A ‘slow and steamy’ literary feast

An unusual literary event will be staged in Waitakere City at a special property in the Oratia foothills on Sunday 4th March from 4pm until sundown. Called ‘Slow & Steamy’, it’s a summer garden party styled on the iconic steam train journey that inspired the Going West Books and Writers Festival.
But this time, the steam engine is a stationary one (image attached). Dating back to 1893 it's a black, four tonne, seven-horsepower marvel owned by Oratia man Dave Harre, and he’ll be using it to cook dinner—assisted by Alessandra Zecchini, the cookery writer and Slow Food maestro. Local vineyard Artisan Wines is supplying the fine wine.
Proceeds from the $75-a-head tickets will help to fund the 2007 Going West Festival. As well as classic Kiwi fare (mussels, corn, spit roast lamb), the ticket price includes entertainment from top writers and musicians in the stunning garden setting of Murray and Penny Firth’s Firlong Nurseries. Located at 48 Carter Rd, the lush manicured grounds feature a lake, shady glades and rolling lawns.
Guest authors are:
• Poet Glenn Colquhoun (Playing God and How We Fell) with veteran performer Cherie Barford.
• Chef Alessandra Zecchini of Slow Food Waitakere (author of Savour and Sweet As).
• Novelist and Book Show presenter Emily Perkins (The Picnic Virgin).
• Writer Philip Simpson, whose book Pohutukawa & Rata won the Environment section of the Montana Book Awards last year.
There will also be musical interludes from chanteuse Fiona Ferens, vintage Dixieland Jazz band ‘The Lex Pistols’ and roving troubadours Linn Lorkin with
‘The French Toast Trio’.
Strictly limited tickets are on sale at Murray Gray’s Gone West bookshop in Titirangi Village. To book now, call (09) 817 3236 or email gonewest@xtra.co.nz.
Visit www.gonewestbooks.com for more information.
Publicity contact  Rose Yukich: ph: 09 630 4518 or 027 630 2003
email: rmy@iprohome.co.nz