PRIDE REFLECTS: Pride Nights Out
Pride Reflects is a collaboration between Rat World and Auckland Pride to document and celebrate the creative output of our local queer arts sector. Every week of Auckland Pride Month, two creatives will respond to their experiences of witnessing shows and events across the Auckland Pride Festival. We’ve given the creatives agency to respond in any way they like, which might range from traditional reviews to photoessays to anything in between.
Photos by Sam Low
New Zealand Masterchef Sam Low responds to the many club nights he attended during pride month with some recipes.
Pride month might be over but those 29 days of joy and liberation from queer excellence will forever live rent free in my body and soul… and in case you’re still feeling a little dusty from all the… liberation, these recipes* are definitely in consideration of the best morning after snacks, hangover cures and nostalgic reminders of what happened that night.
*Keep your eyes peeled for more of Sam’s recipes in our upcoming Queer Takeover print magazine out in April!
Serotonin-boosting Kimchi Cheese Toastie
Inspired by the seductive lights, inclusive community and the non binary nature that is NYMPHO, a queer dance party of mixed flavour and cultures, I was inspired to make a flavour-packed, joy-restoring cheese toastie, I may or may not have used up my weekly dose of serotonin all in that one evening.
2 pieces thicc cut white bread (or sourdough if you boujee)
80g kimchi
100g grated cheddar/tasty (or whatever cheese is in your fridge)
S + P to taste
2 x 1 tsp Butter + Oil
Packet sachet of your favourite flavoured cup-a-soup (follow packet instructions)
Optional: 1 capsule 5-HTP
In Between the two slices of bread add the kimchi, cheese, S+P, sprinkled contents of a 5 HTP capsule (if using) and microwave for 1 min or until the cheese is starting to melt.
In a small pan on medium heat with the butter and oil, lay the sandwich on top and fry for 2-3min until golden, add the other portion of butter and oil to the pan and flip the sandwich, fry until golden and crisp.
Cut the toastie into triangles and dip into your favourite instant soup whilst listening to Beyonce's latest album.
Unapologetically Asian Cheesy Ramen
Proud to be at LYCHEE BAYBEE as a queer asian person is an understatement, a liberating space filled with unity, joy and belonging. It's rare to find events like these here in Tamaki and I am so grateful to the people at All My Friends for working so hard to bring this to life. The combination of POC DJ’s, whackers and voguing really reminds us where our communities came from and where it can go… answer is up and up!
1 or 2 packets of your favourite instant ramen (ideally spicy for the non DL peeps)
2 slices of yellow cheese (the really melty processed kind or any grated cheese)
1 egg (fried)
400ml water
200ml milk
Spring onion (sliced) and sesame seeds for garnish
Optional: 1x K-beauty rehydrating face mask
In a pot bring the water to a boil and cook your ramen noodles (without the seasoning) for 1 min and 30 sec. Pour out most of the water (leaving behind about ½ cup). Add milk and seasoning packets, bring to a boil. Turn off and add cheese on top. Cover with lid until cheese melts.
Transfer to a bowl and top with a fried egg and garnishes.
Put on your face mask and eat through the mouth hole whilst watching Fire Island (again)... optional but highly recommended.
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Click here to learn more about the show and other events on during the months of Pride!