Classic cherry compote

Is there anything better in the summer holidays than a big bowl full of cherries? Sweet and with a touch of tart – this juicy fruit is a classic come Kiwi Christmastime. Cherry compote, with its balanced flavour profile and rich red colour, is a wonderful utilisation of ripe cherries, saving a few […]

Picnic by the pool

Picnic or platter-style eats are a favourite for poolside or outdoor gatherings, utilising foods in their natural state to be collated on a plate by your guests as they please. While it screams ‘do it yourself’, it does so beautifully. Colour, texture, and construction of certain elements make a simply stunning presentation. The […]

Great dining, daytime into evening: The Phat Duck

Fancy a sit down meal with family and friends, or perhaps a refreshing cold beer after work in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere? At Phat Duck Brew Bar and Kitchen, everyone’s invited. Featuring a restaurant at one end, a vibrant bar at the other, and a cool bean bag area for chilling out, you’ll […]

Winning formula: Black Beech Wine and Pizza Bar

that is hard to argue with. So, if you happen to become the new owner of a wine and pizza bar, you wouldn’t change the award-winning pizzas, right? That’s exactly the approach that Manpreet Singh and his team have taken at Oxford’s Black Beech Wine and Pizza Bar. This little gem is a […]

In high spirits: Herrick Creek Distillery

The words “moonshine” and “bootlegging” conjure up images of illegal stills in the Central Otago goldfields, and the clandestine distribution of distilled alcohol. There is however nothing clandestine or illicit about the award-winning “Moonshine” that Tom Finn (pictured) creates at the Herrick Creek Distillery. Tom’s great-grandfather was a true bootlegger in Canada, so […]

A toast to tradition: Colony

When Louisa Lorenzen met Johan Hansen in the 1860s on the Otago goldfields, she had no idea their romantic story would echo through the ages. Now, 160 years later, it’s embodied in The Proposal, a liqueur with suspended flakes of gold, symbolising the only gold Johan found, which he used to craft her […]

Staying safe in silly season

Drink spiking statistics in New Zealand are minimal, as is safety in many hospitality venues. Yet many women in New Zealand will have, or know of someone who has, experienced an incident along those lines. End-of-year work dos, pre- and post-Christmas catch-ups with friends and family, and celebratory events – it’s likely you […]

Manu’s Lomi Lomi Salmon

A delightful dish created by Manu Head Chef Jonathan Perrett, this is a favourite of the team there, and sure to become one of yours too. INGREDIENTS (serves 2): Cured Salmon: • 120g fresh salmon, cubed or thinly sliced • Ice bath: 400g rock salt, 200g sugar, 2.5L water Fish Marinade: • 2L […]

Fusing flavours

If a trip to the Pacific Islands isn’t on the cards this year, try bringing those flavours to you, fusing them with your favourite foods. Culture is what makes so many cuisines popular, and local tastebuds are drooling for the fusion of Pacific, Asian, and Māori cuisine, thanks to Karen Hattaway’s Manu Restaurant […]

The making of a master chef: Sunshine Cafe & Moonlight Bar

Food is joy, it brings people together. In Pegasus, a new café by day and bar by night serves delicious eats and an ever-changing experience thanks to one passionate chef. Tim Koh, owner and head chef of Sunshine Cafe & Moonlight Bar on Tahuna Street, discovered a love for cooking in university. Throwing […]