As we head towards that time of year where we can finally stop to take a breath and celebrate with family and friends, we’ve been thinking a lot about luxury and what it means in our food-centric world. Oysters, caviar, Champagne – yes, of course, but luxury can also be found in a beautiful olive oil, a rich and creamy handmade cheese or a treasured dish that only makes an appearance at this special time of year.

It’s the little luxuries that can make us all feel a bit special. For example, Ginny Grant’s gorgeous platter of seafood with an intensely flavoured harissa and tomato broth is super-special and yet it’s not outrageously expensive. Fiona Smith uses a splash of luxe in a clever wagyu beef sauce with shiitake, crispy fried eggplant and noodles, and Christall Lowe’s garlic butter-roast chicken with lemon thyme stuffing elevates the chook to luxurious heights, especially if served with a side of her wickedly smashed kūmara and spuds with creamy herb dressing. And let’s not forget how lavish a bunch of asparagus can become when lightly blanched and paired with a silky-rich parmesan sauce or topped with a zesty berry salsa.

Salmon is often highly anticipated at our festive tables and Fiona Hugues has created some trendy-chic buckwheat blinis for us to pair with deliciously decadent cold smoked salmon and salmon caviar, while Ginny Grant has soy-glazed a side of salmon that will give you a ritzy centrepiece that is certain to impress.

Make sure you take a look at our latest wine-tasting results: there are some absolutely magnificent suggestions for Champagne, méthode traditionnelle and prosecco, and sweet and fortified wines that you will thank us for.

Yes, luxury comes in many forms and for many of us free time is a most cherished gift – none of the above will have you slaving away at the stovetop for hours on end and the joy that the eating and the sharing will bring will be priceless.

As for our dramatic cover-girl – the stunning Bombe Alaska created by Kenji Yoshitsuka, head chef at Auckland’s Harbourside – yes, that’s going to take a bit more commitment from you. But hey, it’s only once a year…

Here’s to life’s little luxuries and taking or making them when we can.

Enjoy the festive stampede.

Kel