Just recently I had some old friends come and stay for a week. It was really cool to have them as I hadn't seen them for many years. Equally there was none of that awkwardness that can occur; they just fitted into my household as if they always belonged. This is a reasonable big ask, as my household is continuously in a state of flux and full-on.
Ian back in Auckland is a brewer. He always use to make his own beer, and finally got his dream job as a brewer for a boutique Brewery / café. Galbraiths Ale House Because of his interest and contacts we had planned to visit a small brewery / café out in the countryside. The owners had recently visited his brewing in Auckland. So on a lovely spring day six of us packed into the car and went to find Brew Moon Café. After a 40min drive in the country, we found this hidden treasure. From the road it gave no hint of the pleasures to await us inside.
Of course the first things we did was taste some of the product. I personally liked their light beer the best. While the two men had a tour and long chat, re the technicalities of brewing, Jean, the kids and I discovered the café's hidden garden. Past the inside bar and tables was this lovely two-part outside section. One part was semi enclosed within a pergola, sporting an outdoor gas heater, and a formal garden. Beyond this was the other half, which was our favorite. Here it was enclosed for privacy and wind protection by a fence but otherwise open to the elements. Amongst the cottage plants and under flowering vines and trees were rough sawn tables and benches. Candles would light the way at night, along pebbled paths.
It was an ideal setting to sup our beers and, read cuisine or home magazines, while the kids ran around. Lunch was an equally pleasant surprise. The special for the day was a Seafood Chowder. This went lovely with the garlic bread and beers. My daughter who has a sweet tooth chose instead custard square. Wow; this was so big even she couldn't finish it.
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