CELEBRATE THE SEASON
WORDS Kim Newth PHOTOS Sarah Rowlands
A line-up of colourful, fresh seasonal salads is a delight to the eye at the Merivale Fresh Choice Deli and a source of quiet pride for the deli team, led by Lauren Donnell. At this time of year, they are flying out the door.
“We’re doing a lot of salads and orders for day-before-Christmas pick-ups,” says Lauren. “Of course, glazed hams are top of many people’s shopping lists too. We make our own glazed hams, and they look and taste amazing. It’s a beautiful ham and a great option, especially if you’re hosting a large number of people.”
The legendary reputation of this deli is such that the Crusaders place a regular weekly bulk salad order, and the All Blacks have sampled its salad selection too. This is truly champion fare. Every day, all salads are made fresh on-site from the Fresh Choice Merivale produce range, offering plenty of choices and inspiring variety.
With a busy catering schedule for the end of year business and festive functions, December means platters aplenty for the deli squad. Merivale Fresh Choice Deli provides a custom service tailored to the needs of each customer and their requirements. Platters from the deli comprise an inspiring spread of customised items including dips and pâtés, fresh veggies, fruit, salads, sundried tomatoes and olives, breads, sliced ham and other gourmet meats, crackers and quality cheese. Fruit platters with seasonal favourites like rockmelon and strawberries are another popular choice, and Christmas mince pies and chocolates can be added if desired.
“We can do absolutely anything including grazing tables with pork belly slider buns, crostini, and cocktail blinis – you name it, we can put it on there. We also do a lot of canapes. We’re a one-stop-shop as we work closely with our butchery team and can even sort out the beverage side and organise servers.
“Everyone is different, so we cater for what people want and for their particular function. We don’t advertise our services as such. What happens is someone will go to a party where they love what we’ve done and then get in touch asking if we could do the catering for their next social function. It grows by word of mouth.”
The butchery team, headed by Lauren’s husband Stu, is next to the deli, which is a real plus for customers. “People can come to us if they need advice on, say, preparing and glazing a ham; Stu can walk them through that.”
Conversely, readymade deli roast meals such as lamb off the bone, pork loin, beef fillet, and chicken breast with all the trimmings may be just what some are looking for this festive season. Deli made gourmet pizzas and bacon and egg pies are other great convenience options.
Lauren, who has a background in café management, has led her talented team for the past six years. She grew up with a passion for cooking and loves making sure that everything on display is made fresh that day to a high standard and beautifully presented.
“No two days are the same. I love the busyness the most. It’s pretty fast-paced. If you can finish your day wanting more hours, then you know it’s the right job for you!”