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 strict attention to […]

Time travel possible? Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

After the year we have all had, it seems as if Marty McFly and Doc had the right idea when they jumped into that time machine. Planning your Christmas work function and want to do something memorable? How about a trip back to the iconic decade of leg warmers, big hair and neon everything – […]

Eat your greens

There can be no surer sign of impending summer than the abundance of fresh, green vegetables gracing us with their presence. From vibrant asparagus spears, to lively broccoli, colourful kale, brilliant lettuce and a wealth of herbs. Here are Metropol’s tips for piling those plates with every shade of green.     GREEN FRITTERS Zhush […]

Next gen summer tipples

The sweet sound of a pour pricks many an ear on a hot summer’s day. While it’s hard to beat an ice-cold rosé or beer, last summer we saw a new wave of naturally flavoured and sweetened ready-to-drink alcoholic bevvies take the zeitgeist by storm with classy branding and highbrow flavour matches. This summer, the […]

Food for all

In a time when disciplined and restrictive food trends seem to be taking over the world, Christchurch sisters Margo and Rosa Flanagan are serving up something different. Metropol catches up with the Two Raw Sisters about their refreshing, inclusive approach to eating.     Rosa, 24, and Margo, 22, have eaten themselves back to health. […]

Breaking the fast

It’s long been known as the most important meal of the day, but it certainly doesn’t have to be the most boring. We’ve pulled together some creative ways to start your day off the right way.   SMOOTHIE MOVES They’ve long been a breakfast lifesaver that packs a serious nutritional punch. When made with the […]

Thorough-bread catering: Halswell Bakery

Whether you’re hosting an event or planning a boot party at the races, the talented team at Halswell Bakery can provide fresh, delicious catering to suit your requirements.     From tasty club sandwich platters, bacon and egg slice, quiche and savouries to custom-made birthday cakes, donuts and sweet treats, everything is freshly handmade on […]

All aboard! Christchurch Attractions

Cherished Christchurch attraction the Tramway Restaurant is set to reopen on November 1, just in time for party season after a six-month refurbishment which has polished this 1920s jewel until it shines.   New Zealand’s only tramcar restaurant, dining while riding in the air-conditioned heritage tram while it passes the streetscapes of Christchurch is a […]

Cocktails & canapes for race day

With a decadent tipple in one hand, and a mouth-watering titbit in the other, our taste buds are racing to celebrate Cup Week. Putting on a perfect soiree is all in the creativity, so here is Metropol’s inspiration for cocktails and canapes to carry you through pre- and post-races celebrations. SEASONAL SUCCULENCE Mini whitebait patties […]

A twist on Cup Day catering: Maroma Creative Limited

Maroma Creative Limited has sumptuous ideas for Cup Week, for all styles of celebratory feasts.   \Mother and daughter team, Sally and Kate, create magic in their kitchen with a pinch of “kaos” (how they describe their fun and exuberant approach). The Twisted ladies specialise in creating bespoke cakes, delicious grazing platters and individualised catering […]