wakulima.
It started to rain while I was at the cafe. So I had to wait a bit before going on a short walk back to the carpark. On the way, I stumbled on this neat little place called Wellington Apothecary Co. An apothecary, strictly speaking, is an old name for what has now evolved to become a pharmacy or chemist. This one is actually a "dispenser of herbal remedies," according to its web site.
I was offered a warming cup of herbal tea, and spent a good 20 minutes exploring and discussing the merits of various essential oils with the lovely herbalist on duty. I was really impressed by her knowledge and the number of dried herbs on display. Went away with a couple of herbal teas: a depurative blend to cleanse the blood, and an expectorant to strengthen the immune system for the coming change of season. I also bought a Eucalyptus essential oil and almond oil to act as a carrier. This oil is great for easing the discomfort from coughs, colds and the flu. I will visit again and perhaps get them to custom-blend some teas for me.
This pretty much takes up a good part of the morning, but having a routine like this is a great way to set a relaxing, mindful, and healthy theme for the weekend. What's your healthy weekend routine?
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