Now we're cooking with...fire?!

The first day at orientation for most new employees of an entity the size of SkyCity would involve lots of speaking with a lesser percentage of one on one time with a superior. I was greeted today by Craig who I interviewed with a few weeks back in Queenstown. Craig showed me most if not a vast majority of spaces where new bars (most under his direct supervision) and restaurants are opening or have opened in the last few days and the wonderful space where the Family of XII bar will be staged. The bar, still having been kept a secret until the press is allowed in at the beginning of next week is phenomenal.(pics to come once opened) It is not complete but having said that it's all coming together and Craig and I spent time discussing ideas, possible problems and even better solutions for the functionality of the wine bar. The fact that he even considered to ask what I thought shows how much the entire crew from top to bottom care about the success of these establishments during the RWC and after. Luckily, I was allowed into the XO bar which is normally reserved for casino whales, high end AMEX clients and anyone with a pair of lustrous Italian leathers and a bank roll in their pocket. Bottles of Prenfolds Grange from numerous different vintages and Chateau d,Yquem line a private skybridge across to a level on the sky tower reserved for elitists. Hand blown glass bulbs on circular mounts adorn the circumference of the bar. Valued at 20K NZ a piece accompanied by marble vanities, the XO is high society at it's peak.


Just as everything was sorted and we were grooving for the end of orientation alarms started going off. Shrill sirens followed by a KIWI voice depicting an early alert system bellowed over the PA system. Some gamblers ran from their tables but most kept their cool until asked to evacuate. We walked outside and gathered in a large group at the base of the SkyTower as fire engine after fire engine pulled up and fighters ran in. Apparently, a gas leak turned into quite a substantial fire in one of the kitchens. Initially when hearing "THIS IS AN EARLY WARNING BROADCAST, WERE IN THE PROCESS OF IDENTIFYING THE EMERGENCY", I thought it was an earthquake warning system associated with the potential of an incoming Tsunami. Stupid American! Everything was all good and as far as I know, no one was injured.

I think I might have found the perfect flat situated a fifteen minute walk from work up on Ponsonby Rd. but I'll find out tomorrow if I will be a good fit for the Scotsman and Englishman that already live there. It has a bed, wadrobe and all amenities but if it goes south I have a back up plan across town in Grafton that might be a better fit. Cost of living is extremely high, but as I've been told and whole heartedly agree it's the lifestyle you're paying for, as most New Zealanders do.

On another high note, Cameron worked at Meredith's last night where his wine list shares the spot light with Michael Meredith's fare. The restaurant which accommodates about 40 seats was recently named best restaurant in NZ by Cuisine magazine. Cameron called my last night while on the floor and asked if I'd be interested in pulling a few shifts. "At NZ's best restaurant?", "Nah, I don't think I can pencil it in". Unfortunately, when they need help currently conflicts with my first week with Family of Twelve but hopefully in the future I will have the opportunity to work with the best. Www.Meredith's.co.NZ.

Time to study the 36 wines I'll be serving at the XII bar. Check back in soon.

Oh, Kiwi is back from his stint in Fiji and is spending some time with his new friend Oliver.