Healthy hacks

We’re quickly heading into the social – and too often, stressful – season. So, what are some simple seasonal habits we can adopt to keep fighting fit for the festivities?     ULTIMATE ELIXIR It’s time to take the work out of working out. Soak up the sun – and a healthy […]

Internationally designed for locals: The Option

The flair of European cuisine hides in plain sight in Northwood at The Option Bistro & Wines. Those who have visited the continent will know, there, hospitality transcends expertly cooked cuisine with matching wines, and combines excellent service and an atmosphere which fosters connection. And that’s exactly what happens at The Option. […]

A cheesy celebration! Barrys Bay Cheese

October 6 marked a milestone worth cheesing over for Barrys Bay Cheese – 125 years in business as award winning cheesemakers! And the loved locals are not waning with old ages, that awards tally includes a record 19 medals at this year’s New Zealand Cheese Awards.     No birthday is complete […]

Sticky soy chicken with sesame noodles

Serves 4 PHOTOGRAPHY: CON POULOS RECIPES AND STYLING: DONNA HAY   Ingredients 1 tbsp light-flavoured extra virgin olive oil 150g (5¼ oz) dried soba noodles, cooked 2 zucchini shredded using a julienne peeler 2 tbsp white or black sesame seeds coriander (cilantro) leaves, to serve chicken meatballs 600g (1 lb ¼ oz) […]

Ashburton eats: The Millhouse Kitchen

Sunshine streams into the Millhouse Kitchen onto cosy leather armchairs and farmhouse-style table and chairs, creating an inviting atmosphere for this hidden gem of a mid-Canterbury cafe.     The heritage of the 108-year-old building is pristinely preserved in the wooden panelled walls and framed historic photographs which hang upon them, but […]

Taking a bite out of summer

Snacking is so summer, as we amp up the socialising, dash to our outdoor passions and host pre-Christmas catch ups.   FROZEN IS COOL Invent healthy homemade ice-blocks with yoghurt or blended or squeezed summer berries, mint, lime or ginger – not just for kids. Pieces of fruit, like watermelon and strawberries, […]

Soulful celebrations covered: Boo Radleys

Famed for its southern-USA soul food, fresh New Zealand ingredients, invigorating live music and extensive drinks lists – Boo Radley’s also extends its award-winning offerings to events.     Celebration coming up? Leave the planning to Boo Radley’s. Situated on Victoria Street, Boo has everything covered: from space, to cuisine, beverages and […]

‘tis the season: Fig Restaurant

It’s mid-November and chances are there are some who are yet to organise an end – or start – of year celebration. If you are pondering a location, Ravi Naidu has it fig-ured out. Fig Restaurant at Quality Hotel Elms is a crowd-pleasing silly season locale.   The Papanui modern bistro has […]

Asparagus fit for royalty: Grays Produce

The arrival of fresh green asparagus is a sure sign of summer, and those locally grown at Gray’s Produce also come with a royal tick of approval.   Christopher and Jenny Gray have been growing the nutritious, flavoursome stalks on their Motukarara farm, just off the Christchurch Akaroa Road, since 2003. Their […]

Sip into summer

Refreshing, thirst quenching and palate-pleasing – there’s nothing quite like sipping a cocktail on a balmy afternoon or evening. With a suite of fresh ingredients to choose from, body temperatures to regulate and socialising to be done – summer is an acceptable excuse to get inventive with your imbibements.     TWIST […]