Fruity hot cross buns

One a penny, two a penny… Hot Cross Buns are an entrenched Easter tradition, dating back to the Egyptians, Ancient Greeks and Romans. These cultures all made variations of the bun to celebrate the change in seasons, although it is the Saxons who are believed to have marked theirs with a cross to […]

Food favourites: Purple Weka Cafe

Genuine Kiwi kai cooked to perfection and served with a helping of smiles, and a bit of cheek, is hard to beat. That’s especially true of the time–honoured breakfast and lunch dishes, served from 7am onwards at Purple Weka Cafe. Owner Stewart McDougall says, “Our food is quite traditional, and made on-site with […]

New culinary era: Eliza’s Manor

John F Kennedy once said that “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” Looking to the future and keeping up to date with patrons’ tastes and with current trends towards sustainability in food are essential to staying current […]

Treats not sweets

Heading into Easter, thoughts turn to chocolate, Easter eggs, foil-wrapped bunnies and the like. Most of those have a high processed sugar content, however there are ways and means of having treats without them being too sucrose laden. Try making your own bliss balls, using the recipe below, and swapping in/out your favourite […]

Enjoy craft cider: 12 Taps Cider House

On a beautiful autumn day, what could be more refreshing than a delicious pint of cider or beer? The popularity of craft beer and the fermented alcoholic beverage made using the unfiltered juice of fruits, cider, is on the rise – and understandably so, they’re light, refreshing and taste great.   With a […]

State-of-the-art club: Hornby Club

Members only clubs are enjoying a renaissance in Christchurch. With a contemporary new facility, including an events centre, family-style restaurant, café and sports bar, one club that has attracted hundreds of new members in recent months is the Hornby Club. Officially opened in December, the architecturally designed facility has obviously hit the right […]

A caffeine fix affogato

If you’re looking for a unique and delicious dessert to try, an affogato is a must. It is one of Italy’s most delectable modern dishes and the contrast between the hot, intense espresso and the cold, creamy ice cream creates a heavenly taste sensation that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. See […]

Espresso yourself: Coffee Worx

Coffee taste preference is intensely personal, but a great tasting coffee has the power to change your day. Owner of Coffee Worx, a Christchurch based roasting and supply company, Deb Riach says “coffee is an emotional product”. “There is a mystery about it, an alchemy that brings an uplift to people when quality […]

Spicy starters

Many recipes use aromatic spices, and ingredients to transform bland into delectable, mouth-watering temptations from snack to starters, to entrees, mains, and even desserts. Eggplants, beetroot, fish roe, saffron, cumin and sumac are among the most popular, not forgetting firm favourites such as chillies, garlic and ginger. Throw in some paprika, toasted sesame […]

Tasty Taramasalata and Heavenly Hummus

Tasty Taramasalata Ingredients — Serves 8 4 thick slices sourdough bread 100g salted or smoked fish roe 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 Tbsp diced red onion 3 Tbsp lemon juice 250ml olive oil Pita bread to serve Method Soak the sourdough in water, squeeze out excess moisture, and tear into pieces. Add bread […]