Popular pastry: Gorgeous Food

How do you spot a popular bakery? Find one with a door constantly opening and closing as a steady unstoppable stream of customers enters. T hat is certainly the case at Gorgeous Food, the family-run specialty bakery on Springs Road. Home to the same tried and tested home recipes for nearly 20 years, […]

NZ greenshell mussels in coconut broth

Like most seafood dishes, mussels are best prepared simply, with a flavourful broth for dipping. INGREDIENTS 20 greenshell mussels, scrubbed with beards removed 1 Tbsp oil 3 spring onions, sliced 1 large garlic clove, crushed 1/2 a red chilli, seeded and finely chopped 1 cup coconut cream 1/2 cup of water (more for […]

The bees nees: Colony at the Crossing

Close your eyes and imagine a honey crème liqueur with the maltiness of West Coast’s native forests. Drooling yet? Summer calls for socialising and charcuterie board platters. Show your foodie skills with New Zealand-made products that make a scrumptious addition to alfresco dining, as well as the perfect gifts for those hard to […]

Hanoi joy: Hanoi 90s

Keen for a taste of Vietnamese without having to leave the country? Ethnic restaurants bring us the opportunity to enjoy the culture and cuisine of different countries from the comfort of our city. Take Vietnam for example. The taste of its vibrant street food culture is now available in Rolleston with Hanoi 90s, […]

Pairing wine & seafood

You’ve probably heard the old saying, ‘white wine with white meat, and red wine with red meat’ but what kind of wine should you pair with fish or shellfish? Summer is the perfect time for seafood, and in New Zealand, we enjoy an incredible bounty of kaimoana from cod to crab and everything […]

Bach-cooking: pan-fried cod

What says Kiwi summer more than pan-fried cod (or any fresh catch) with courgettes and creamy baby potatoes on the side? INGREDIENTS 4 thick blue cod fillets, sustainably wild-caught 500g new baby potatoes, sliced or whole 1 litre chicken or vegetable stock 4 Tbsp olive oil 4 courgettes, thickly sliced Zest of 1 […]

So fruity: Elmwood Fine Food

Our favourite fruit mince pies have arrived at the bakery – it must be Christmas. Dimong Chhoeng of Elmwood Fine Foods knows how intrinsically linked fruit mince pies are with the festive season. “What a wonderful way to start Christmas Day – with a drink and a fruit mince pie as presents are […]

Heavenly aromas – Café Elia

Heaven smells like hot coffee and fresh baking. Coffee makes Monday good – and Tuesday, and the rest of the week too. There’s something irresistible about the aroma of freshly roasted beans that makes every day feel a little brighter. Tucked away on Ilam Road near Fendalton Village Mall, Café Elia is fast […]

Fresh meals with ease – Balance by Simo

The holiday season is upon us and the last thing you need to think about is cooking dinner at the end of a busy day, or what to take for lunch next week. Fresh, healthy, and tailor-made meals come together with ease at this newly opened delicatessen in Ilam. Rather than having a […]

Rasberry Cardamom Frozen Yoghurt

Tart raspberries blended with creamy Greek yoghurt, a whisper of rosewater, and the gentle warmth of cardamom, this frozen yoghurt from the latest book by Cantabrian Kate William, Floral Abundance, is a beautiful finish to a summer meal or a refreshing afternoon treat. INGREDIENTS – SERVES 8 2 cups frozen raspberries 2 cups […]