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

STEP INSIDE THE STUDIO - GLEN HUTCHINS

"I love that art engages the viewer - it has the ability to make you think & challenge your individual perception. For me, the art of painting is a physical process of exploration & discovery". - Glen Hutchins

Loving Loyalty - Charlotte Hatlauf

We LOVE our clients! So many have become a part of The Poi Room whanau (family)! Your loyalty & support has been immeasurable, especially in the last few years. Ngā Mihi // Thank You! We interviewed one of our most loyal clients - Charlotte Hatlauf & found out why she keeps coming back time & time again!

For The Future!

The Poi Room has made BIG changes for the good of the future & we want to tell you all about it!

“We are determined to make a positive change in our business practices to ensure we can do all we can to protect our environment for our children”. - Melanie-Jane & Clayton

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