CELEBRATING A FOOD CHAMPION

Posted: 14/03/2010 12:23:08 p.m.

I can't stay away. I was at Soul, yet again, on Friday. This time to join Jacqui Dixon's 50th birthday celebration. Where have the years gone?

It seems about five minutes ago I visited Jacqui and Phil Dixon's home in Parnell where they had stuffed their garage full of top class superb Italian products. They threw a dinner to showcase pasta, balsamic and other Italian delights at 82 Gladstone and chef Leanne Kitchen cooked up a classy storm that night.

And it's been non-stop since then as their business Sabato has encompassed far more than the best products of Italy. The showroom in Mt Eden is crammed with every luxury thing item from afar and New Zealand that a cook could desire (although I haven't seen caviar in a while.)

And the Soul menu of delicious mozzarella and vine ripened tomato salad, tender juicy duck breast and a tiny creme brulee with raspberries and lemon sorbet made for a deliciously fitting tribute to one of Auckland's food champions.

I have been privileged to share the journey. Happy birthday, Jacqui!