Marlborough Magazine November 18 | Page 7

BETTER LIVING rare things you don’t need a common language to enjoy, we just sit down eat, smile, nod and our mouths will sing with the delight in it.” After appearing at the inaugural Ocean Vine Hop in Marlborough last year, Jax is a big fan of the event. “Marlborough is stunning. To arrive among the mountains and the breathtaking landscapes, not to mention the amazing wine – it’s like heaven! It really optimises the philosophy of the Ocean Vine Hop, and I love that” Jax describes herself as a “pantry alchemist”, using whatever she can find in her pantry paired with fresh herbs, vegetables and fruit from her local farmers market or garden to create simple delicious food to suit her mood, appetite or occasion. Jax eats very little processed food, and is passionate about sharing her knowledge to help improve the health and wellbeing of Kiwi families. Her web series, Jax Food Hax was inspired to help people understand that you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen, you just need to be clever about it. Also, our pantries are packed with incredible ingredients, we all just need to take a closer look, with fresh eyes, she says. “I passionately believe we don't have to sacrifice what we cook and eat because of the time pressures we are under,” she says. What to expect at the OVH culinary experience At Ocean Vine Hop 2018, you’ll discover not one, not two… But three celebrity chefs! Accompanying Jax in the New Zealand King Salmon Culinary Marquee will be Karena and Kasey Bird, Masterchef Winners 2014, award-winning book publishers and authors, and hosts of TV One’s Karena and Kasey’s Kitchen Diplomacy. You’ll get more than one opportunity to catch up with Karena and Proud Sponsor of the Ocean Vine Hop Culinary Marquee Kasey. They’ll also be popping up at the Origin South Food Co pop up restaurant. They’ll be serving up something a little different for all you meat lovers… Yes, ladies and gentlemen, lamb is on the menu, and with it a delicious Boom Town brew! Jax will be showcasing a hot smoked salmon recipe which will be matched with a Yealands Estate wine.  She will also be doing something amazing with whitebait and scollop raviollio matching with a Wairau River wine. Don’t miss the filleting demonstration from NZ King Salmon so be sure to check out the New Zealand King Salmon Culinary Marquee! As well as the food vendors who are partnering with the beer vendors to bring you Beer Alley,  there will be at least nine other food vendors... Whether you're a seafood connoisseur or a land lover,  you're sure to find something to tickle your taste buds. If you like a brew, you’re going to love Beer Alley. The best craft beers from our local brewers have been paired with a perfect pop-up restaurant. Discover food matches that will bring out the best in your beer. Prefer wine to beer? Don't worry you can still enjoy the delicious food from the pop- up restaurants within Beer Alley with a glass of the good stuff, because Wino's will be hanging right next to Boom Town with some fabulous Black cottage wines. There are always plenty of smiles at Ocean Vine Hop, but this year they guarantee your grin will be bigger. Say cheese… It’s time for the good stuff! Award-winning Kaikoura Cheese will be on hand with delicious cheese platters. Perfect picnic fodder to pair with your favourite wines. Ocean Vine Hop organisers are encouraging everyone to bring their taste buds and their dancing shoes. Head to www.oceanvinehop.co.nz for more information and to get tickets. 2018 Photo credit: Daniela Aebli Photography 7