Fruity wee salads

Fruit is a welcome ingredient in many salads, and we’re not just talking desserts. Fresh, frozen, or even tinned, many fruits add extra dimensions to time-honoured savoury vegetable salads. A classic example is a Waldorf salad with apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts. Variations include using dried fruits, such as raisins and dates. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, […]

A honey of a café: Spring Bank Honey

Like bees to pollen, nectar aficionados are heading to North Canterbury’s specialist honey café. Wanting to share some of its uniquely curated honey, much of it destined for international markets, Springbank Honey established ‘The Hive’ a café and shop for locals. “To enjoy beautiful coffee and food, and have the opportunity to experience our delicious […]

Asian-inspired barbecue fish skewers: United Fisheries

Ingredients 1 Tbsp grapeseed oil 2 Tbsp light brown sugar 1 Tsp ground turmeric 1 Tbsp Thai fish sauce 1/3 cup, coconut cream 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 Tbsp grated root ginger 1/2 Tsp red chilli oil, 2 Tbsp chopped dill 1-2 red peppers, sweet 480g salmon fillet, skinned, cut into 2cm chunks 500g monkfish […]

Make it to the markets

Fresh vegetables and fruit lie at the heart of any good meal. They’re the base for every delicious kitchen creation. The benefits of fresh, locally grown produce are obvious. It feels great to know you’ve reduced your plastic consumption and carbon footprint, while enjoying food full of flavour. It’s not just your tastebuds and the […]

Bring your friends together: Three Elements Chinese Restaurant

When dining out is a fun-filled celebration lasting all night long, the memories endure. Agreat night starts with trying new authentic tastes, singing, laughing, and being entertained by your favourite people. Three Elements Chinese Restaurant is more than a delicious dining experience. The upstairs dining area includes a children’s play zone, a pool table, Mahjong, […]

Summer salad days

Fresh, colourful, and full of goodness, salads are a quick way to dress up brunches, lunches, and dinners. From full-on greens to rainbow coloured offerings, salads include a few basic ingredients, then the rest is up to the creator’s imagination. Lettuce is a popular starting point, yet spinach, rocket, watercress, and basil are other options. […]

Roast salmon prawn, orange, & fennel

Caterer, cook, and entertainer Tina Duncan shares a recipe from her recently released book Plated. A whole side of salmon is definitely a festive dish and this has its place at all sorts of celebrations because it can be served warm or cold, whichever way works for you. Kecap manis is a sweeter, Indonesian-style soy […]

Dress it up

Just as accessories make an outfit, dressings are the finishing touches to salads. Supermarket shelves are full of options, yet with a few basic ingredients and five to 10 minutes in your kitchen, it’s easy to create your own. Vinegar and olive oil-based vinaigrettes are light, healthy, and great on greens, vegetables, and fruits. They […]

Food heaven on Mandeville St: Mandeville Street Kitchen

Breakfast, morning tea, lunches, and a mid-afternoon sugar fix are all on the menu at a popular Mandeville St café where the food is just like grandmother used to make. Food is prepared fresh daily at Mandeville Street Kitchen, using owner Sarah-Jane and her team’s tried and true recipes, and the best of local ingredients, […]

Pickled grapes

Plump, juicy green and red imported grapes are available now in plentiful supply, ideal for entertainment platters, and great for pickling. They’re easy to do, and will be done in time for Christmas if you start now. Crisp and spicy, they’re a wonderful accompaniment with cheeses, pâtés, and on charcuterie boards, reminiscent of sweet pickled […]