Delicious edibles: Naturally Delicious

Being disqualified from your first cake baking competition aged eight because the judges simply didn’t believe you could make something so good, might deter many a budding baker from ever picking up a whisk again. Not so Michael Johnson. Michael says he wasn’t very good at school, but his skills kicked in when he was […]

Fabulous figs

Autumn’s cooler temperatures and shorter days are a signal to fruits such as feijoas, figs, grapes, pears, and quinces, to ripen. Plump, soft, and naturally sweet, figs are believed to have several health benefits, including as a source of calcium, potassium, and vitamin K, and helping to relieve constipation. On the downside, dried figs are […]

Rich and indulgent: Japanz Bakery

It doesn’t get much better than fresh quality-baked eats. From sweet treats to savoury snacks and everything in between, bakeries deliver the goods to get your tastebuds excited. As far as amazing bakeries go, you can’t go past Japanz Bakery at South City Shopping Centre. Operating in Christchurch for almost 20 years, they have mastered […]

Break out the bowls

Warming, nourishing, and comforting, soup might almost be the perfect meal. At home, work, and even exploring Canterbury’s great outdoors, soup is a highly versatile meal, making it great for any weather, and particularly welcoming during autumn and winter. Soup makes excellent use of leftovers, and can be cooked in large batches and frozen for […]

Something fun, something new: Riverside Kitchen

A wedding is often not simply about the marriage ceremony itself. Many events before and after the big day contribute to creating the memories couples talk about for years to come. Everything needs to be just right. The hen party is one such event. Bridesmaids can experience stress when planning and thinking of something different […]

Coffee on each corner: Cocoa Black

In a perfect world, our daily coffee would come from our favourite shop each time. The one where they make it just right because they know how we like it, the staff are friendly, and there is a fabulous range of fresh food choices to have in house or take away. Christchurch’s Yong Ren is […]

A sip of Europe: Sala Coffee

Since the first recorded sip of this aromatic brown liquid, through to today’s coffee shop culture, coffee has become a staple. For some even, a necessity, and takes prime placement in many pantries around the world, New Zealand being no exception. Indeed, coffee is a way of life in this country. One joint in Christchurch […]

Fine, fine food: Elmwood Fine Foods

One of the delicious pleasures in life is finding an intimate local café you love to frequent. Even better is one that exudes an oasis of calm where you have time and space to savour the taste and aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Such a little gem of a café exists tucked away on Normans […]

Coeliac solutions: Bubbles Gluten Free Catering

Finding suitable places to eat as a coeliac can be challenging with much to consider. One divinely delicious solution in Christchurch, Bubbles Gluten Free Catering, bakes food fresh in their coeliac kitchen with a myriad of options available daily. Owner Lynette Cooper’s journey to gluten-free baking started across the ditch. She’s had an overwhelming response […]

Step it up salad

Lifting the elements of a basic salad is simple, using nature’s offerings. Lots of vegetables excite in uniqueness, whether through size or colour. Vegetables that range in shape and shade, like cherry tomatoes and radishes, are the answer. These ‘designer’ vegetables bring the brilliance so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. In […]