Washing up on produce

As tempting as it may be to bite into a freshly bought apple straight from the bag, it’s long been known produce should be rinsed before consumption.But, just how much washing is required?   Visible dirt on your potatoes, the thought of all the hands that have touched your tomatoes and the various sprays used […]

A kelping hand

The age-old wisdom of eating your vegetables is showing no sign of subsiding, but what appears to be trending is the advice to also eat your sea vegetables. Enter – kelp. A superfood seaweed those in the know are predicting to be a standout ingredient in western cuisine this year.     TRADITIONAL TASTE Seaweed […]

Bad bunny hot cross bun bread + butter pudding

In New Zealand during lockdown, May 2020, these hot cross bun bread and butter puddings stormed social media and they simply can’t be ignored as a fabulous way to use up leftover hot cross buns. I know I buy too many, I know I shouldn’t, but…     You will need… Clean hands Chopping board […]

Waste not, want not

Canterbury cook Sarah Burtscher is on a mission to tastefully reduce food waste. Every year, more than 150,000 tonnes of food is thrown away by Kiwis, but her new cookbook provides ample inspiration to turn that stat around – and create delicious, nutritious food for the whole family in the process.     When an […]

A serendipitous lion: The Fine Lion

The lion may well sport a monocle, and the décor of mosaic tiles and lush greenery certainly has a post-colonial feel to it, but food at The Fine Lion, though downright delicious, is definitely not posh nosh, assures owners Matt and Belinda Lion.     “I think people hear the name and immediately conjure up […]

Follow the big cup! The Millhouse Kitchen

If Ashburton is on your horizon, keep your eyes wide open for the big cup at the newly refurbished Ashford Village Complex. There you will find Millhouse Kitchen which offers fabulous coffee, a delicious menu and cabinet food to weary travellers and very happy locals, seven days a week.     This multi-faceted café features […]

Hilltop hotspot: Sign of the Takahe

Comfy café by day and family-friendly restaurant experience in the evening, Sign of the Takahe is a destination neighbourhood local on the Port Hills. Soak in panoramic views across the city to the Southern Alps from the tranquil garden, or cosy up inside the beautifully renovated heritage building.   Sign of the Takahe is everything […]

Made from scratch: Bunco’s

It’s a place where nicknames are celebrated. Derek Morris, known as Bunco by his mates, thought that name was the perfect one for his new cafe in Amberley.     Not only that, but some of the mates get their own nickname recognition in the various brioche bun burgers that are the signature dish of […]

Fluffies for fluffies: Fluffies for fluffies

The aptly named Central Bark Café is a haven for customers who wish to relax, indulge and meet likeminded pet owners. Locally owned and operated by Cantabrian Linda Ashworth, her goal is to create a destination café like no other in Christchurch.   Here you’ll not only find a tempting cabinet bursting with fluffy cheese […]

Bored of boards?

If you’ve been to any form of social event you’ve most likely come across the ever-popular charcuterie board. But with changing times, aka a global pandemic, cuisine connoisseurs have had to get crafty. Jarcuterie is truly taking the internet by storm and putting the cute in charcuterie.     First posted by Instagrammer Suzanne Billings […]