Pass the Salt

I spent last week scouting out local produce in Christchurch and beyond. I met some wonderful people: farmers raising ducks, organic chickens and pheasants; a goat cheese maker with a happy herd of goats and a great range of cheese, a walnut grower, a veggie grower and a traditional market gardener with glasshouses on the hill behind Lyttelton.

I’m back at my desk in Wellington and I’ve been writing up my research notes wondering if those glasshouses are still standing. Most of the food heroes I met spoke of the tough trading conditions following the last quake; most of them had suffered damage to their homes. All were hopeful they’d been through the worst.

I found a wonderful café and coffee roaster in Lyttelton. The coffee was good and the staff were friendly. I ordered bacon and eggs and took a couple of photos before I left. Does anyone know if  The Lyttelton Coffee Company survived the shaking that reportedly destroyed or damaged 60% of London St?

Lyttelton Coffee Co.

This café was one of many Christchurch eateries profiled in the latest issue of Australian Gourmet Traveller. The upbeat feature by Kendall Hill is titled ‘Christchurch is Risen’. It’s heartbreaking.