Greetings from the BoTCom crew!
Money’s too tight to mention, in the immortal words of Simply Red. And with that in mind, we bring you some information on cheap and cheerful eateries. Sample the Flying Burrito Brothers Cantina in Grey Street. There’s no trapeze act, but we stick our necks out to say this Mexican restaurant promises to become a local ethnic icon, with its ‘muy autentico’ food, and zany decor. Read about in Spotlight, along with our review of the Abrakebabra (114 Devonport Road). Put aside the appalling play on words, and sample a very authentic Turkish doner kebab.
Also in Spotlight, we profile Global Golf in Mount Maunganui, a highly innovative addition to our indoor entertainment scene. At Global you can play a game of virtual golf at famous golf courses like Pebble Beach in California, or hit away in ‘driving range mode.’ They have comfy sofas, big flat screen TV, snacks - and full bar service too. 
Still on food, with the BBQ season getting into full sizzle... we commend you to Pak 'n Save’s pork sausages, made locally by a Mount company, McLeans Small Goods. They’ve been celebrating a gold medal for best 'pure pork sausage' in the Great New Zealand Sausage Competition. You can only buy these at Pak ‘n Save.
Talk of India Restaurant hasn’t shut its doors... simply moved along the street to 316 Cameron Road. Here’s a recent customer comment: ‘Our most favourite restaurant in all of Tauranga. We are regulars here and wouldn't eat Indian anywhere else and the staff are absolutely wonderful. The Butter Chicken is our favourite of all but all of the dishes are really tasty and authentic. Nothing can compare. Enjoy!’ Amanda & Gavin
New to BoTCom...
You can now explore one of our best known walks (an AA regional ‘Must Do’) online, the Mauao Virtual Tour. The arrows indicate the view at that spot, not the direction to walk in, silly. And don’t forget to tell your friends and relations about our improvements to the online accommodation booking on BoTCom. Lots more choice and easy, secure booking.
iSITE...Where ?
Locals could be forgiven for thinking the only iSITE (visitor centre) in the district is the one in Willow Street, by the council’s headquarters. In fact, there is one at Mount Maunganui in Salisbury Ave. In time for the cruise ship season, it’s been given a much-needed facelift. Tourism Bay of Plenty's Tim Burgess says signage around the Mount has been improved to help visitors find the info centre.
Music Scene
Rock fans...if you haven’t caught extraordinary local guitarist Joel Shadbolt and his band Triple J, make a point of it. Joel’s flying fingers are astonishing. His Hendrix renditions, will send shivers down your baby boomer spine. He was first spotted by many locals as an 11 year-old, busking downtown, playing blues. Triple J are much more than just Joel, however, with brilliant drummer, Jason Crawford, and bass player Jeremy Harker - known as one of the best bass players in Tauranga.
Jazz
The Tauranga Jazz Festival, to be held next Easter, is off to a good start, with Port of Tauranga throwing sponsorship into the Youth Jazz Competition. Festival Director Arne Herrmann calls it 'an inspired choice,' and points to the big name jazz musos discovered through youth contests. The roll call is impressive – it includes saxophonist Nathan Haines and singer Hollie Smith. A lot of companies however have tightened their belts, and Arne needs to hear from more potential sponsors: Arne Herrmann, 027-276 1751.
Don’t Miss...
Christmas at the Oval
A free concert, with performers from around the Bay. The Oval will be open to the public from 6.30pm and families are encouraged to bring a picnic tea. The concert will start at 7pm, and finish with traditional 'carols by candlelight,' and of course, Santa will drop in. The concert is on 12th December, at the Bay of Plenty Cricket Oval, Blake, Park, Mt Maunganui.
Trustpower Christmas Festival and Santa Parade
The Santa Parade begins at Tawa St, Mount Maunganui, travelling along Maunganui Rd through the downtown shopping centre. The festival begins at 1pm with Brazilian dancers, police dog & strongman displays. Plenty of children’s entertainment including photos with Santa. To be held on Sunday, 14th December, downtown Mount Maunganui, from 10am.
Eve's Realty Surfbreaker
is a unique event, based at the Mt Maunganui Surf Club, combining surf, sun, sand and fun... suitable for competitive triathletes and ‘entry level’ triathletes. It's also a great opportunity to burn off your Christmas dinner and win some fantastic spot prizes! Held on 27th of December. Contact Sport Bay of Plenty 578 0016
Tauranga Wine and Food Festival
Tickets are on sale for this ‘party in the park,’ that features ‘Best Wineries, Best Restaurants, and Best Entertainment,’ $25 tickets include a souvenir glass, bottle of water - and the full day’s entertainment. The festival is on Sunday, 15th March, 2009, at the Wharepai Domain, Cameron Road.
Winners!
A $30 voucher to use at Cafe on The Strand goes to Paula from Tauranga And two more winners, Duane from Auckland and Faye from Tauranga each receive a double pass valued at $70 for a retro experience at Mills Reef Stars Under the Stars, on Sunday 25th January.
New Prizes...
This month we have two of Tony Christiansen’s book Attitude Plus! to give away. The qualified lifeguard, speedway and racing car champ, pilot, businessman, and inspirational speaker, shares some of the secrets of his success.
Also, ‘California Dreamers,’ and their laid-back look at the folk songs of the ‘Flower Power’ era, plus two of Australasia’s greatest tributes bands... the Beatles and the Rolling Stones... two more double passes for Stars Under the Stars!
Offbeat
These Tauranga supermarket staff are chilled out...
Posted: Sat 01 Nov 2008
Back
