06 Aug A Fresh Perspective
Posted at 6:23 PM
in
News
by Scarecrow
It’s been an interesting couple of weeks for us, with some mixed experiences. Let’s begin with the absolutely great ones! Firstly our evening at the FIFA match, Argentina v Italy. Fabulous atmosphere, the Argentinian community were out in full support and brought a great carnival vibe to the event, plenty of passionate Italian supporters also amongst the 31,000 in the stadium. Seamless transport from Britomart to Kingsland, a good meal after the match in lovely Kingsland – altogether a really perfect start to my Women’s Football ‘armchair’ journey.
Next item of interest: we have had the ongoing works outside Scarecrow, affecting both Kitchener and Victoria St. I have to highly commend the excellent attention we have had from Sally from JFC who is their stakeholder liaison manager and Ben from Council in his capacity as project street liaison. Beyond these two great people are the ‘teams on the ground’, who have been lovely to deal with. While we are going through a very rough patch of works around Auckland Central, I can tell you that as a business and building owner, we have felt so well supported with information and care and response to our concerns. Maybe it helps that I feel very supportive of the vision to make our central city a better place: greener, quieter and more friendly to pedestrians, community and children.
I think I’ve already mentioned this, but a great place to get involved in conversation about Auckland city is through Ben van Bruggen and the project he has launched, “The Urban Room” (theurbanroom.com), which is an independent organisation who seek to empower, inform and inspire civic leadership to help make Auckland a better city, funded by folks such as Boffa Miskell, Resene etc. (they would love more patrons/ funders!). If you’re interested to engage in this critical conversation, this is a great place to start I think – Auckland has a lot of things to think about as it develops strategies around density, infrastructure, expansion, geology – so many factors. I hope people can get involved and perhaps attend the evening conversations hosted by The Urban Room.
On a much less pleasant topic, I want to tell you about an ugly situation we witnessed in Durham Lane. We had enjoyed a light meal at Mezze Bar before attending an APO concert (which in the event we didn’t go to). On exiting the restaurant, a young and well-dressed woman (maybe early 20’s) came tearing up Durham Lane in distress. Followed immediately by a group of young people, also well dressed, who began a visceral and brutal attack on this person, in front of us. All executed by 3 young women (late teens/ early twenties?). It was a truly horrible thing to witness. We have certainly seen our share of ‘crazy’ stuff in town, generally by folks who we can identify as being unwell or under the influence of some substance. However, this was a very different thing. Neighbours and staff from adjacent businesses came to lend a hand in the aftermath. A community of support gathered, and eventually the Police arrived. After the Police were there the ambulance was able to come (they do not attend where there is a violent incident until Police are there as they are suitably equipped should there be any continuing problems). This all transpired on the same evening of the morning shooting in Queen St. I feel so strongly that we must “hold onto our city” now. The news is too frequent of attacks that are violent and frightening, I believe that for our city and our lives to be better, to foster a caring and safe community, we must be there. While we were very shaken, I was also heartened by the warmth and concern of neighbours and staff. It is important to remember this. And the young people need to see it, feel it and know that the web of community is strong. I was reminded by a judge that the behaviour and decision making of young people is poor and unpredictable at a certain stage (yes, I remember that even with my own kids), and so I think we need to be strong as a community and together we can try to set the path toward a less violent, more tolerant and inclusive society.
Loving the NZIFF Whānau Mārama with so much wonderful movie making to feast our eyes, ears and minds on. It’s on until the end of the week! Try to catch a great film if you can. A friend recommended Ennio. I pass on this recommendation. Take the time to be inspired, to remember and to be in awe.
We are getting a great response to the Sunday Night Sounds at Scarecrow! Book quickly if you plan to join us (there is still space for our first night on Sunday 6 August). Email events@scarecrow.co.nz for tickets. We are planning some more exciting evening events – you can read more further down in this newsletter… so watch this space!
Finally, a recipe!
Almond & Honey Tart
Here is a recipe which I love making, and it always reminds of the classic Tarta de Santiago – an almond cake from Spain – you can find a recipe for that on Spanish Sabores (I need to make that again sometime soon…!). Think Spain – home to Seville oranges and flavourful almonds (and so much more great produce!). So I think the almond tart recipe here is a natural partner to some lightly poached orange segments (in season now!). Or just enjoy it on its own. I use Natural Almond Essence in this recipe as it’s so hard to get fresh and flavoursome almonds.
Another note – you can make this with walnuts as an alternative. Also delicious, a bolder flavour and somehow denser or richer.
Don’t panic if you don’t want to make the pastry! Buy it! I’ll include a pastry recipe for those who are keen.
Ingredients:
Creme Patissiere
150gr almond flour
100 gr sugar (raw or castor)
100 gr honey
100 gr butter
1 heaped tablespoon mascarpone or 1/2 cup whole milk
Rind of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
3 beaten eggs
1 tablespoon Natural Almond Essence
Brittle
200 gr almond slivers
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon butter
Pastry
2 cups plain flour
1 1/2 tablespoons icing sugar
120 gr unsalted, chilled butter, chopped small
Pinch of salt
1 egg lightly beaten
1 dessert spoon cold water
Method
Pastry – Put dry ingredients into a large bowl and toss together. Toss in chopped up butter and massage through until it makes ‘crumbs’. Whisk egg with little water. Make a ‘well’ in bowl and pour in egg mix. Knead pastry until a ball forms. Make sure it is evenly mixed. Put baking paper on bench, put base of tart pan on paper. Roll pastry on to the base of your tart pan. Make sure it extends beyond the base. Gently easy off paper and put base into tart mould. Trim pastry edges (not too close to top of tin). Prick with a fork. Now put baking paper over pastry, tuck it in. Put the tin into the freezer for 20 minutes. Heat oven to 175C.
Take base out of freezer, put weights onto base (leave baking paper there) and blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and take away baking paper, set aside for later.
Creme Patissiere
In a saucepan gently heat the butter, sugar and honey until sugar is dissolved. Take off heat. Cool for 5 minutes, then add mascarpone pr milk. Stir.
In empty pastry bowl beat eggs, almond essence, pinch of salt. Pour in honey mix, continue to whisk well while adding lemon juice and rind. Finally stir in the almond flour.
Pour into your tart base. Bake in oven at 160C.
Brittle
Into saucepan put almond slivers, sugar, honey and butter. Put on moderate heat. Stir continuously until the honey and sugar is caramelised. Remove from heat. You are going to put this onto the par-baked tart base. The mix needs to be warm when you do this. Don’t get burnt!
After tart has baked in oven for about 20 minutes, remove it and gently spread the almond brittle on top (use a spatula). Return to oven for another 20 minutes.
Bon appetit!
Alison
| We are super excited to unveil the new colours of Scarecrow, beautifully adorning the iconic Wikitoria building Scarecrow calls home. With the Linear Park Te Ha Noa works well underway (you’ve no doubt noticed!), we felt the time was right to refresh our look. Together with designer and friend of Scarecrow, Peter Were, we opted for tones of neighbouring Albert Park and Te Ha Noa. What a great opportunity to reflect these in our beautiful Wikitoria! We are beyond thrilled to share the result with you. Isn’t it beautiful! |
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| Not only has our exterior had a fresh makeover, pop inside Scarecrow and you’ll see our brand new coffee cups and mugs too! We absolutely love the new cup colours, even more that they tie in so beautifully with our new exterior. Plus, they’re gorgeous to sip from. Let us know what you think when you enjoy your next hot beverage with us! |
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| Sunday Night Sounds – incoming! |
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| As you may have gathered, we are just fizzing about our inaugural Sunday Night Sounds coming up this August. The very talented singer/ songwriter and Auckland local Luke Hurley is ‘one of New Zealand’s great unknown musicians’ (RNZ), and we are feeling incredibly lucky to be collaborating with him throughout August. Luke once toured with none other than Marianne Faithfull! A very humble superstar right here at Scarecrow, every Sunday evening in August from 5.30pm! Tickets are from $65 for a two-course menu and include an appetiser and a glass of Elephant Hill (Hawke’s Bay) Phant Merlot Blend. Order yours by sending an email to events@scarecrow.co.nz, and find out more here! Be quick – these nights are filling up! |
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| Here’s what we’ll be serving up all August long as part of Restaurant Month in association with Heart of the City. Be sure to book a table in advance – just give the team a call on 09 377 1333. |
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| I headed to the Food Show for the opening day. It was absolutely lovely to catch up with suppliers and research some new products and producers. People in the food industry are indeed passionate about their products and it’s heartwarming to see the wide range of items being thoughtfully and beautifully crafted. I was particularly delighted to see the quality of things such as the Ohiwa Truffles from Eastern Bay of Plenty, varieties of delicious locally grown olive oils and even boxes of Turkish Delight made using traditional recipes for a really fresh, beautiful and authentic product. Lots of other great items – I hope you’ll see some of them appearing on the Scarecrow shelves over the coming months. |
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| Scarecrow cakes and desserts |
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| On the topic of incredible food, we’ve had loads of interest lately in our whole cakes – it seems we are all craving a little comfort, and our cakes and desserts are all that and more! They work incredibly well as your go-to dinner party dessert. A Scarecrow whole cake will save you hours spent in your kitchen, freeing up time to focus on more important things. We’re also more than happy for you to take all the credit – your guests need not know you ordered in (and we won’t spill the beans)! We have chocolate options, vegan options, a super decadent cheesecake, and a tarty, silky lemon tart that will impress for sure! And more! Ask the team or send an email to orders@scarecrow.co.nz to discuss your requirements. |
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| Served by the Chef @ Scarecrow! |
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| We are super excited to launch private dining evening events at Scarecrow! Aurelien has returned from France and is now focused entirely on creating memorable dinner events for private groups of 12 or more guests at Scarecrow. Get a group together or host your next dinner party with us! Then give us a call on 09 377 1333 or email us at events@scarecrow.co.nz. We very much look forward to having you! |
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| World class photography on our doorstep |
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| After a 3-year hiatus, the World Press Photo Exhibition is currently being held in Auckland. It features the finest photojournalism and documentary photography from 6 regions worldwide, with 4 global winners ultimately selected. The photos on display are both thought-provoking and stunning, making it a world-class event definitely worth attending. You can visit Level 5 of Smith & Caughey’s Queen Street right up until 20 August to explore the exceptional talent on display – tickets are priced from $12 – $20, with proceeds benefiting charity. Try and get along if you can! |
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As promised…  |
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I confess I may not be the first person that comes to mind when you hear the words ‘football fan’…! I am however, as you know, a huge supporter of all things Auckland, and, as mentioned last newsletter, wanted to make the effort to see a FIFA Women’s World Cup match live. I was fortunate enough to get along to Eden Park last Monday to watch Italy play Argentina and be a part of the ‘football fever’ gripping Aotearoa right now. Let me tell you, the atmosphere was electric! The lights, the fans (a special shout-out to our Argentinian friends, passionate til the last  ), the chanting, cheering and general excitement, all made for one of the best Monday evenings I have had for some time! If you get the chance to go along, I absolutely encourage you to do so. Tickets are reasonably priced, and the vibe is just fabulous! |
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