SkyCity does Delish Enjoy open-flame feasts, Matariki celebrations, exclusive one-night-only dining experiences and chef collaborations as SkyCity introduces Delish, designed to bring people together around the warmth of good food, great drinks and shared moments. And while it’s cold out there, pop in to Masu for warming ramen dishes for the season, while over at Metita, Michael Meredith reinvents Pacific cuisine with both familiar favourites and fresh dishes showcasing winter flavours. skycityauckland.co.nz
RAISING THE BAR
Fourteen New Zealand craft chocolate makers have joined forces to launch A Bar Apart, a new initiative to help consumers identify chocolate made from bean to bar in New Zealand. Look for the logo on the packaging to choose chocolate made with transparently sourced cacao beans and small-scale production methods, rather than the industrial pre-made couverture chocolate used by many large manufacturers. The initiative will be launched at a pop-up event at Auckland’s Britomart from 7-12 July. abarapart.co
FRENCH-STYLE MEETS ASIAN HEAT
Le Creuset has added a carbon steel wok to its range, pairing the precision of French craftsmanship with the speed and heat that defines Asian cooking. Built for rapid heat and constant motion, it develops that signature wok-fired flavour in seconds, while still feeling balanced and controlled in your hand. Crafted from 99.5% high- purity iron, it features a thicker base for steady heat retention, with lighter walls that make tossing and stir-frying feel effortless. A specially treated surface also helps reduce smoke, prevent lingering odours and enhance natural non-stick performance. $230. lecreuset.co.nz
SEEING RED
It’s that time of year when it feels oh so right to cosy up with a glass of red, and with our judges surveying Bordeaux and Bordeaux-style reds, shiraz, syrah and the always intriguing “other reds” category, they’ve certainly picked some toppers for you. Johnny Q Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 proved a worthy winner in the Bordeaux-style category – a great wine at a great price, so what are you waiting for? Čuvar Guardians Syrah 2024 led the syrah field, and Kilikanoon Killerman’s Run Shiraz 2021 came top of the list in the shiraz tasting. Coriole Dancing Fig GSM 2024 (a grenache, shiraz, mataro blend) gives you something new to try from the “other reds”. For full results and tasting notes, see page 106.
COOKING THE BOOKS
Stews, braises and low-and-slow cooks are the backbone of Tender by Lucy Tweed – our extract on page 96 is just perfect for the time of year. Helen Graham puts vegetables at the heart of the table in her book Centrepiece, and we have our selection of the best recipes on page 78. We wholeheartedly embrace all the dark and deep pleasures of winter in our extract from Winter Wild by Janice Sutton on page 44.
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