Fishy Memories & the Auckland Seafood Festival

I've never been to a seafood festival, but thanks to Real Change Jobs (who I follow on Twitter), I have a double pass the Auckland Seafood Festival, which is happening this anniversary weekend.

I'm actually pretty excited! I love fish, and while I haven't had shell-fish for a a very long time, some of my favourite childhood memories involve collecting pipis and cockles along the beach with my family. Big pots of steamed cockles cooked up at the darts club my parents belonged to.

My Dad isn't much of a cook - if he could live on bacon sandwiches, he probably would - but he can catch, scale, gut, fillet, and cook a bit of fish to perfection. Mum always leaves any fish cooking to him, and I can't smell butter cooking without thinking of my Dad and his simply cooked meals! 

I used to love fishing with my Dad, back in the days when a trip to the beach meant at least an hour travelling, picnic lunches with sand in the sandwiches, and then coming home itchy thanks to the sand and sea water!

Anyway, if my parents lived closer, my Dad would be coming along with me this weekend. Instead, I think (hope) one of my sisters will come and keep me company. Either way, I'm sure there'll be lots of things to see and taste that bring to mind some very happy memories, and that's always good.

The festival runs over weekend, from 12-7pm Saturday to Monday, and with the entry fee at only $15 (per day), it's not a bad deal. You can buy your tickets ahead of time, or if you're willing to risk it being sold out, at the gate on your chosen day. There'll be cooking demonstrations, competitions, music and lots of things to taste.