Life In Lockdown - The Poi Room Ltd

We are now shipping all online orders & our Gallery Showrooms will be open for Click n' Collect. Newmarket will be open from 10:00am - 04:00pm & Ponsonby will be open from 10:00am -03:00pm. Thank you for your patience & support throughout Level 4! Noho Ora Mai // Stay Safe

behind the scenes

Life In Lockdown

Life In Lockdown

Well, we Aucklanders have had it pretty tough! This is our 5th Lockdown, but we're keeping the spirits high & the hopes to go down a level even higher. Take care of yourselves during this time Aotearoa! Kia Kaha // Stay Strong.

We thought we would show you all what some of our staff have been up to during Lockdown! It's been fun catching up on Zoom & hearing all about it.

Here is what Ponsonby Manager, Megan, has been up to ...
"Firstly my gorgeous Silver Persian Chinchilla cat Luna, a runaway chicken that I found her Mum using face book, coffee made on our fab new coffee machine, A booty of gorgeousness in cup form all from The Poi Room, 3 ingredient lemonade scones, a fresh gallery wall with some crazy animal friends, & new season new bedding such a treat !!! Been busy".

Here is what Gallery Assistant, Holly, has been up to...
Holly has been creating new original artworks for her art website, as well as, working on her Uni Assignment where she is exploring the realities of living with Endometriosis.


Here is what Gallery Assistant, Caprice, has been up to...
Caprice has done a range of activities! She has moved bedrooms & done a lot of organising. Caprice has spent some time watching old home videos, going for walks, getting vaccinated & practicing self care.


Here is what Ziggy The Art Dog has been up to...
Woof, Woof! Lots of walks with The Poi Room Directors. Getting windswept with the recent Auckland winds, it has certainly been blowing. 


Now for something YUM! Creative Director, Melanie-Jane, has shared here delicious 'Hearty Minestrone'

"Howdy partners, here is a meal for those cold days...The whole family loves this -Delicious!"

Ingredients:
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 rashers of smoky bacon, cut into strips
  • 2 red onions, diced (I cried)
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery sticks, diced *you can add in any other veggies incl parsnip, leeks, courgette.
  • Bunch fresh basil - stalks first and leave leaves (hehe) for serving
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
  • 70 grams tomato paste
  • 3 cups (750ml) chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 very large glass of red wine
  • 1 handful of barley
  • 1/2 cup risoni pasta
  • 400g can cannelloni beans, drained
  • 1 packet spinach (baby or normal) take off any large stalks
  • Shaved parmesan
  • Olive oil to drizzle - extra virgin
Instructions:
Heat oil in a large saucepan or stockpot over a med-high heat.  Add bacon, onion, carrot, celery, chopped basil stalks and garlic.  (Leave basil leaves for plating..fancy part).
Reduce heat to low and let everything get hot and sweaty.  Stir occasionally for 15 minutes or until everything has softened.
Add tomatoes (even fresh ones if you have some going a little bit soft), stock, wine (one for me, one for the pot), and barley to the pan and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add risoni and cannelloni beans.  Stir well and cook for 10 minutes or until barley and risoni are tender.
Stir in spinach (love, love love) and cook for a minute or so until just wilted.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  You could always add in a bit of paprika too if you want to be extra posh!
Serve the minestrone topped with basil leaves, shaved parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.  Extra special with a thick slice of scrummy bread and a wad of old fashioned salty butter!

Enjoy! Love MJ xxx


 



Also in behind the scenes

MEET THE MAKER // TIM CHRISTIE
MEET THE MAKER // TIM CHRISTIE

We have a secret that we can FINALLY share! The Poi Room is proud to represent Wellington-based Artist, Tim Christie. Tim’s work captures a wide audience & he has experienced rapid success in New Zealand & abroad. His unique style has been described as a modern synthesis of Op Art, Pop Art, Street Art, Geometric Expressionism & De Stijl. Let us introduce you to, Tim Christie!

Continue Reading

Shopping In Comfort
Shopping In Comfort

You can purchase all our Aoteaora Art from the comfort of your home! Daily we are refreshing our collections & ensuring that you have access to the latest creativity that our NZ Artists have to offer. There are perks to shopping ONLINE...

Continue Reading

MEET THE MAKER // TONY HARRINGTON
MEET THE MAKER // TONY HARRINGTON

Did you know that Tony Harrington was one of our very FIRST Aotearoa Artists when The Poi Room started 14yrs ago? We were BUZZING way back then when we first represented his work & as the years have gone on, we still share the same excitement & enthusiasm when we present his talent within our Gallery Showrooms.

Let us introduce you to Napier-based Artist - Tony Harrington!

Continue Reading