New Zealand Farm and Laguna Cooking Retreat (106)Rebecca Russo and her husband, James Brookman, were in dire need of a lifestyle change. Tired of the rat race, traffic jams and big-city congestion, they knew there had to be more to their lives than endless work and stress. While on vacation in New Zealand, the couple fell in love with the people, beautiful scenery and simple lifestyle. So when they returned home, Rebecca, an interior designer/decorative painter, and James, a writer/director/producer, promptly quit their jobs and sold their home. They relocated to an Asian pear farm in Clevedon, Aukland—a revitalizing move that has given them quality time and the freedom to pursue new interests.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Pacific, Nancy Milby parlayed her love of food and cooking into the creation of a thriving culinary retreat. She spent 16 years as a tax professional with a worldwide accounting and consulting firm, then three years as the CFO of a start-up company based in southern California, but she used most of her spare time dreaming up fabulous meals for her husband and hosting fancy parties. She eventually left her job and opened the Laguna Culinary Arts cooking school. Now she lives, breathes and shares her passion for cooking with others.
New Zealand Pear Farm Facts:
- New Zealand, which is about the size of Colorado, has a population of 3.8 million.
- The first New Zealanders, the Maori, migrated from their ancestral Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki more than 1,000 years ago.
- The kiwi, a flightless bird with a long bill, is New Zealand's national emblem. In addition, New Zealanders often refer to themselves as kiwis, and the New Zealand dollar is also referred to as 'the kiwi.'
- Because of the country's clear, unpolluted atmosphere and relatively low latitudes, sunlight in New Zealand is generally stronger than in much of Europe or North America.
- James and Rebecca's farm covers 40 acres. The couple had to prove they were financially self-sufficient in order to obtain residency.
- In 2000, 350 Americans were granted citizenship by New Zealand.
Resources:
Friars' Guide to New Zealand Accommodation for the Discerning Traveller - 2001 Edition - Featuring Accommodation Offering Dining
by Denis, Jillian Friar
Fodor's New Zealand
New Zealand Tourism Board
www.purenz.com
Culinary School Facts:
- Nancy Milby has no formal culinary training—she is self-taught.
- Laguna Beach is home to more than 70 art galleries and 400 artists.
- Milby offers half-day to three-day courses for cooks of all levels.
- Classes focus on various cuisines and the art of cooking with visual appeal.
- The classes range from $60 per class to $395 for a weekend.
- Milby's classes require hands-on participation, not just watching!
Contact Information:
Laguna Culinary Arts
550 South Coast Highway, Suite 7
Laguna Beach, CA. 92651
866-288-0745 or 949-494-0745
www.lagunaculinaryarts.com
Resources:
Modern California Cooking
by Los Angeles Times Food Section Staff (Editor), Russ Parsons (Editor), Los Angeles Times Food Section Staff
The Food Network
www.foodtv.com
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