In your glass: Big Daddys

A sophisticated tipple never goes astray. Metropol writer Nicholas Henare discovers the best drops at Big Daddy’s liquor stores this month. I catch up with Big Daddy’s regularly to see what’s new each week, and see first-hand the great pride taken in making sure that the world’s finest whiskies, gins, liqueurs, champagnes […]

Washing up on produce

As tempting as it may be to bite into a freshly bought apple straight from the bag, it’s long been known produce should be rinsed before consumption.But, just how much washing is required?   Visible dirt on your potatoes, the thought of all the hands that have touched your tomatoes and the […]

A kelping hand

The age-old wisdom of eating your vegetables is showing no sign of subsiding, but what appears to be trending is the advice to also eat your sea vegetables. Enter – kelp. A superfood seaweed those in the know are predicting to be a standout ingredient in western cuisine this year.     TRADITIONAL […]

Choc-tail masterclass

While the Easter holiday means different things to everyone, there’s no doubt the long weekend as we know it is about indulging with loved ones. So, Metropol has gone on an Easter egg hunt for the chocolatey cocktails to try this long weekend.     SHOOT THE EGG, NOT THE BUNNY The […]

Bad bunny hot cross bun bread + butter pudding

In New Zealand during lockdown, May 2020, these hot cross bun bread and butter puddings stormed social media and they simply can’t be ignored as a fabulous way to use up leftover hot cross buns. I know I buy too many, I know I shouldn’t, but…     You will need… Clean […]

A serendipitous lion: The Fine Lion

The lion may well sport a monocle, and the décor of mosaic tiles and lush greenery certainly has a post-colonial feel to it, but food at The Fine Lion, though downright delicious, is definitely not posh nosh, assures owners Matt and Belinda Lion.     “I think people hear the name and […]

Follow the big cup! The Millhouse Kitchen

If Ashburton is on your horizon, keep your eyes wide open for the big cup at the newly refurbished Ashford Village Complex. There you will find Millhouse Kitchen which offers fabulous coffee, a delicious menu and cabinet food to weary travellers and very happy locals, seven days a week.     This […]

Hilltop hotspot: Sign of the Takahe

Comfy café by day and family-friendly restaurant experience in the evening, Sign of the Takahe is a destination neighbourhood local on the Port Hills. Soak in panoramic views across the city to the Southern Alps from the tranquil garden, or cosy up inside the beautifully renovated heritage building.   Sign of the […]

Made from scratch: Bunco’s

It’s a place where nicknames are celebrated. Derek Morris, known as Bunco by his mates, thought that name was the perfect one for his new cafe in Amberley.     Not only that, but some of the mates get their own nickname recognition in the various brioche bun burgers that are the […]

Fluffies for fluffies: Fluffies for fluffies

The aptly named Central Bark Café is a haven for customers who wish to relax, indulge and meet likeminded pet owners. Locally owned and operated by Cantabrian Linda Ashworth, her goal is to create a destination café like no other in Christchurch.   Here you’ll not only find a tempting cabinet bursting […]