All fired up: Arbour Woodfired Pizza

A century-old Lyttelton fishing boat is the centre-piece bar for a pizza joint that’s authentic to the core. Arbour Woodfired Pizza and Bar is rustic simplicity and intense perfection in the same bite.     Megan Hancox-Hammer and arbourist husband, Ra, dreamed of woodfired pizza set amongst native timbers, using local produce in Italian-esque tradition. […]

Ripe & ready

A day of indulging in the spoils of one of the world’s finest wine and food producing regions is on the agenda for those heading to Ripe next month. The Wānaka Wine and Food Festival is a celebration of the best of Central Otago’s rich culture and cuisine.     More than 30 vendors are […]

Grilled Bluff Oysters

When grilling oysters, you need to pick a species that is robust enough to stand up to the heat. The firmness of Bluff oysters makes them perfect for popping onto a barbecue with a spoonful of dressing or compound butter. This recipe comes from the early pop-up days of Hiakai. INGREDIENTS 50g thick-cut pancetta, cut […]

Leftovers lead the way

Creating new dishes from last night’s (or the night before’s) leftovers is nothing new. But creating whole new products from the remnants of meals past? Welcome to the world of edible upcycling.     Food upcycling – where new edible products are created from leftovers, by-products and surplus food waste – is tipped to become […]

Powering up plants for 2021

Including more plants on your plate is nothing new, but the global appetite for meat alternatives is tipped to just keep growing in 2021. A win for your health, and the environment, it’s hard to fault this trending food philosophy. So here are Metropol’s suggestions on how to up your plant intake and add a […]

Peck of the bunch: Purple Weka Cafe

Wekas are known as cheeky food-stealing birds, but at Purple Weka Café & Bar, the food is the one stealing the show. Teamed with a welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service, this is one local hospitality hotspot worth adding to your 2021 to-do list.     Owner Stewart McDougall says the fare is made on-site with […]

Fruits of love

February brings with it the last glorious month of summer, the peak of the summer fruit season and, of course, Valentine’s Day. Here are Metropol’s recommendations on how to celebrate all three in style via some fruity treats to spoil your sweetheart (or yourself!) this romantic month.       HEART BREAK(FAST) According to both […]

Delicious duo: One Ninety Nine

Only one hour from Christchurch, one ninety nine is a café and espresso bar that’s tucked into an alleyway at 199 Burnett Street, Ashburton.     “We’ve been told there’s a definite Wellington and Wanaka vibe going on here, so that speaks volumes,” says owners Gareth and Jamie Cadogan. Gareth and wife Jamie have worked […]

Summer in a can: Melton Estate

The magic of a New Zealand summer has been canned thanks to local winery Melton Estate. Because this year, its latest harvest of Summer Love Sparkling Riesling can also be found in handy 330ml cans.     In a year where summer tastes even better, this popular light pink spritzy drop has light floral notes […]

No ordinary café: Good Street Deli

Artistic sweet pastries and (almost) too good looking to eat handcrafted chocolates sit alongside an exceptional menu and cabinet food offerings at Good Street Deli.     Tucked inside the Opus Building on Moorhouse Avenue, new owners have reinvigorated the eatery – offering a creative high tea and have just introduced a $10 weekend breakfast […]