Where there smoke there is fire !

Tell me how do the Mapua School PTA score these amazing speakers for their annual Garden Gala Evening fundraiser?   What's your secret Ladies?  First they had Lynda, then last year they had Jack Hobbs and this year they've convinced Chris Fortune to come and speak. 

Now Chris, for those of you who don't know him, is a man who can cook and as if that is not enough to recommend him he also gardens, he writes great books about food, he is the current Chairperson of Farmers Markets NZ, is actively involved in the Slow Food movement and has chef'ed in some very swanky restaurants around the world.   Together with his wife Tina, he is currently raising his young family in Marlborough and has more projects on the go than you can shake a stick at.

Chris is a vibrant and entertaining speaker.    He is passionate about food and life and well worth missing Monday night Shortland St. to come out and listen to.

He will be taking us "from garden to plate" and if his latest book on food smoking is anything to go by, be prepared to  have your culinary repetoire expanded.   Chris has a flair for food that is special but doable at home.  His cookbooks are like having a chef over your shoulder.

If you want to know more about Chris before shelling out $25 on a ticket to spend an evening with him then I recommend you visit his website -www.chrisfortune.co.nz

But wait, there's more.  Not only do you get an evening with Chris.  You'll also get a glass of wine, cider or juice and some yummy nibbles, a goodie bag, coffee and cake afterwards and a great silet auction where local folks have donated their goods and their skills.     We've donated a fondue and cheesemaking evening with me at my house and the other donations are equally interesting I can tell you.

Tickets available from all good retailers including, Baku, Jester House, Tessa Mae's, us and the Mapua School.   As with previous years they will sell out so be in quick. 

All of the proceeds from the evening go to the Mapua School so have I convinced you yet?   Monday night in the brand new Hills Community Church on Aranui Road, Mapua.  Doors open at 6.30pm.    Tickets $25.00 at the retailers above.   Buy one, get another one at the same price.   Bring Him too - Chris is a man's man.   He'll enjoy it and get some new tips to rule the BBQ this summer.