Climbing high – 27 Steps

Fine wining and dining doesn’t come any finer than this long-standing New Regent Street fixture. A few months ago, my husband and I wandered into 27 Steps on New Regent Street looking to have dinner and a glass of wine before heading to the theatre. We hadn’t booked, and the place was packed. […]

Flame, flavour and Southern fire:
Texas Grill

Whether it’s the fire in their belly thanks to the 4.8-star standard marked on their first birthday, or the flame that creates their their signature Texas flavour, the team behind this Hereford Street steakhouse is serving up the quality cuisine Christchurch is known for. “It’s been a rollercoaster,” say gratified owners Arshad Upadhye […]

Win it! High Tea table for four: Crowne Plaza Christchurch

Mark a special occasion, treat yourself to divine dining, or embrace a moment of luxury, here’s how to win the ultimate High Tea table for four. Draped in crisp white tablecloths, elevated by gleaming gold-tiered stands… high tea at Crowne Plaza Christchurch invites guests to slow down and delight in the details. With […]

Ashburton welcome: Formosa

One family-run eatery in Ashburton offers comforting soul food and sharing-style Asian dishes to bring people together. Dining out should delight the senses every time. When we gather together over something to eat, we want to feel joyful and uplifted, but also relaxed and a bit spoilt. Ashburton is home to a restaurant […]

Japanese comfort food: Tanoshi

A hot, hearty bowl of ramen – umami flavour, rich broth and all – is the ultimate winter meal. Warm up from the inside out with Tanoshi’s winter menu, a restaurant borne from the traditions of authentic Japanese cuisine and infused with modern convenience. Famous for their build-your-own ramen, your bowl of goodness […]

Fond of Fondue

The 1970s Swiss dinner party favourite is making a comeback. Metropol writer Lucy Brewer investigates. Sometimes, being really cheesy is a good thing. Fondue is one of those times. Originating in 18th-century Switzerland, when peasants melted ageing cheeses with wine to stretch resources through winter, this classic sharing dish was a staple at […]

70 years of community: Hornby Club

For seven decades, this club has been the hub for community in Hornby. Hornby Club has turned 70, marking seven decades of bringing people together and serving the community at the heart of Christchurch’s southwest since opening its doors in 1956. Once a small township on the edge of Christchurch, Hornby has become […]

Beef & beetroot sausage rolls

These sausage rolls couldn’t be much simpler to make and are fantastic with the horseradish cream, says Canterbury pastry and pie maker Wendy Morgan. Her new book, entitled Easy as Pie, is out now. Makes 28 Ingredients • 1 quantity Rough Puff Pastry (see recipe opposite) • 250g beef mince • 250g beef […]

Impossibly easy custard pie

Could this be the easy-peasiest dessert pie you’ve ever made? Give it a try and let us know. An old-fashioned recipe that has been around for a long time, this creamy custard pie is called impossibly easy pie because it takes just four ingredients. Just blend the ingredients and pour into a pie […]

Club hub: Papanui Club

Membership growth and facility expansion are two clear markers of success at this stalwart in the Papanui social scene. “Every improvement, event and investment is made with the goal of creating a stronger, more vibrant place for people to enjoy,” says general manager Mark Belton at the ever-popular Papanui Club. Their success lies […]