LA CIGALE: Recipes and stories from the family who brought a slice of France to New Zealand - launched with appropriate flair and style

La Cigale is an institution; a French food emporium like no other in New Zealand. From small beginnings 15 years ago, it has mushroomed into a thriving market, bistro and kitchen shop that throngs with locals, out-of-towners and overseas visitors. 
Last night was a particularly special night for La Cigale – the launch of Elizabeth Lind’s food book and memoir  LA CIGALE: Recipes and stories from the family who brought a slice of France to New Zealand. On a brilliantly clear Auckland night some 150 foodies and Parnell regulars gathered to celebrate with Liz,(above with her two daughters),and family, the creation of something special: a passion for French food and style imported to New Zealand by people who treasure quality and know how to showcase it.

Standing shoulder to shoulder in La Cigale’s ambient covered market, surrounded by food, flowers and candles, exquisite trays of canapés: mini croque monsieur’s, goat’s cheese filled profiteroles, poached prawns on celeriac remoulade, scallops encrusted with macadamia nut crumbs and cherry tomatoes farcis sated eager palates; fine wines were poured; live French jazz music drifted across the room, adding to the warm and happy murmur of those assembled. 

Random House Publisher Margaret Sinclair welcomed everyone to La Cigale and talked about the genesis of the book’s production, the many people who contributed to the book – the whole Lind family, the stall holders and those behind the scenes – and what a pleasure it was to work with Elizabeth and her team – before handing the microphone over to Simon Wilson,(left), Editor of Metro and noted foodie.

In officially launching Liz’s book Simon paid tribute to La Cigale which Metro has awarded best New Zealand Market for five successive years. “The market is so good because it gets the mix right: great food, great variety, great prices, great people and a lovely place even though it’s been created in a car park!”, said Simon.  

He went on to say that “La Cigale, is the result of Elizabeth having that rare ability to give us the contents of her head – to make her imagination real.” And with the publication of her book and the recipes that she shares – from the bistro, stallholders and her own travels – “these sorts of recipes, simple and classic things to do with lovely food – are when people give you their heart”, he said.

Well put Simon.

Guests at the launch, Murray Jacobs, Judy Dodge, Annie Beattie and Sue Fleischl.

Photography by Paul Mason.