716 Sélections – Brett Atkinson Sélection

Brett Atkinson is a travel food writer who has written about numerous places in the world, and still does!

1) Hello Brett, can you describe us your actual job and your career ?
And how did you start writing about food ?
I’m a freelance travel and food writer who writes mainly for Lonely Planet and for magazines, newspapers and websites in Australia and New Zealand. I also review bars and restaurants for my hometown of Auckland on www.viewauckland.co.nz. I started writing about food because when I’m researching for Lonely Planet it’s the local food scene which I’m usually most interested in.

2) How do you usually chose the countries or destinations where you go ?
A country’s food, wine and beer scene are definite attractions when choosing new destinations to go, and I also like visiting areas and countries which are less visited by tourists.

3) Are there a couple of places that have particularly impressed you and why ?
Where do you wanna go next ?
Recent destinations which have really impressed me are Sumatra with its amazing scenery and Padang food, Beirut for the Tawlet restaurant and Souk El Tayeb farmers’ market, and the incredible craft beer scene in Portland, Oregon.
Next up I’m hoping to visit Georgia and Armenia, and I’m also very keen to go to Colombia.

4) How do you see the New Zealand food scene compared to other places where you’ve been ?
NZ has a very good food scene with a lot of fresh local ingredients combined with regional influences from the Pacific and Asia. Many NZers are very well-travelled so used to trying new and interesting foods. Cities like Auckland are very cosmopolitan despite their relatively small population.

5) Did you see an evolution the last 15 years ?
We have seen more immigration, especially from Asia, and this is being reflected in the range of restaurants opening and the influence on local chefs. The craft beer scene is becoming very good, and restaurants are becoming more relaxed, less formal and more versatile. It’s a good thing so you can just have coffee and breakfast or a beer and a snack, or sit down to a bigger meal all in the same establishment. Farmers markets are also growing in popularity.

6) What would be the good and the bad things about the NZ Food scene ?
The good things are the increased influence of international cuisines beyond just British food, the excellent seafood and an increasing focus on local and sustainable produce. Many smaller producers are also making artisan cheese, craft beer, boutique wine. Bad things are that restaurants and cafes can be expensive, especially in tourist areas, and that service in these same areas is often mediocre because it can be difficult to get good staff.

7) How do you see the evolution in the future ?
Even interesting ethnic food and food trucks in major cities like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. More food matching with craft beer.

8) Is there anything you’d like to add ?
Follow me on Twitter @travelwriternz