New Caledonia 2012 - Entry 4

New Caledonia always has something new and exciting to offer, but I always find my best experiences are had in the company of family and friends. After a massive sleep-in, we had lunch with one of my Mum's cousins. But 'lunches' here tend to last a considerable amount of time, almost as if to intentionally span the time between Breakfast and Dinner... in case I was bored by this (impossible):

Starting with a Cocktail (well, I was still only 17 so I had to settle for a Mocktail!) served with the usual bar-type accompaniments: salted peanuts and olives, I knew the day would be a super relaxed one. Given that I was there towards the end of Spring, the weather was a balmy 24º - making Cocktails/Mocktails suitable. Whilst the Menu boasts an extensive range of drinks with foreign and often unrecognisable ingredients, I settled for a Mango, Pineapple, Guava and Papaya Mocktail - très bien!

Oh look, Mum's foot photo-bombed my photo! :P

Later that day, my 3rd cousin (Yeah, we're a tight extended family!) and his partner took me out to a local restaurant which was staffed almost entirely by Kanaks from Grande Terra (the largest island) and the Loyalty Islands (Lifou, Ouvéa, Maré and Tiga). This was an unexpected opportunity for me to better understand Kanak culture and food - starting with the much sought-after Tahitian dessert, Po'e.

This mix of toasted Oats, chopped Bananas, Melon, Mint, light drizzle of Coconut Milk and Coconut Ice-cream gives a uniquely Tahitian touch to the Western counterpart, Granola. I'm not going to lie - the Sweet Potato cubes in the melting Coconut Ice-Cream were my highlight, even if the concept of a potato in your dessert repulses you! I was tempted to ask if I could keep the coconut bowl, but I had serious doubts I would be allowed to take it through Customs!