Joseph Gordon The Phoenix

The greatest part of August for me is that it's whitebait season.

Whether you're waiting for the wriggly little critters to swim across the whiteboard, as the sun's rising over another glorious day in our Bay of Plenty, or the all-important decision as they cook in free-range egg fritters of ‘do I have an ice-cold Monteiths Pilsner or a frosty Heineken versus a cheeky little pinot gris or a savvy' – oh the pressure.
Would the delicate floral flavours of a pinot gris enhance the crispy ‘freshness' of those fritters, could that sassy grassy savvy open up the sweet flavour of the whitebait, or will the clean fresh hops of a craft beer pilsner win out-right?
That's the beauty of the ‘Glass Half Full' principle, you get to try the familiar then go outside the square to experience new and exciting flavours or combinations – and what a great introduction to craft beers, cocktails, spirits, wines and liqueurs.
So next time you're on The Strand, pop in and try our fresh whitebait fritters these next few months, you may be pleasantly surprised.