Rendezvous on 72: Route 72

  Take a drive along Highway 72 to Cust and it will lead you to the unique 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 of crafts and […]

Divine dining at gin gin

  Six months into their New Regent Street home and gin gin’s offering is more refined than ever, as its understated, approachable, and seasonal menus deliver a complete experience for diners.     Whether it’s long lunching with friends, a cosy date night or a more dressed up affair, gin gin’s relaxed and inviting setting […]

Authentic Moroccan cuisine: Mosaic By Simo

  The tagine is at the heart of authentic Moroccan food. Dishes that are similar to stews cooked in distinctive earthenware pots, using unique spice combinations that encapsulate centuries of Berber culture.     You can experience a taste of the real deal at Mosaic by Simo, the Addington restaurant and takeaway that’s now an […]

Authentic cuisine for two decades: The China Kitchen

  Neither earthquakes nor fire have been able to break the indomitable spirit of the team at The China Kitchen restaurant. Now in the third location of its 20-year history, this family – owned restaurant continues to produce the same fresh authentic Chinese food that has delighted its customers for many years.     “We […]

Thai red curry recipe: 100% NZ Pork

This silky red curry packs tonnes of flavour and is so simple to make.     INGREDIENTS 500g New Zealand pork loin cut into strips 2 tbsp peanut oil ¼ cup red curry paste 400ml coconut milk 1 tbsp fish sauce 1 tsp brown sugar 1 cup green or red capsicum, sliced 1 cup green […]

Inspirational Greek cuisine: The Athens Yacht Club

Cuisine, hospitality and comfort Greek style are what brings diners back to The Athens Yacht Club time after time. In Greek culture, food is so much more than sustenance, and the same applies to this family-oriented central city restaurant which prides itself on offering an authentic Mediterranean experience.     Owners Emilios and Rebecca Kotzikas […]

Lake of luxury

The days are getting shorter, and the temperature is getting cooler … but for The Lake House that is not a problem. The solution? A handful of heating options and a bunch of blankets.     Boats are always on the lake, says owner Vanetia Bingham. And the sunsets are particularly beautiful on the deck […]

Delicious comfort cuisine: Quality Hotel Elms

Autumn means it’s time to cosy-up at Fig restaurant at Quality Hotel Elms and enjoy its brand-new dinner menu.     Food and beverage services manager Ravi Naidu says, “We aim to keep our menu international bistro-style, so you’ll see Asian-inspired dishes, pasta and that timeless crowd-pleaser – classic steaks.” Of course, the new dishes […]

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 […]

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 […]