Chia Pudding: Raw + Free
Courtesy of Raw + Free “Chia seeds are a fantastic source of calcium, fibre, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. This beautiful antioxidant pudding is a really simple recipe that can be made the night before eating; it makes a great up-and-go brekkie or wholesome snack idea, and is amazing served with fresh seasonal berries, granola […]
The community caterer: Flips Catering
Maree Carruthers describes herself as a passionate foodie whose love of cooking came from the strong women in her life. “I cook to create happiness. Both my grandmothers were great cooks and inspirational women. The daisy logo is in their honour. One grandmother was called Daisy and the other loved them.” It was in 2018 […]
Modern indulgence: Formosa
Ashburton fusion restaurant Formosa blends inspiration from the contemporary aspects of the west, with its Asian roots to create a unique and perfect balance of the yin and yang. Amber Huang and her team cherish that balance and always bring something new and fresh to their discerning diners. Special dishes, new beverages, and in-season ingredients […]
Start with the venue: Mona Vale
Planning a wedding can sometimes feel a daunting task, but if the venue is right, everything else soon falls into place. The venue is a great place to start. Situated on the banks of the Avon River is the resplendent Mona Vale. This historic and iconic homestead was built 1899 – 1900 and is nestled […]
French ambience in Merivale: Maison De Crepe
Whether you are popping in for a daily takeaway coffee and croissant or a long lunch with the ladies, prepare yourself for an escape to France. Located in the historic Charlotte Jane Hotel, a stunningly renovated French villa, Maison De Crepe is the French infusion that Merivale needs. With a room for entertaining, a room […]
A true country cafe: Cafe Mayfield
Head inland on State Highway 72 in mid-Canterbury to discover the best of the mountains, rivers, and plains. Soon, you will arrive at the rural community of Mayfield, which dates back to 1879. A true country town, where you’ll find true country hospitality at Cafe Mayfield. The cafe has its own history, with the family-owned […]
A taste of Morocco: Mosaic By Simo
Nothing tantalises the taste buds quite like Middle Eastern food, and if there’s one country from this region that encapsulates best the glory of this cuisine, it has to be Morocco. Morocco is the land of spices and open-air markets. Moroccan cuisine can be traced back to Berber, Maghreb, Jewish, and Arab cultures. Fortunately, we […]
Bliss balls: Harbour Kitchens, Another Helping
Courtesy of Harbour Kitchens: Another Helping. Submitted by Luca Blundell, Lyttelton Primary School. Ingredients: 1 cup dates 1/3 cup coconut oil 1 cup nuts (almonds, cashews, Brazil) 1/2 cup desiccated coconut 1/3 cup cacao powder Method: Soak dates in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and add to all ingredients. Whizz in food processor […]
Perfecting periwinkle
Pantone’s colour for 2022 is ‘VeryPeri, a combination of blue and reddish violet, named after the periwinkle flower. Purple is a word that springs to mind, but it’s more of a blue-violet hue which can look amazing when used to brighten an interior. As a colour it works superbly with white, and also with most […]
The sound of silence
True noise cancellation can weirdly center you in the moment, and remove you from it simultaneously. Metropol’s gadget guru Ian Knott experiences Sony’s latest headphones. There are many models of headphones on the market that have ‘noise reduction’, which relies mainly on the seal of the padding around the ears, some more successful than others. […]