Pasta Vera

How to have a happy holiday: Pasta Vera

With the arrival of guests – expected and unexpected – at Christmas, and kids home from uni or overseas who always seem to be on the prowl for food, suddenly there’s no time for relaxation, because you’re too busy fretting about what to conjure up for the next meal.     Pasta […]

Christmas Trifle

Christmas Trifle Recipe

It simply is not Christmas without a trifle; it makes such a great table centrepiece. The best thing is you can invent your own trifle layers using your favourite sponge or meringue – mix and match fruits, creams, jellies and inclusions – there really are no rules. This trifle is entirely made […]

Christmas mince pies Recipe

Festive Feasting: Christmas mince pies Recipe

Christmas mince pies are a festive favourite for foodies. Why not add this to your silly season spread?       INGREDIENTS NZ Christmas mincemeat 175g raisins 150g sultanas 100g mixed peel 150g currants 30g blanched almonds 1 lemon, grated zest and juice 1 orange, grated zest and juice Quarter cup brandy […]

Bluebells Cakery

With Christmas right around the corner, Bluebells Cakery is excited to announce its range of festive treats for the holiday season, which are available for the first time nationwide.     The festive collection brings together a combination of iconic Kiwi classics and Christmas novelties. Favourites include Bluebells Cakery’s most-loved shortbread, biscuit […]

Culinary Trends 2019

Culinary Trends 2019

The world’s focus is on wellness, but pleasure-seeking tastebuds are in for a satiating year, as health and gastronomy share the table for 2019.     Wild, wild greens The king of green goodness, kale, hands over the crown to leafy cousins of equal royalty. Dandelion leaves, mustard greens, chicory, chard, sorrel […]

Fleur Caulton

On a roll: Q&A with Fleur Caulton

The founders of Queenstown’s Rata and four Madam Woo restaurants, Josh Emett and Fleur Caulton have been on a roll, hospitality speaking, with the shared vision and love of food that has seen both dining options become such a success.     Now they’re heading new Asian fusion restaurant Hawker & Roll, […]

Manu Feildel

Recipe for success: Q&A with Manu Feildel

Manu Feildel has won hearts as the resident Frenchman on My Kitchen Rules for the past eight years. It was a recipe for success; the two beloved chefs, many years of experience under their culinary belts and the competitive streak that has given us an insatiable appetite for cooking shows. Then of […]

Savour Summer

Time to Savour Summer

A recent Christchurch celebrity concert started like this: ‘I’d heard from everyone who’s been here that New Zealanders were friendly, well-fed people’.     You have to admit it: true on both counts. Aotearoa’s a hearty food-bowl; a generous wine-cellar; a well-stocked craft-beer fridge. With the season of frivolity and joyousness upon […]

Japanz Bakery

A sweet favourite: Japanz Bakery

If you think the name Japanz Bakery sounds familiar, then you would be right. The quality baked eats with a Japanese flavour and friendly customer service you’ll find here have made it a firm favourite in Christchurch for years.     Four years ago, Japanz Bakery moved from the original central CBD […]

Taichi Restaurant

Handcrafted dim sum arts: Taichi Restaurant

When it comes to the quintessential Cantonese dining experience, the most popular expression comes to mind is ‘yum cha’, the Cantonese words for ‘drinking tea’ that refers to Cantonese tea lunch.     Taichi Restaurant, in Shop 8, Spitfire Square by the airport, is the real deal when it comes to authentic […]