A Rolling Stone

Head back to the City: A Rolling Stone

In the heart of the city at 579 Colombo Street, you’ll find a unique restaurant and entertainment destination that will really personalise your next event and make it something special.     Two threads intertwine at A Rolling Stone: it’s a fabulous venue for concerts, musicians, entertainers and touring shows; and a […]

Coco Espresso

A chic central café: Coco Espresso

Two years ago, keen coffee connoisseur Nick set up shop in a section of Designspace’s building at 400 Barbadoes Street, with the intention of providing customers with great coffee, sandwiches and other delectable eats. Two years on and now accompanied by good friend Caitlyn, Coco Espresso is constantly welcoming more and more […]

Jolly Seafood Restaurant

Exceptional Oriental Eats: Jolly Seafood Restaurant

Despite the name, there is so much more to Jolly Seafood Restaurant than delicious deep-sea delicacies. With a comprehensive range of the finest Oriental dishes and beverages around, it is quickly making its mark. Located at 1/187 Wigram Road, the restaurant stands out like a beacon of light when you see it […]

Simo Abbari

Making Moroccan magic: Q&A with Simo Abbari

As we hunt for healthier takeaway options and balanced diets, Moroccan cuisine is increasingly hitting the consumer consciousness. We catch up with Simo Abbari from Christchurch’s very own Mosaic by Simo about this culinary revolution.     What is your background in food and how did your love of Moroccan fare come […]

The George hotel

Dining Decadence: The George hotel

When one is thinking dining in Christchurch, one must always consider The George hotel as an icon of epicurean delights. Situated at 50 Park Terrace, you will find 50 Bistro, nine times Beef & Lamb Excellence Award-winner which showcases the best of local and regional produce with a great range of foods […]

market to table

Finding Spring Fare: All-new ‘market to table’ cooking demonstrations

At the beginning of this month, the Farmers Market Spring Festival launched all-new ‘market to table’ cooking demonstrations. Jax Hamilton introduced the first of these with her usual enthusiasm and flair from the kitchen verandah at Riccarton House.     The demonstrations will continue from 10-10:30am every Saturday during the warmer months, […]

Paul Reed Homes

The battle to build In Queenstown, Wanaka, Tekapo and Twizel: Paul Reed Homes

With the building boom in Queenstown and Southern Lakes putting pressure on the industry, Master Builder Paul Reed Homes has shared some ‘Insider Tips’ to help you avoid some of the stress and hidden ‘financial traps’.   Beware of low-ball quotes that are full of substitutions to the original specs. Under-pricing often […]

Alexandra Blossom Festival

Marking winter’s end: Alexandra Blossom Festival

Spring has sprung, and the Southern Lakes region has awoken from its winter slumber. What better way to mark the end of our seasonal hibernation – and make the most of longer, warmer days – than by attending the Contact Alexandra Blossom Festival.     First held in 1957, it’s the longest-running […]

Power of poetry

Power of poetry: At the Drop of a Hat

It’s poetry, but not as we know it. Three Southern Lakes literary identities are taking great delight in turning the traditional concept of staid poetry readings on its head.     Liz Breslin, Laura Williamson and Annabel Wilson are bringing their unique show, At the Drop of a Hat, to Queenstown. The […]

The Grape Debate image

The Grape Debate: There’s a battle brewing within the Central Otago wine industry

There’s a battle brewing within the Central Otago wine industry, but it’s for a good cause. And there shouldn’t be any ‘sour grapes’ at the end of it.     Following the success of similar events in Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough, the Colliers International Grape Debate comes to Southern Lakes this month. […]