A special occasion

Special occasions call for extra attention when preparing the drinks menu. From Champagne to cocktails, sauvignons to spritzers, gewürztraminer to gin, the choice of tipples is almost infinite. Group gatherings often start with bubbles to amp up the party feeling, and then progress to wine, beer, and cocktails. Large functions will often have […]

Rendezvous on 72: Route 72 Café Bar Emporium

Take a drive along Highway 72 to Cust and it will lead you to the unique, newly refurbished Route 72 Café Bar Emporium. Owners Steve and Annette Thomson have created an outlet for inspiring tastes and treasures both, with the café servicing one set of needs and the emporium and its fabulous selection […]

Classy catering

Whether it’s dinner for two, Sunday brunch with the family, or a larger gathering, catering can be stressful, unless properly planned. Limited access to many hospitality venues during the past few years has seen a rise in do-it-yourself functions as people have worked creatively to carry on with lives, celebrating birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, […]

The manor gets gold: Eliza’s Manor

The history of Eliza’s Manor spans three centuries and their most recent achievement is being awarded the coveted 5-star gold status via Qualmark. A Gold Qualmark Award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand, with the delivery of exceptional customer experiences an integral part of everything they do. Their beautiful bar […]

Fish and kale laksa soup

Courtesy of Nicola Galloway “Soup for dinner is not unusual in our house. I think it is the one-pot-meal aspect I love so much, plus the layering of flavours and textures. Although this laksa can be eaten all year round, it is particularly good as the weather cools down. The aim with this […]

Fish a healthy dish

Numerous scientific studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids have healthy benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease, depression, dementia, and arthritis. The three main types of omega-3 fatty acids are called ALA, DHA, and EPA. Plant sources, such as nuts and seeds, are rich in ALA, while fish, seaweed, and […]

Sliced and diced

Veggie prep can get a bit stock standard during a busy work week and inspiration can run a little dry by Thursday night. We have curated a collection of nifty kitchen gadgets that will make veggies more fun for children, or help create a healthy alternative to your usual carb picks, while also […]

Love of lemons: Ali’s Lemons

A love of fine food, family gatherings, all things Italian, and fresh, high-quality ingredients combine in perfect harmony for this Canterbury entrepreneur. Food enthusiast, business owner and chief whip, designer and bottle washer, Ali McGregor is the founder of Ali’s Lemons. A childhood immersed in the traditions of farming, gathering with friends and […]

Let the drinks beGIN: Juniper Distillery

Sean Juniper was not a spirit drinker until he decided to make his own gin. “Having the surname Juniper, was a major factor in deciding to make gin. My wife rightly pointed out that we didn’t enjoy gin, so I decided to make one that we did. Having brewed beer for years, I […]

Delicious, fresh fare: Urban Revival

We’re all foodies at heart and it’s great to know that we have plenty of choice, and not just in the central city. The growing hub of Silverstream is home to one innovative, fully licensed eatery where fresh is best, and as local as possible. Urban Revival is open seven days a week […]