08 Aug The Little Nation That Could – August 2021
I was recently out to dinner with dear friends at the relaxed and elegant ‘Homeland’ in Westhaven. Over a delicious shared salmon roasted ‘à la unilateral’ our conversations ranged from the newly minted crop of mega wealthy “aspiring astronauts” (are their efforts really contributing to the advancement of humanity or are they just squandering our resources?) to the international tax systems that failed to limit unchecked mega-wealth). Finding no simple answers to these and other perennially tough topics we swung our attention to the extraordinary accomplishments of ‘our’ NZ athletes, above all the efforts of the mythically “Amazonian” NZ wāhine participating in the Olympics. I’m confident many of you have had similar dinner table conversations over the last couple of weeks. It is compelling viewing and aren’t we staggered at the tenacity of these athletes who have dedicated themselves, and harnessed the support of their families, to accomplish phenomenal results in a few, short moments of sporting glory. And for our small nation, they have blanketed us in a glow of glory and euphoria that will linger in the air for a very, very long time. It filters through our psyche as a nation. What we dare to do. How we believe we can. Size isn’t everything! Indeed, we are the ‘Little Nation that Could’; and perhaps it is this fairytale version of ourselves that serves us best. Where we conjure a truth beyond the limitations of time, place, limited resources and a host of other adversities, and still find a way forward to success. Not every time of course. But we know it is possible. Perhaps most notably, with a truly humble and inclusive attitude that seems to be a hallmark of NZ endeavour, certainly a hallmark of our athletes. Thank you to all our sports women and men and their teams who have supported them. In a gruelling time in our world you have brought us dreams, optimism and enormous pride.
And all this brings me full-circle back to Homeland. What is it that drives an internationally-celebrated kiwi chef such as Peter Gordon to rekindle his passions at home? I can only imagine it is the very things that drive us all to conquer the world we can excel in and then return to this, our very precious homeland and harvest its treasures to share amongst the many accomplished people who feel just like us!
August Restaurant Month has begun with a bang for Scarecrow! We are loving having new guests joining us for this special menu, it’s going down a treat! Don’t miss out, book now for lunch (hush – don’t tell anyone, it’s a vegan 3 course menu…).
Bon appétit,
Alison
Fran’s Fromage Favourite
We trust our Fran to pick out the best of the best from the Scarecrow Grocer range. Today Fran has selected one of her favourite cheeses from the Mahoe Farmhouse Cheese range. Handmade in the Bay of Islands since 1986, Mahoe cheese is made from milk from their mixed breed of cows that graze on the farmland surrounding the cheesery. Fran says: Mahoe blue – what an amazing cheese! Sprinkle it over your salads and pasta; I also love to have it in a cheese platter accompanied with a Syrah from Waiheke Island. Lucky you, we have both in our store! ????
Good gut health with Wild Fermentary
We are loving our brand new kefir range from the Wild Fermentary, from the wāhine behind the award-winning Clevedon fermentary. Reconnect with the natural world and nourish your earth-suit (and Mother Earth) with natural, small batch ferments – kraut, kimchi, kefir and kvass soda. All WF ferments are exploding with goodness and wild botanicals, supporting optimal gut health. Talk to the team in store at Scarecrow Grocer, 811 Mount Eden Road. We are huge fans! Come and talk to one of the team today!
Scarecrow & 95bFM
Scarecrow is delighted to sponsor 95bFM’s Sustaining Alive segment with eco-expert & activist Rita Steel every Monday on the Drive Show with Jonny & Big Hungry. Each week these 3 have interesting discussions about environmental issues, hot topics & community happenings regarding sustainability. Listen to one of their recent discussions here. And every Monday there is a fabulous Scarecrow weekly giveaway up for grabs, so make sure you’re tuned in for topical chats & the chance to win, with Scarecrow & 95bFM!
In the Arts: What the Quiz?!
We love supporting local creatives! Put your general knowledge to the test at What the Quiz is This?! next Tuesday 17 August at Basement Theatre. The absolutely fabulous Nomi Cohen has devised this interactive show complete with song, dance & signature pizazz. Check her out! Pictured here with Scarecrow’s first prize hamper which one lucky team will take away as first prize on the night. We encourage you to support our wonderful artists, and grab your tickets now for what promises to be a fun-filled show!
New to the Scarecrow Cellar!
We’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Peacock Sky’s Pure Franc 2014 so you can add this to your cellar too – or drink it straight away with friends. A pure, single varietal wine from estate grown fruit, with notes of raspberries, cassis, liquorice and violets with a hint of pepper, accented by sweet and smoky oak. Come into the Scarecrow Cellar at 811 Mt Eden Road, and fill your wine boots! And don’t forget our Cellar Special of the Month for August: Millton Florist Rose at just $23.50 a bottle from Scarecrow Grocer, and online too! Also discounted by the glass & bottle when enjoying a meal at Scarecrow in the city. Talk to the team! Remember, get 5% off if you purchase 6 or more bottles from the cellar! *Does not apply to wines already discounted.
Fairtrade Fortnight: 6-19 Aug
Fairtrade Fortnight is an annual celebration of people, including farmers and families, who are working to make the world fairer. It’s a great time to reflect on the power of our choices to create a better future for the planet and its people. Fairtrade is 50% owned by producers, who are protected by two main concepts: the Fairtrade minimum price and the Fairtrade Premium. Scarecrow is honoured to work with Kokako Organic Coffee, who has been sourcing & roasting certified Fairtrade coffee for 12 years now, helping us all to consume more consciously. Read more about Fairtrade NZ here.
Scarecrow Flowers for any occasion…
As we inch closer to spring, our florist Jane is getting creative with the new season’s blooms beginning to appear. Next time you’re visiting Scarecrow Grocer, be sure to ask the team about the Scarecrow Flowers workshop, always brimming with premium NZ grown seasonal blooms, located just behind the store. We guarantee you’ll be charmed by the set-up, and impressed by the sheer scope of Jane’s flower knowledge. Next time you need flowers, choose Scarecrow Flowers. Call 09 377 1333 ext 4 to speak to the florist, order online, or pop in store at 811 Mt Eden Rd.
$40 Posies In Store!
$40 Scarecrow in-store posies are the perfect gesture as a gift or to liven up your work/ home space. Quite simply unbeatable value, quality & always available at Scarecrow in the City and Scarecrow Grocer.