Parsnip Tarte Tatin

I do love a classy tart for lunch on the weekends, and this pretty little pie of sorts is just the ticket for a dreary winter’s day. Caramelised rounds of soft carrot and parsnip are nestled in a crunchy bed of mustard, crème fraîche and flaky pastry all showered in thyme and creamy chevre. Serve […]

Flavours a Plenty in Local Challenge

This autumn, local eateries were challenged to create a winning dish inspired by beautiful local Bay of Plenty produce. Twelve eateries from around the region took up the Plates of Plenty Challenge, receiving a box containing local mushrooms from Fat Guy Fungi, El Jefe Meats sausages, Small Batch chocolate hazelnut butter, Ohiwa Black Diamonds truffle […]

The Sweet Success of Ambrosia

At a young age, Kris Beehre was told not to play with his food, but now “that’s what I do for a living”, he says, laughing, as we talk about the rich history of his Ambrosia Restaurant and Bar. Ambrosia sits among the hustle and bustle of Eat Street in Rotorua. You wouldn’t know it, […]

Baked Pancake w/ Vanilla Custard and Apple Compote

Bring on Brunch with Hayes Common Brunch, possibly the best innovation in mealtimes! And what better way to spend a leisurely weekend brunch than with some friends at a great spot like Hayes Common. These guys know how to brunch! For the traditionalists who love a big breakfast, their Commoner has free range eggs, thick […]

 Raising the Cup

Words Vicki Ravlich Horan Only a year ago it was suggested that $7 flat whites were in our not-too-distant future, and while people appeared to be in disbelief, it does seem to be happening sooner than we all expected. So what does the ever-rising cost in the cup mean for coffee lovers? I caught up with […]

Cooking with Kids

Words Brad King, Images Brydie Thompson Here at The Falls Retreat, we believe that a kids’ menu should be equally as enticing and nutritious as the adult version (if not more so for those little growing bodies!). No frozen chicken nuggets around here! And whilst we encourage our kids to try new flavours, we are […]

Bikery’s Berry Shortcake

With summer on the doorstep, berries are easy to come by. Served with yoghurt or cream, this is a favourite with our regulars! The great thing about this recipe is that you can swap out the fruit for whatever is in season. In the winter, try some sliced apples mixed with a little maple syrup […]

Everyday Eatery

Breakfast this morning is at Everyday Eatery, and it is a beautiful plate of guacamole, fried mushrooms, truffle mushroom puree, poached egg and lots of herbs, layered on sourdough: happily eaten in the brand new café at Hamilton Zoo, at Rotokauri. Everyday is in the zoo’s recently opened entry precinct; the low-slung building, designed by […]

This is How We Brew It

Words Vicki Ravlich-Horan, Images Alex Spodyneiko There is so much more to coffee than a flat white, from the different brew methods to the beans. We were curious to know what the team at Excelso drink, their favourite brewing methods and their pick of bean. This is what we discovered.   Excelso’s head roaster Layla […]

That’s Amore!

Words by Brad King Images by Brydie Thompson   Summer—the perfect time to enjoy al fresco dining in our backyards. And since we remain unable to escape overseas, there is never a better time to create a taste of Italy at home with freshly baked pizzas using homemade bases and served with a crisp glass […]