Food and drink

11:37 Jul 31, 2009 431

Much as I had planned to make this the usual Feckless Friday post, I suppose we should all think seriously about the Law Commission's Alcohol in Our Lives issues paper, and its headline proposals.

I'm intrigued to see the proposals include an age split for buying alcohol -- 18 on licensed premises, 20 for off-licence sales. I thought this seemed a good idea way back when the drinking age was lowered to 18.

I'd go further than simply proposing a lower excise tax on low-alcohol drinks -- I would oblige bars to sell them significantly cheaper than full-strength drinks. I was out recently and, mindful of the fact that I was driving home, ordered an Amstel Light at the bar. Eight bucks. That's crazy.

The reduction in the blood alcohol limit for driving to bring us in line with many other countries seems inevitable, although a differential penalty for a breach at the bottom end of the scale seems reasonable. And if you're going to make it harder for people to drive home after socialising with alcohol, it also seems reasonable to look at providing them with useful and affordable transport options.

I'm less convinced by the proposal for sharply curtailed licensing hours. As I recall, one of the problems when almost all pubs and bars closed at 11pm was that all the drunk people hit the streets at the same time. (Indeed, it would be wise not to pretend the problem of public drunkenness is new. I'm not convinced it wasn't worse when hours were limited.)

Anyway, it's laudable that the issues are up for discussion on the Commission's newish Talklaw website -- if a little bewilder at how many times I have to click to find a public comment.

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One of the best things I've bought this year was a Sodastream machine. I wish I'd done it much sooner. Although actually finding the replacement gas canisters, let alone buying a spare, can be a bit tricky, it offers the pleasure of a lightly-carbonated beverage without the waste of buying it in disposable plastic bottles.

My favourite Sodastream-sourced beverage involves the use of elderflower cordial. It's delicious, and, I am assured, positively healthy. Elderflower cordials aren't easy to find either, but there are two on show (and on sale) at the Auckland Food Show: the Aroha Drinks and the Addmore. (I would complain about Addmore's Flash welcome page, but the music's kind of groovy.)

Of particular note: Aroha's elderflower and rhubarb fizzy drink, which is amazingly delicious.

The Food Show itself doesn't seem overly troubled by the recession, although there are fewer wineries amongst the exhibitors. Stella Artois has a bar fronted by young men and women in some sort of period costume: the funniest sight of the day was walking into the men's toilet just as two of the chaps were discovering that their costumes were not compatible with the use of a urinal.

Best new convenience product? Taste of India's new range of microwaveable punnets, which includes some very tasty vegetarian curries as well as beef, lamb and chicken options. Instant rice sachets still suck, though.

Big trends? More specialty meat companies than ever.

Most delicious thing in the whole place? Patties of fresh Karamea whitebait. My only regret is that I only had one.

If you go, do look out for Noel Crawford from the Hawkes Bay company Aromatics. Not only does he sell top nomz (especially the smoked mushrooms), he's a nice bloke.

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I'm getting one of those soon-to-be-released $2000 Panansonic Freeview-DVR-Blu-Ray-recorder-YouTube-player things to play with over the weekend. Will let you know.

Meanwhile, last night's Media7 interview with TiVo CEO Tom Rogers and panel discussion with Rick Ellis, Michael Carney and Scott Bartlett is online here.

The programme also features Gary Gottleib and Karl du Fresne on legislative panic, and a Maori Language Week panel featuring Naida Glavish (the NZ tolls operator who took a stand on her right to greet callers with "kia ora" in 1984), Dr Hone Kaa and Maori Television news and current affairs head Wena Harawira.

Yes, it was a rather busy show.

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The Dim-Post's Goose Sworn in as New Opposition Leader is some classic Danyl.

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Layton Duncan of new Zealand's first iPhone developer vents, big time about Apple's race to the bottom"with the iTunes App Store:

As with many other serious iPhone developers recently, we’ve made the hard decision to kill all but one project in progress, and stop investing any resources in creating new applications. We’ll continue to sell and fully support our existing iPhone offerings, however we’re already moving to platforms which show signs of real viability.
It’s a shame, the iPhone showed so much promise, it’s such a fun technical platform to develop for, but Apple have simply setup a market in a way which kills real businesses.

Ben Gracewood agrees.

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On a happier note, the not new but still tremendously fabulous High Contrast remix of Adele's 'Hometown Glory'.

Adele covers The Strokes 'Last Night'.

And Santigold covers 'Hometown Glory', live.

A groovy Lupe Fiasco mash-up.

And some booty: I have three copies of Dimmer's new album Degrees of Existence to give away. I haven't really had time to listen to the CD since getting it, but I liked the sound of the new songs at Dimmer's King's Arms show last Friday.

The challenge is simple enough: click "Reply" to enter by email (or click the little envelope icon next to my name in the discussion below if you're reading this in System): name another member of Dimmer, and put that answer in the subject line of your email.

PS: See those new small ads to the left of the page? It's a test for a new small-ads service via the ffunnell network. The ads can be geo-targeted at different parts of the country, and the CPM rate will be affordable. The current crop are going out free -- we also extended the offer to IMNZ members, and they came up with some nice creative for us. I'm hopeful that we can give local music labels and artists a really useful advertising solution. In the meantime, feel free to click on those ads.

431 responses to this post

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Craig Ranapia, 11:45 Jul 31, 2009

The programme also features Gary Gottleib and Karl du Fresne on legislative panic
Was it just me, or were those two not their usual 'lively as carelessly disposing of a cigarette butt in a fireworks factory' selves?

North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report
Michael Stevens, 11:48 Jul 31, 2009

Was it just me or did Geoffrey Palmer sound like a grumpy old grandpa who had no idea what the kids were up to? I suppose he does live within a cocoon of privilege, but really, is the drunkeness on our streets that surprising if you['ve had your eyes open for the last few decades?

Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 230 posts Report
mark taslov, 11:52 Jul 31, 2009

agreed, it's like trying to solve the problem by treating the symptoms.

Te Ika-a-Māui • Since Mar 2008 • 2281 posts Report
Karen White, 11:53 Jul 31, 2009

Completely OT. But sad news - artist Julian Dashper passed away yesterday.
http://blog.tepapa.govt.nz/2009/07/30/julian-dashper/

Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 79 posts Report
Russell Brown, 11:53 Jul 31, 2009

I suppose he does live within a cocoon of privilege, but really, is the drunkeness on our streets that surprising if you've had your eyes open for the last few decades?
I'm told it was far worse in the days of six o'clock closing.

Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report
Tony Parker, 11:55 Jul 31, 2009

I gotta say Russell your tweets from the food festival throughout the day were making me somewhat peckish and made my lettuce,cheese and vegemite sandwich for lunch a tad unappetising.

Napier • Since Nov 2008 • 232 posts Report
MikeE, 12:08 Jul 31, 2009

2am closing and kiss goodbye to any decent gigs with decent internationals.

Washington DC • Since Nov 2006 • 138 posts Report
Craig Ranapia, 12:19 Jul 31, 2009

I'm told it was far worse in the days of six o'clock closing.
You mean swilling a whole night's worth of piss in half an hour is not guaranteed to end well? I bracing myself to get under the headline items, but there's a rather distasteful air of 'get off my fucking lawn you disrespectful shitbag kids' settling in already. Of course, nice middle-class middle-aged people don't drink and drive, make noxious cocks of themselves in public, bash their lippy bitches or anything else nasty when pissed...

North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report
Tom Semmens, 12:21 Jul 31, 2009

Was it just me or did Geoffrey Palmer sound like a grumpy old grandpa who had no idea what the kids were up to?
Snap! I was about to post the same thing. I was waiting for him to declare that it was shocking to see a young woman's ankle, deliberately flaunted!
His fuddy duddyness has a serious side though, because it indicate he is completely out of touch with modern society - which is dangerous considering he is charged with making suggestions on our liquor laws.
But I like the age split, it makes a lot of sense. I would also re-impose a ban on supermarket/superette liquor sales and restrict off-licence hours. But closing hours? 2am? I only go to town after eleven!

Sevilla, Espana • Since Nov 2006 • 2217 posts Report
Craig Ranapia, 12:23 Jul 31, 2009

Was it just me or did Geoffrey Palmer sound like a grumpy old grandpa who had no idea what the kids were up to?
I suspect it's more that Sir Geoffrey is out of practice when it come to dealing with people who don't automatically kiss the hem of his robe, and it makes him rather tense.

North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report
Josh Addison, 12:26 Jul 31, 2009

2am closing and kiss goodbye to any decent gigs with decent internationals.
I dunno - I was interested to see that most gigs in London (decent or otherwise) finish by 11 so everyone can get the tubes home.

Onehunga, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 298 posts Report
Ian MacKay, 12:29 Jul 31, 2009

Six o'clock closing was daft but there was only a few drunks visible staggering home after 6. Some would be carrying bowling bags with a couple of half gallon jars of draght beer to tide them over. There certainly weren't any number of young or old hooning it up late at night. Should we return to 6 o'clock closing? Certainly not. Should there be all night opening? Don't think that this is a good thing. There is a hell of a lot of downsides to over the top drinking- everyone knows this but how do you change the trend? Umm

Bleheim • Since Nov 2006 • 498 posts Report
dc_red, 12:36 Jul 31, 2009

From yer Dimpost:
Before entering Parliament Tiberius lived on a fruit orchard near Otaki, where his duties included eating algea and protecting a blueberry patch from sparrows. He also served on the Board of Directors for Meridian Energy.
As if such representatives of the rural sector aren't already over-represented in the Gummint. It's an outrage, it is.

Oil Patch, Alberta • Since Nov 2006 • 706 posts Report
Joe Wylie, 12:36 Jul 31, 2009

I suspect it's more that Sir Geoffrey is out of practice when it come to dealing with people who don't automatically kiss the hem of his robe, and it makes him rather tense.
I think it was Denis Welch who said that the best thing about Mike Moore's rolling of Palmer in 1990 was that the country had been saved from a Labour election campaign that would have resembled a series of royal visits.

flat earth • Since Jan 2007 • 4593 posts Report
dc_red, 12:39 Jul 31, 2009

I'm at a loss to know how it's any of Sir Geoffrey's business if I want to go out drinking at 3am. Now, Mrs_Red on the other hand...

Oil Patch, Alberta • Since Nov 2006 • 706 posts Report
Mark Easterbrook, 12:39 Jul 31, 2009

We could always license drinkers instead of outlets...and have automated doors that only let micro-chipped, licensed drinkers in.
You'd report to the testing station when you turn 18, knock back a dozen RTDs, then they'd monitor your behaviour and interview you on a range of topics.
If you didn't come across as too much of a dick, you'd pass. I you wet your pants, punched someone, fell asleep, or voiced your support for ACT, you'd be stood down for a year before you could try again.

Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 265 posts Report
Craig Ranapia, 12:43 Jul 31, 2009

While spanking Geoffrey's patrician arse is all very fun, I've got a whacky proposal: How about properly enforcing the laws we already have on the books. I've asked this before, but how badly do you have to flout the laws we've already got (i.e. concerning serving intoxicated persons) before you lose you liquor license?

North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report
Simon Grigg, 12:44 Jul 31, 2009

I'm told it was far worse in the days of six o'clock closing.
I owned a busy licensed venue which was trading during the transition from 3am closing to 24 hour licensing. When the law changed we rushed out to get our extension (I think it was about 94) and were given a 24 hour license without much problem as we were told we were on a well-behaved list kept by the police and licensing folks. We decided to go to 6am nightly (and no more) and rubbed our hands in glee at the idea of all that extra turnover.
The problem for most clubs is that they need to do a whole week's business in two nights a week (Weds and Thurs are simply hit and miss and often don't break even but you have to do them to remain credible with your crowd), so to be able to extend that bill paying window from 8 hours a week to 14 hours a week was very attractive.
But the reality was that the bar take simply didn't change much...people came out later, and stayed longer but drank the same. Where we made money was by getting more people wandering through and paying the door charge but it was minimal compared to the wage bill.
But it was very much a more controllable, more pleasant crowd who had longer to drink pretty much the same amount and it meant you were offering a pretty decent value for the dollars paid on the door which made people happier to pay it. It made our lives easier.
Of course none of this did anything to prevent the real drunkeness that plagued (and still plagues) Auckland's CBD...the after work power drinkers who roam the inner city legless by 9pm

Just another klong... • Since Nov 2006 • 3284 posts Report
Brickley Paiste, 12:45 Jul 31, 2009

Best new convenience product? Taste of India's new range of microwaveable punnets, which includes some very tasty vegetarian curries as well as beef, lamb and chicken options. Instant rice sachets still suck, though.
This is why the Food Show blows. Most of the stuff being sold isn't food however loosely one defines it.

Since Mar 2009 • 164 posts Report
Emma Hart, 12:45 Jul 31, 2009

Six o'clock closing was daft but there was only a few drunks visible staggering home after 6.
I'm not saying these things are related, but last year my mother walked me through a verbal tour of the pubs of Timaru and where which groups went to drink after hours. She and her naval fiance drank in the same pub the cops frequented.

Christchurch • Since Nov 2006 • 4651 posts Report
David Slack, 12:51 Jul 31, 2009

Haven't read the whole report yet. I'll write something once I have, but in the meantime, some observations about my old boss.
He's not being at all prescriptive. The whole tone of the report is to invite debate, with these ideas as starting points.
Secondly, I understand the impression people get of someone out of touch, but he's not. He's a decent, fair-minded man, who is not in the least lofty away from a microphone. He also likes a drink.
Third, spend a bit of time at A and E tonight - or in a cop car - if you want to see what he's getting at.

Devonport • Since Nov 2006 • 599 posts Report
Stewart, 12:53 Jul 31, 2009

I have hazy recollections of very different crowds at The Hydro and at The Grosvenor back in the early/mid 70's, but that's the full extent of my Timaru drinking. (Apart from the time I was stranded in Timaru after sneaking out for a wee kip and all the others went back to Twizel in the van without bothering to find/wake me. I forget what hotel we were staying in...)

Te Ika A Maui - Whakatane… • Since Oct 2008 • 577 posts Report
Russell Brown, 12:54 Jul 31, 2009

This is why the Food Show blows. Most of the stuff being sold isn't food however loosely one defines it.
I would debate that, although it's true that fresh fruit and vegetables don't fit the format (I'm looking forward to the Grey Lynn farmer's market for that).
I like to cook, but sometimes I don't have the time or energy, so good-quality convenience foods do interest me. A good dahl that I can pop in the microwave for lunch suits me well.
Ditto the array of sauces and seasonings at the Food Show. The new Furikake kelp seasonings by Pacific Harvest are very nice.

Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report
Robyn Gallagher, 12:59 Jul 31, 2009

One of the best things I've bought this year was a Sodastream machine.
Have you tried putting milk through it? Go on, do it. Now. More fun than Mentos and Diet Coke.
Also, elderflower cordial is magical.

Since Nov 2006 • 1946 posts Report
Kebabette, 13:00 Jul 31, 2009

I was just pleased to see Geoffrey Palmer back, since my uni days he's been my favourite politician. A gent & a scholar.
I bought a soda stream to make soda water, but one of my faves is to add Buderim Ginger refresher. It's not too sweet and hey presto your own gingery beer type concoction. Elderflower sounds lovely too though, will have to give that a go.
Ta for the music too. I've been enjoying the new Manics album Journal for Plague Lovers. For anyone who felt The Holy Bible was their meisterwork, it's a brilliant Kapow! from Nicky Wire & crew.

Christchurch • Since Feb 2007 • 221 posts Report