As I write the concrete is drying on the 40 square metre slab which will be the floor of our new open plan kitchen. All new appliances, new La Mazocca coffee machine and our quicker more efficient service.

Last year we won the top (silver) award for grosso lavender oil in New Zealand. A similar type blind comparison judging was conducted this year and we won two more top (silver) awards and the Ken Wilson Memorial Trophy for the Best Grosso. This shows that our essential oil is consistently the best intermedia lavender oil in New Zealand

With the use of our brand new kitchen we will serve a lot more lavender based foods. From the pages of Sharon Shipley's The Lavender Cookbook". come such possibilities as Butternut Squash Bisque with Lavender Cider Cream, Avocados and Pears with Raspberry-Lavender Vinaigrette, Grilled Lavender- Honey Breast of Chicken, Petite Lavender Scones and Grilled Lavender Seafood Salad with Pacific Rim Dressing.

Our coup has been to acquire Kate Harrington a very experienced Chef from Europe. Kate has worked at Jersey Lavender Farm for two seasons and is working for us while Jersey Lavender closes for winter. So do come to Whitebay and taste some wonderful European cookery.