Foraging plays a big part of what we do, it creates a direct link from nature to the kitchen and also opens up a range of ingredients that would not otherwise be available.
Ashers thoughts
Why Sidney George?
When looking for a name to cover the group I needed to find something that truly represented my take on NZ food and also had a personal connection, the venues are a little piece of me they are a reflection of who I am and the direction I want to see the hospitality industry heading.
For a long time, iv stated that I see modern New Zealand food as a product of our immigrant based population and the products this land produces. So what better names to have as a reference point than a farmer and an immigrant?
And that personal connection? George Perry and Sidney Boote just happen to be my grandfathers and the people from where my middle names are drawn.
George Perry (Poppa)
Poppa
Born in north London, joined the merchant navy with false documentation that belied his youth and sailed the world, unfortunately, one vessel he crewed was in massive disrepair and he, along with other crew choose to jump ship off the coast of New Zealand, while this did lead to a period of incarceration for subordination it did land him in his new home. George went on to a career at the Kinleath mill in Tokoroa. While New Zealand wasn't his place of birth or education you wouldn't meet anyone prouder to call himself a kiwi. If you asked any to describe George you'd more than likely hear the words kind, intelligent and determined.
When I think of George two main things come to mind
1. He was a prolific gardener and items from the garden were often in the kitchen, including a couple of rather spicy preserves.
2. A bright blue bike. For a birthday, probably my fifth or so he took a beat up old hand me down bike and turned it into one far superior to one that could be purchased (at least in my mind), I learnt to ride on that bike. You never forget how to ride a bike and ill forever remember the ability of my Popper to turn the unloved into something beautiful.
Sidney Boote (Pa)
Pa on the right and me looking about as cute and innocent as I ever will.
I spent less time with Sid, my image of him is more defined by stories of others and even these are limited
In fact, my main memory of his place was of a sheep that had a penchant for eating apples and headbutting small children.
He grew up in Tokomaru, went into forestry around Tokoroa (where he must have gained some sort of reputation, for there's a road named Boote there now)
Sid saved up enough to buy a farm near Waotu where he worked, and worked, and worked.
In other words he was a tough old bugger who just got on with what he did, just like so many of those who have worked the land of my country and helped shape what it is today, figuratively and literally.