Taste & trust: Aroy Thai

Opening a restaurant in difficult times might seem a risky undertaking. With a proven formula, loyal following, and a well-known brand, that risk is considerably reduced. This is the case for Rolleston’s latest eatery, Aroy Thai. The branch becomes the 13th in the chain across the country, in Wellington, Auckland, Napier, and Christchurch. In food, […]

Delicious dining in a natural setting: Gatehouse Café

Much can happen in 18 months, and so it has at one Templeton café where new owners took over in late 2022. Set among mature trees, with spacious outdoor decking, the Gatehouse Café is a delightful discovery, where coffee, meals, and birdsong blend harmoniously in a special urban environment. On the menu are specialties such […]

Easy ways to improve your homemade cupcakes

Sydney bakery owner Gabriela Oporto shot to fame after supplying singer/songwriter Taylor Swift with cake on the international star’s recent visit to Australia. Here’s her advice, and recipe, for making the “fluffiest cupcakes” at home. Where do people go wrong when making cupcakes? • They don’t mix the butter and sugar long enough. • They […]

Supreme winning chocolate

A locally made plant-based chocolate so delicious that it doesn’t taste vegan is New Zealand’s supreme champion outstanding food product. Mind Your Temper’s vegan Black Forest Bonbon, described by judges as ‘faultless’, was named Leefield Station Supreme Champion and Bonbon Champion at this year’s Outstanding Food Producer Awards earlier this month. Crafted from plant-based chocolate […]

Venison Wellington

For colder nights, try this classic Venison Wellington, using a seared tenderloin covered with a mushroom mix, wrapped in prosciutto and pastry and baked to perfection. Cook time: 75 minutes, Serves 6 Ingredients 1kg farm raised venison tenderloin 1 Tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 10–12 slices prosciutto 4 sheets puff […]

In wonderland: The White Rabbit Garden Café

You might feel you have fallen through the looking glass and ended up in wonderland with The White Rabbit and the Mad March Hare, when you take a drive on the Akaroa Highway out to Gebbies Valley. There you will find The White Rabbit Garden Café, as quirky and delightful a café as you could […]

Ambrosial food in a serene setting: The Lake House

A gateway to the best of local produce, wines, and hospitality, this ambient lakeside restaurant, bar, and venue is a treat for all the senses. Nestled gracefully on the tranquil shores of Lake Hood, The Lake House Restaurant stands as a testament to nature’s harmony and to culinary excellence. Its prime location on the water’s […]

Events made easy: No. 4 Bar

Searching for a suitable space for a function can sometimes be the most time-consuming and taxing part of organising an event. What’s needed is somewhere that has both the flexibility to accommodate groups of different sizes and delivers delicious food that makes a function memorable for all the right reasons. The search can stop at […]

Grilled Prawns with Miso Butter: United Fisheries

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 10 mins What you need: 500g Sea Cuisine Raw Prawn Cutlets (defrosted) 2 Tbsp Butter (melted) 3 tsp Miso paste 1 Tbsp Mirin 2 Tbsp Japanese sake (optional) 1 tspFresh ginger (grated) Garnish: toasted sesame seeds, spring onion, chilli flakes What to do:  In a large bowl, whisk together […]

Tasty artisan meats: Value Plus Meats

From paddock to plate, grass-fed, ethically produced and processed by on-site butchers – top quality meat does not get better than this. You would expect to pay a premium for such artisan products, however the meat from Glendhu Farm in North Canterbury comes direct to you at affordable prices as there’s no middleman involved. At […]