Downey Designer Homes

Words Vicki Ravlich-Horan Images Ashlee DeCaires Over the last few years, Kirsty Johnson from Downey Designer Homes has shown me around a few of their fabulous builds. After each tour, I leave with my head spinning with so many beautiful details and fabulous ideas. It’s these designer differences the Downey team help their clients with […]
Tatua – truly local

Words Denise Irvine, Images Ashlee De Caires Ask Julie Langley to name her favourite Tatua product and she replies in an instant: “Cooking cream. It is great for butter chicken, and last night I made a chicken and broccoli bake with it. It’s richer than regular cream and it doesn’t split. It has a […]
New in the City

There has been a flurry of new eateries open in Hamilton Central over the last six months. Here are a few for you to go and check out. Recently opened Indian Chimney – 4 Alexandra Street Bringing the rich flavours, spices, and soul of India to the heart of the city. Expect authentic Indian cuisine […]
Spreading Kindness One Treat at a Time

Words Megan Lyon Bring to mind if you will, a stack of pillowy pinwheel scones, made with goat’s cheese and dried tomatoes; peanut butter crispies packed with Whittaker’s chocolate and rice bubbles; an oaty caramel ANZAC slice. These delectable treats have all recenty come from the kitchens of La Cave owner Brigid Sullivan for the […]
Everyday Food & Fun

Words Denise Irvine, Images Ashlee Decaires Everyday Eatery head chef Jono Smith likes to stretch himself and his kitchen team with different flavours and ideas, and he says the cafe’s monthly Supper Club provides the perfect opportunity for this. Everyday Eatery, in the entry precinct of Hamilton Zoo, Rotokauri, typically does breakfast, lunch and cabinet […]
Fresh Village Vibes

Words Vicki Ravlich-Horan images Brydie Thompson “It’s a really exciting time for us!” says Blair Graham, manager of The Historic Village. This excitement stems from the recent arrival of three fantastic new hospitality offerings. “The community told us they wanted more choice when it comes to food and hospitality options at The Village, and we’ve […]
All Things Spice

Words Vicki Ravlich-Horan Unlike their flavour, the definition of a spice is a little weak. In essence, the leaf of a plant used to flavour food is an herb when every other part of the plant would deem it a spice, think cinnamon bark or root ginger, seeds, pods, berries and buds. While almost always […]
Hot in the City

As the cold months descend, it’s time to find some heat elsewhere. No, we don’t mean abroad, we mean in your food, and Hamilton Central has a huge array of options to help you spice things up. Here are just a few. Gothenburg – 17 Grantham Street The kings of fusion in the Tron, Gothenburg’s […]
How Neat

Words Denise Irvine Images Ashlee DeCaires I have a fondness for quinces and vermouth but have always enjoyed them independently of each other, as in quince paste and a glass of vermouth with loads of ice. This Monday afternoon, the two things unexpectedly come together in a cocktail at Neat, the speciality liquor store and […]
Sleep – The Best Medicine

Words Natalie Jacques (The Herbal Dispensary) Sleep is one of the most powerful tools we have to support our wellbeing, yet it’s often the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy. Many people struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking feeling refreshed – and it’s easy to brush it off as just “part […]