Mayor cooks up a storm

MAYORAL MEAL: John Banks learns how to cook in a copper "cataplana"

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Auckland City mayor John Banks has a job waiting in hospitality if his bid to be super-city mayor fails, with a cook-off at the wine festival unveiling hidden talents.

The mayor accepted the challenge of Waiheke Wine Festival organisers Let Me Out to cook a meal that
was quick, simple, healthy and appetising at the event on Saturday afternoon.

He was joined by Portuguese craft stall Alembics co-owner Jill Mulvaney to produce a meat and fish dish in one of the company's special copper cooking pots.

Food cooked in the pot, called a cataplana, is steamed in wine or stock at a medium heat on top of a range or BBQ.

Mr Banks cooked oysters, squid, chorizo sausage, butter beans, tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, paprika and wine to produce a dish that had a long line of festival goers lining up for a taste.

He was also quick to pass on his own cooking tip.

"Make sure you heat wine first if you are going to add it to food," he advised.

Mr Banks said he had already visited the island six times this year and planned more trips.

"The cook-off event was pretty cool. There are talented people here on this place in paradise."

Meanwhile, he is pledging his support for little change to the SuperGold Card, which is under review at present.

"I've been pleased by the crowds coming to the island. I am particularly excited about the older people visiting on the Winston card.

"I'd be disappointed if there's too much restriction on the SuperGold Card. I thought it was a great way for people to say thank you to the oldies of this country.

"I'm going to be an oldie soon myself."

- Waiheke Marketplace