Hosting an Olympics viewing party
Exchange mundane dinner dates with friends and family for a night of sporting excitement and thrills. Delicious French-inspired food and leave-it-all-out-there sport, that is the energy to expect at any Olympics viewing party. The iconic sporting event is an ideal opportunity to ditch the winter blues and reconnect with family and friends in […]
Sumptuous Sichuan: Focus Chinese Dining
If overseas travel isn’t on the menu right now, or if you are far from home and craving the authentic tastes and aromas of Chinese food, go no farther than Lincoln Road. Focus Chinese Dining’s skilled chefs bring the essence of various Chinese regions, especially Sichuan, directly to your plate. With extensive experience […]
A taste of Taiwan: Formosa
When Amber Huang and fully qualified chef Don Cheng opened their Ashburton restaurant seven years ago, they had little business experience. Today, that same restaurant boasts the kind of patronage that necessitates booking 24 hours in advance to secure a table. Formosa draws the crowds with a magnetic-like attraction, all vying to experience […]
Love that long lunch: Fiddlesticks
Often in life, it’s the simple things that make for unforgettable moments — such as feasting around a table surrounded by friends, with no thoughts about clock-watching or time limits. To reminisce and yarn with best mates until your tongue gets tired from talking is a rare gift. Fiddlesticks recognise that platinum friendships […]
Wholefood warrior: Dux Group
Restauranteur and entrepreneur Richard Sinke is the ideal advocate for the diet he has espoused for practically his entire life – the Mediterranean diet. Three words that aptly describe his physical persona would be energy, vigour and vitality. For the founder of Dux Group, Richard’s career kicked off in an organic garden in […]
Some like it hot
Traditionally, a hot toddy is a warming drink combining water, whiskey, honey and lemon juice. Often taken to help ease cold and flu symptoms, or as a nightcap, it can also include herbs and spices, and is delicious even without any alcohol content. Known as hot whiskey in Ireland, and occasionally called southern […]
Stars of the sandwich: Town Tonic
Adaptability and versatility are vital elements for a successful restaurant in such challenging times for hospitality. Town Tonic in Addington, under new management by Chef Kanav Khajuria and partner Gargi Saha, is a great example of these qualities in operation. By day, the restaurant offers delicious barista-brewed beverages and freshly baked scones, muffins, […]
Matariki kai
Matariki, the Māori New Year, is a special time to celebrate and honour the holiday with friends and family, and learn the history and cultural significance behind it. Falling this year on 28 June, Matariki symbolises a time of remembrance, reflection, and renewal across the country. Deeply rooted in Māori culture, Matariki is […]
Mid-Canterbury must-do: Cafe Mayfield
Pick a good day and inland scenic route 72 offers you a near-perfect backdrop for a stunning drive through Canterbury. Stretching from Amberley to Geraldine, this picturesque road trip offers views of the freshly dusted Southern Alps sandwiched between the deep green sweep of the plains. Along this gorgeous stretch and just an […]
Scrumptious Rēwena Bread
Rēwena Bread (Parāoa Rēwena) is a type of sourdough, leavened with a fermented potato starter, that originated amongst Māori, and is closely associated with their cuisine. Try this classic creation from the Kaumātua Recipes website. Rēwena starter INGREDIENTS 2 cups flour 1 Tsp sugar 3 slices medium-sized potato METHOD Boil the potato slices […]
