The government seems to be increasingly allowing us to Ramble, something this President likes to do. There are currently no Presidential plans to Ramble anything more than domestically, though I would like to pop over to Tasmania now we have a bubble and the first direct flights in I can’t remember how many years. Then there is also a bit of me that would like to see Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. In the meantime, last weekend I visited Rotorua and had a wonderful time, even when I fell off my bike in the forest; sore hips, cuts and bruises and all.
One thing my latest trip to Rotorua has resulted in is a re-evaluation of my favourite Bakery; miracles do happen! For many years now I have claimed it to be Viands Bakery in Kihikihi and Te Awamutu too. Though I have had other favourites too, such as Bay Bakery in Whitianga for Donuts, the bakeries in both Pauanui and Kaikoura for Chelsea Buns, a few scattered around Auckland for various items, such as Julias Bakery in Ellerslie for Steak and Mushroom pies and another favourite Donut stop is Saigon Pasadena Bakery near Western Springs. My favourite Cronut, yes that delicate mix of Croissant and Donut, for about the last three years has been Ciabatta Bakery in Rotorua. I have also previously had their lunch meals too.
On this occasion I introduced Mandy, Jasmine and Jessica to the establishment. The fact that although it is found in neither a suburban area nor the shopping centre, it was a good sign that there were crowds of people, difficult parking and queues in an otherwise generally empty Saturday morning industrial area. People must travel to it; clearly an indicator that it is worth it. Another good sign is that it is next door to the official Peugeot service centre, fortunately a location we did not have to visit. The 308 behaved 😊. We were all so impressed with our lunches, 2 x Hammie, a Smokie and a Veggie, that we decided to return the next day. I had the Veggie, the perfect combination of chilli beans, hummus, sour cream and cheese, you can go to their website to find out what the others are – https://www.ciabattabakery.co.nz/lunch-menu.html.
To add to these takeaway lunches we had a couple of very good coffees, me with my usual Mocha and Mandy the Cappuccino and followed these down with Cronuts for morning tea. Absolutely superb, so good in fact that we changed our plan on going to another bakery on Sunday and decided to return, only to find they were shut Sundays, what a disappointment – another trip to Rotorua beckons!
In the meantime we have a coming event to organise, the annual Bastille Day celebration with Citroen, (details to follow) We are still trying to arrange it, but it may end up being a week or two late this year.
What I would like to know, is who is going to join me at Caffeine and Classics on the 30th of this month?
I would love a call 09 638 9421, 0274905336 or an email brentdruskovich@gmail.com to let me know you are going to join me. It would be good, well in fact fantastic if we could get a few Peugeots there together. Remember we will assemble at 8.30am at Karaka Street in Takapuna and then proceed in convoy. Join me for a coffee, chat and a gander at all sorts of autos.
John Cooney is also on a need to know basis on whether you will join us for the meal and trivia night at the Horse and Trap in Mt Eden – ph 021 686 191.- or coanna@xtra.co.nz to confirm your spot. We are going on Tuesday 8th June, you will need to let John know no later than the 1st and preferably earlier so we can book tables. They usually turn people away it is that popular.
Then before you know it we will be into the end of our year (30 June), the AGM beckons on August 8th, I already have a plan to go to Ciabatta between now and then.
Brent
PS The committee is in the middle of negotiations with the bank to find out how we will operate without cheques. We may even need to change our Constitution as currently two signatures are required as a security measure.