Chocolate & almond butter swirl brownies
INGREDIENTS For the chocolate batter 200g dark chocolate, chopped into 5mm chunks (150g for melting, the rest for the top) 100g coconut oil 100g white spelt flour 100g golden caster sugar ½ tsp baking powder 2 organic eggs, or 8 tsp flaxseed 1 tsp vanilla extract or paste For the almond butter batter 75g […]
The next exciting chapter! The Station Cafe
It’s full steam ahead at The Station Café in Rangiora, with proprietors Steve and Vivienne King announcing that opening hours will be extended to include an evening dining service. “It’s the next chapter for The Station. Beginning early May, we will be open for evening dining on Fridays and Saturdays,” says Steve. The special […]
“Dirty” bulgur with roast chicken (Red bulgur bi jara)
This dish was originally prepared in a clay pot, hence the term “bi jara”, or “from the clay oven” in the recipe’s name. My version differs from the original, not only in that I have used a regular saucepan instead of a clay pot, but also because I have ‘dirtied’ the rice. A friend of […]
Trust the chefs: The Monday Room
As plate after plate of beautifully presented contemporary fine dining dishes arrive at your table at The Monday Room, it becomes quite clear you can indeed trust the chefs. Or, more specifically, you can trust Eeva Torvinen and Annika Kiviniemi, the Finnish chefs behind the restaurant’s exquisite social dining offering. Owner Joel Christian says […]
Cardamom + dark chocolate “cheesecake” bars
Gluten-free | Makes 12–14 slices | Vegan Method: Start this recipe the night before to soak the cashews. To make the cheesecake base, line a 28cm x 18cm slice tin with baking paper, overlapping the sides by 2cm. Put the pitted dates, almonds and melted coconut oil into a food processor and pulse until […]
Menus for mum on her special day
Cooking up a storm has been part and parcel of Mother’s Day for decades, whether it is singed toast and orange juice lovingly prepared by tiny hands for breakfast, or more creative culinary efforts. Here are Metropol’s suggestions for delicious ways to treat the mother figure in your life this year, plus see our two […]
Well for winter
Keeping on top of your wellness during the colder months can feel so much harder when you haven’t got a good dose of summer sunshine to boost your motivation. Here are a few of Metropol’s tips for fighting off the winter wellness woes so you’re ready to face the chilly season feeling your best. […]
Another level of events: Level One Craft Beer & Coffee Bar
“Level One Events caters to traditionalist couples through to the wild ones who want anything but!” says Wedding Planner Kate Grater. Level One Craft Beer & Coffee Bar launched Level One Events in 2020 so couples can have it all. The boho beach style is rich décor, dark green foliage, bar leaners, plush […]
A balanced approach: Formosa
Gorgeous fusion restaurant Formosa takes inspiration from the contemporary aspects of the West, while paying homage to its Asian roots at the same time – a unique and perfect balance of yin and yang. Amber Huang and her team cherish that balance and always bring something new and fresh to their hungry but […]
The most beautiful backdrop: Harbour House
Harbour House in Governors Bay is so close to the heart of Christchurch, yet its unique location has the feel of a different world. Views of Lyttelton Harbour serve as the stunning backdrop for your wedding and whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a bigger celebration, event manager Nic Graham and Europe-trained […]