What We're Eating and Drinking: Issue 103

There’s no rest for the food-obsessed... when the dish team isn’t bringing you delicious recipes, we’re out there trawling far and wide in search of tasty fare. Below, we share our latest favourite haunts.

Sarah Tuck, Editor

Blue Breeze Inn, Auckland: It had been an age since eating at Blue Breeze Inn, but on a recent celebratory visit I found the food and service fantastic. Eight of us descended without a booking (in my defence, Your Honour, it was early and spontaneous), however the maître d’ had us seated at a fabulous table being looked after by attentive waitstaff within minutes, on the understanding that said table was booked again in an hour and a half. So, with great efficiency we inhaled Steamed Pork and Prawn Shumai, Betel Leaves with Whitebait, Crab and Green Papaya, Sweet and Sour Pork (for the young’uns), Crayfish and Crab Wontons and Steamed Buns with Roasted Pork Belly and Pickled Cucumber. All washed down with a (standard for me) negroni, but their riff, with house-aged bourbon in place of gin – and mighty fine it was too. Although we were speedy in ordering and consuming, we didn’t feel rushed, rather the warm wit and care from the staff was spot on, as was the flavour-packed food. thebluebreezeinn.co.nz

Claire Aldous, Food Editor

Mibo Bakery, Auckland: For those days when you just feel like a brief distraction from the world, take yourself off to tiny but stylish Mibo Bakery. Tucked away amongst the new apartment blocks in Mt Eden, Mibo offers a stunning array of pastries, both sweet and savoury, alongside great sandwiches, pies and coffee from BeSpecialty that pumps out from their bright brick red Slayer coffee machine. Newly opened in February this year, it must take a lot of discipline from the apartment dwellers to not venture down more than once a day. The open kitchen that fronts onto the pavement offers an uninterrupted view of staff turning out tray after delicious tray of experimental and traditional flavoured baking that gets neatly laid out on their counter. Roasted Hazelnut Knots, Pistachio Croissants, Cinnamon Cruffins and my favourite, Spinach, Ricotta, Cheddar and Parmesan Croissants, are made fresh everyday. If that doesn’t give you reason to seek out this little oasis of deliciousness then I don’t know what will! @mibo_bakery

Liam Carr, Digital Editor

Lilian, Auckland: When it comes to the menu, I’m of the opinion that you should keep the options to a minimum and just focus on doing a few things really well. That’s exactly what Lilian does. The choices are few but the flavours are big and bold. A simple piece of bread becomes a sensation when it’s wood-fired, as Lilian’s is, and those wood-fired flavours carry through to the mains – the duck breast fills your mouth with an intoxicating smoky flavour that you simply can’t get enough of. And the pizza? Forget about it. This is how it’s supposed to be! lilian.co.nz

Maddie Ballard, Deputy Editor

Grand Park Chinese Seafood Restaurant, Auckland:
There’s nothing better than diving into a yum cha feast on a Saturday morning – and this place, my family’s regular, has it all going on: raucous crowds of young and old, steaming trolleys manoeuvring precariously between tables, live crayfish in tanks, lucky cats waving on the counter. Don’t miss the classics, from juicy prawn dumplings (haa gow) and pork siu mai, to crispy squid legs, custard buns, slippery steamed rice rolls (cheung fun) and sticky rice wrapped in fragrant lotus leaves (lor mai gai). And it’s not traditional, but you can’t go past the ice cream balls to finish. Be sure to book ahead: it packs out on weekends. grandparkrestaurant.co.nz

Yvonne Lorkin, Drinks Editor

Peak House, Hawke’s Bay: Oh my gosh, the burgers at Peak House, (high up on Te Mata Peak Road in Hawke’s Bay), are juicy and messy and addictively good. Even better is that on a Thursday night, they’re two for one!! Plus, this place has THE greatest view of any regional restaurant in the country. thepeakhouse.co.nz

Conor Fox, Art Director

Gaja, Auckland: I finally got to visit this modern Korean eatery – tucked away in Ponsonby central – this month! Bloody delicious food and incredible cocktails to match. Def recommend the Galbi Mandu Korean-style Beef Brisket Dumplings, ‘Slurpy Noods’ Udon Noodles, Vegan Bibimbap and Gochujang Ribs. gaja.co.nz