THE GREAT MUSHROOM HUNT - IN SEARCH OF PORCINIS AT NEW ZEALAND'S OTAHUNA LODGE

Christchurch, NZ (10/2008) – Travelers who love the thrill of a new adventure in a far away land should check into New Zealand's Otahuna Lodge during February and March and sign up for "The Great Mushroom Hunt."

The Lodge's 30 acre grounds offer an abundance of porcini mushrooms and from February 1 – March 31, they are ripe for the pickings. Jimmy McIntyre, Executive Chef at the seven suite luxury lodge, will set the pace for "The Great Mushroom Hunt" package by leading guests on morning forage to pick the mushrooms that have emerged overnight.

Heading off toward the large oak trees on the edge of Otahuna's Daffodil Paddock, Jimmy and Otahuna's guests will hunt for mushrooms under and around the oaks. Any porcini mushrooms they find will then work their way onto that evening's five-course degustation dinner, alongside other produce from the Otahuna estate.

Not far from the location of the mushroom forage is a vegetable garden that bulges with leeks, artichokes, cabbages, tomatoes, sweet-corn, parsnips, cauliflowers you name it. Fruit is plentiful, too: berries, apples, pears, strawberries, raspberries and quince while hazelnuts and walnuts also add to Otahuna's glorious yield.
A native New Zealander, Jimmy explains, "Organically grown, Otahuna's mushrooms are indigenous to this part of the country. It's fantastic to have such an abundant supply on our doorstep and to have the freedom to decide the evening's menu just a few hours ahead of dinner."
The following morning, guests will venture out further afield on a ‘Taste Canterbury' food and wine tour, personally escorted by local award-winning food writer, Mavis Airey. Mavis will arrange for Otahuna's guests to visit a selection of Canterbury's finest wine and food producers, seeing how they work and having a chance to sample and purchase their various products. >From nearby areas such as Christchurch, the Banks Peninsula and the Waipara Valley come speciality cheeses, boutique wines and an array of artesian food providers dedicated to the very best from smoked salmon to single-flower honeys and handmade chocolates.
After returning to the Lodge following the morning's food tour, it is back with Jimmy McIntyre again but this time for an afternoon cooking lesson in the Lodge's Kitchen. The cooking class will not just demonstrate a number of mushroom recipes and particular cooking techniques but will also advise on the correct ways to prepare such a delicate ingredient in its many forms.
As with the previous night, a second five-course wine pairing dinner will be served that evening – again with a focus on mushrooms alongside other estate-grown fruits and vegetables. Expect to see choices such as a Waipara Valley Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir and Chardonnay featured.
"While both dinners will celebrate the wonderful versatility and adaptability that mushrooms bring to cooking and menus - whether as the focal part of a dish or as an enhancement to another ingredient - each five course dinner will have its own distinctive appeal. On one night we might revisit classic favorites while on the other a more contemporary spin may be given," suggests Jimmy McIntyre.
Offered from February 1- March 31, 2009, Otahuna Lodge's two night mushroom package - according to suite type and based on double occupancy - ranges from NZ$4,000-5,200 plus tax (12.5%). Rates include accommodation for two nights, daily breakfast, evening cocktails and canapés, five-course degustation dinner with wine pairings, cooking class and a ‘Taste Canterbury' food and wine tour. For further information or for reservations, contact Otahuna Lodge at 64-3-329-6333.
###
About Otahuna Lodge
Otahuna Lodge is one of New Zealand’s premier destination retreats. Re-opened on May 1, 2007 following a significant, four-month renovation undertaken by new owners, American-born Hall Cannon and Miles Refo, Otahuna Lodge is located on the South Island. Just 20 minutes from Christchurch, Otahuna features seven guest suites, a 30-acre garden, heated pool, Jacuzzi, tennis court and fitness facility with a spa treatment room. The Lodge, built in 1895, was home to leading New Zealand parliamentarian, Sir Heaton Rhodes for more than 60 years. Otahuna is regarded as the finest example of Queen Anne architecture in Australasia and is a Category 1 listed building. Otahuna Lodge is a Preferred Property of the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program.

October 20, 2008   Posted in: New Zealand