Meet the Chef

Meet the Chef: Q&A with Chef Hamish Watt

Christchurch is in the enviable position of having some extraordinary options when it comes to eating out. The Crowne Plaza is one such spot in the figurative and literal heart of the city.   Metropol catches up with Crowne Plaza Executive Chef Hamish Watt to discuss his tips of the trade, the […]

Eating Beautiful

Eating Beautiful

We’ve long treated our skin and hair externally, as we seek to become younger, more beautiful versions of ourselves.     But there’s an increasing movement towards the recognition of the intricate connection between what we eat and our external appearance.  Rather than all the lotions and potions at our disposal, consuming […]

Fun for the foodies

Fun for the foodies

Christchurch is set to don its chef whites and apron in April, as it puts on a fun and fabulous foodie event in the city. So clear the pantry, empty the fridge, prepare to stock up and get ready for the 2019 Food Show Christchurch, on from 5 to 7 April at […]

The Monday Room

The Perfect Pairing: The Monday Room

At The Monday Room, cuisine is about so much more than food – it’s an experience.   Heavily influenced by her Finnish background, Head Chef Eeva Torvinen uses techniques that include curing, brining and pickling, while Finnish flavours such as berries, buttermilk, liquorice, rye and malt bring flavour to the ingredients. “I […]

Salted caramel nut brownies Recipe

Salted caramel nut brownies recipe

A decadent recipe that can be made ahead, even frozen – with or without the caramel sauce. So what are you waiting for?     INGREDIENTS 1 cup caster sugar 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup butter 3/4 cup chocolate dots 1/4 cup cocoa powder 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 […]

Ugly Food

Ugly Food

The ugly food movement – this decade’s term to describe fruit and vegetables of the knotted, gnarly and spotty kind –is taking over our soils.     Although an unflattering title, ugly food is a new food group we can include in our shopping baskets. People are saving on pennies whilst simultaneously […]