Mike Pero’s protein-packed brekky bowl
Entrepreneur, businessman, and family man Mike Pero took his cholesterol into his own hands after a heart health scare. He eats clean and with purpose from Monday to Friday, sharing one of his favourite ‘ritual’ recipes – this chia protein breakfast bowl. INGREDIENTS 2 dessert spoons chia seeds 1 tsp pumpkin seeds 1 […]
The 5-minute feel-good bowl
Ready to nail your health goals in 2026? This superfood salad does the trick. Local holistic wellness coach and yoga teacher Alex Ballagh shares this salad recipe with a detox dressing. “I give this recipe to most of my private clients because it’s so good. The rocket and lemon support the liver and […]
Choc-dipped almond and pepita bars
A healthy pick-me-up snack for taking to work or popping in the kids’ school lunchbox, these gluten-free nutty bars deliver a fix of healthy fats and a sustained energy boost. INGREDIENTS – Makes: 16 | Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 30 mins 1 cup white sesame seeds 1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin […]
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 […]
