pH meter

[boothrf]

   And we Aussies like to think of NZ as our 8th State!  Ha ha!

[Shazah]

I don't mind being mistaken for an Aussie when I'm overseas, and we're used to you guys trying to steal our thunder when it comes to our good musicians and famous actors, but you simply can't claim the Pavlova as Australian.  . It's 'Kiwi as'

Rugby Union coach - how's he working out for you??? Lol

[masha1]

Shaza
Let me know if you have problems with sourcing buffer solution. I may be able to get some contacts through work as we use them quite a bit in the labs

[boothrf]

Ha ha very funny Shazah. And, yes, you can have your coach back!

By the way, if you want to see a game of real football, the AFL is scheduling a game in Wellington next season! 

I'll let you have some of the actors and musicians, but NOT THE PAVLOVA!!!!!!!

[Shazah]

Thanks masha1, I may have to take you up on that offer.

I saw some on TradeMe earlier and thought I'd buy it once my ExStik arrived but when I checked today, I now can't find it.  That will teach me for not saving it.  I've got a couple of weeks yet before it's due so I'll keep my eyes peeled.

Bob, when we were in Melbourne recently we spent a lovely day roaming through the Yarra Vally visiting breweries (for my bloke) and cheesing around for me.  Healesville had a great cheese shop and the blokes checked out the brewery.  We had lunch there but also had a lovely cheese platter at Yarra Valley Dairy.  It was a great way to spend the day.

I wish I had timed my trip a little better otherwise I would have made sure to be there when the Cheese Show was on.  That's on my agenda for next year, as is a tour around Tasmania, which seems to have become a real foodies paradise.

[Tomer1]

Yeah I meant Australia. Wasnt aware of the fact that NZ is a great of islands?  I hope to visit someday and find out for myself

[Shazah]

Tomer1 you will love it 'Down Under'. (that covers both Australia and New Zealand) lol

Come in the summer and you'll get to experience the best of both countries, unless you're into skiing, then you will definitely want to visit in the winter.

[boothrf]

Hey Shazah, I live not far from the Yarra Valley in West Gippsland. The Yarra Valley is beautiful, fantastic wine and gourmet foods. I love Healesville too, we often pass through there when we head north. They have a great fresh pasta pasta shop too. I haven't been to the cheese shop so must try it out.  I visited the Yarra Valley Dairy a few weeks ago, very nice shop and some lovely cheeses. Their persian fetta is divine! Not really a big fan of goats cheese though I must admit.

I am visiting Tasmania a lot at the moment with work, and lucky enough to be doing some contract work in a large cheese factory there! There is so much great food down there. From seafood (salmon, trout, lobster, oysters and salt water fish) to beautiful beef, chocolates, honey, berries, wine and of course the cheese! You should definitely visit sometime, not just Hobart, make a drive up the east coast and then across to Launceston and you will be amazed at the gourmet delights.

I'd like to visit NZ again sometime, is there much artisan cheesemaking happening there now?

[Shazah]

Hi Bob

I used to be married to a Tasmanian so I visited there often and have seen most of the Apple Isle.  I haven't been back for 15 years but I know it has changed alot since then and I'm keen to experience all of their culinary delights, but especially the cheese.  I'm a big fan of the Gourmet Farmer and his mates at the Salamanca (sp?) market.

We have a huge number of artisan cheese makers, from North to South, who are developing a great name for themselves.  Any trip out of town always has to include some cheesing, so I get to sample their wares from all over.  Let me know if you want some info. for your next excuse for a cheese odyssey holiday.

[boothrf]

Thanks Shazah, I'll keep that in mind when I plan a visit. Nothing on the horizon yet, but who knows.

It sounds like you have lots of artisan cheesemakers in action, more than we have here. I can only think of maybe 5 or 6 in Victoria maximum, and only a couple in Tasmania, and these are our Dairy heartlands.