05 Nov A two-wheeled revolution, and the Snail of Approval Award goes to Scarecrow!
A few weeks ago I was contacted by Anutosh from the Slow Food Movement Auckland. She revealed that Scarecrow was being considered to be a recipient of one of their inaugural Snail Food Awards. I was really humbled. Here we are, ‘six years old’ in the hospitality industry, barely out of Hospo nappies! When we set forth on our mini campaign to influence the way people live, shop and connect in the city centre we truly had no idea of the hurdles, hoops and pot-holes in this industry. But we had a vision, and a group of extraordinarily capable people around us to help steer our way, to execute the vision and to embrace our community. It’s a privilege to have been nominated and now to be awardees. Amongst other Snail Food Award recipients are many of our suppliers: Earthbound Honey, Brick Bay Wines, Clevedon Buffalo, Curious Croppers, Foundry Chocolate and we are so proud to be associated with all of these enterprises. We know we are a small cog in a big movement of people who recognise that we need to change the way we operate in our world. There are so many people doing great work in this space, it gives me hope.
So here’s a revolution you can start too: The Shopping “Revolution” – 2 wheels and 2 legs beats 4 wheels anytime! You already know we are passionate about LOCAL. While there is a palpable consciousness about supporting local, it is frequently focused on supporting local producers and artisans (which we absolutely applaud), however there is another aspect which we think is critical to LOCAL – that is LIVING locally. Certainly COVID has really given us all a jolt in that direction, but this premise has always been a cornerstone of Scarecrow. And that’s where we think 2 little wheels might be the most revolutionary gift you can give this festive season – a gift for yourself or to a friend…but mostly for the earth! Replace those 4 wheels we use (with so little reflection!) for 2 wheels on a shopping caddie (or trolley) and your 2 legs. Walk to your local provisioners. Greet your local community on the way and get a bit of exercise. Fill up the caddie and stroll home without the strain of a heavy bag or lifting weighty shopping in and out of a vehicle. It is truly a wee wheel revolution because, as we all know, changing the world starts at home – step by step! If you think the shopping caddie is for ‘old ladies’ then let’s be clear that our grandmothers were right all along about quite a lot of simple living principles. Time to ‘re-trend’ yet another thing we disposed of too quickly and without appreciating its impact. I’m getting in a few of these 2 wheel wonders for you…look out for them! Oh, I discovered the joy of a shopping caddie when I lived in Paris…it was ‘de rigueur’, and I use one to this day!
Alison
P.S. Don’t miss Thursday’s wine tasting at Scarecrow Grocer with Heron’s Flight – see invitation below!
New! Scarecrow Weekend Flower Markets
With an abundance of summer blooms at our fingertips, and more than enough reasons to treat ourselves, Scarecrow has launched Weekend Flower Markets. Come along to Scarecrow in the City every Friday; find us at the Central City Market in Freyberg Square from 8.30am on Saturday mornings; and if you’re in or around Mt Eden all day Saturday you can visit Scarecrow Grocer for Market Fresh premium NZ flowers at wholesale prices. For city dwellers, BYO reusable cup and redeem a free filter coffee with every ‘flowers’ purchase at our Friday market! If you can’t get along in person, order blooms through our online store, and we’ll deliver!
Snail of Approval – Scarecrow celebrates!
Scarecrow was honoured last week to be one of 14 inaugural recipients of the Snail of Approval, in association with Slow Food Auckland. The internationally-recognised Snail of Approval programme celebrates locally grown and produced food that is good, clean and fair, and inspires food businesses to embrace Slow food principles by recognising their intent and effort (rather than perfection). It connects conscious consumers with recipients by providing assurance their food is ethical.
Scarecrow Grocer Wine Tasting with Heron’s Flight…
Our wine tasting evenings just get better and better! Every second Thursday at Scarecrow Grocer, 811 Mt Eden Road, our charming little store hosts wine lovers from Mt Eden and beyond. This Thursday, we’re delighted to welcome David Hoskins from Heron’s Flight Vineyard in Matakana. Heron’s Flight is one of only a few vineyards in New Zealand to specialise in the Italian varieties Sangiovese and Dolcetto. We look forward to David taking us through the Heron’s Flight story & the Dolcetto & Volare wines with you on Thursday. Spaces are limited so do RSVP at your earliest convenience; we don’t want you to miss out!
Christmas gifts…
Our clever team of florists have put together the most beautiful solution for end of year gifts. The Scarecrow Festive Table Arrangement, available in either red or white with complementary handmade Stollen is the perfect thing for dance teachers, school teachers, yoga teachers, friends, lovers, colleagues, bosses, your neighbour or grandmother! A lush, foraged, humble and elegant design delivered either in a square box, or a beautiful moss terra cotta pot. Ask about these in store!
Catch us over at Concrete Playground…
“Following on from the success of its flagship store in the heart of the city, urban farmers market Scarecrow now has a second location in Mount Eden to spread its love of locally-sourced ingredients and produce. The store initially opened as a pop-up in 2014 after owners Alison and Paul Dyson found it difficult to source good quality and ethical produce in one place. Six years on and they are still building on that goal to showcase Auckland’s regional artisan producers and lessen their environmental footprint.
Scarecrow Has Opened an Organic Grocery Store and Off-Licence in Mount Eden – Concrete Playground
Thank you…
Without you, none of what we are doing would be possible. At the risk of repetition, we are truly grateful for the love you continue to show both Scarecrow in the City, and our new baby Scarecrow Grocer (which we’d love you to review if you can!). Our new Friday and Saturday Flower Markets have been inundated with support, you’re loving our Gift Baskets, and saving precious time by popping our Ready Meals into the oven each night. All of it makes a huge difference to us; and we are so very appreciative. Please continue to tell your friends and neighbours about Scarecrow – we aim to be your one stop, ethical supplier of all things good & steadfast supporter of NZ’s wonderful small producers. #livelocal