Where We're Eating and Drinking on Holiday

There’s no rest for the food-obsessed, even over the holidays! These are the spots we’ll be making a beeline for over long, lazy summer days.

My dearest friends have a place on Waiheke and I'm hoping to pop over and see them over the break. While there I'll definitely be heading to The Heke. This is a destination that, to me, exemplifies the Waiheke experience. A great, relaxed vibe, and a brilliant place to take kids (or not), the food, wine and craft beer offering is fabulous, but for whisky-lovers (hello my friends), they also have an amazing range of their own on-site distilled award-winners to try. The team are warm and friendly, and the two couples who own The Heke are heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the business. There is nothing like the care and attention of a hands- on management to ensure that every detail is attended to. At The Heke, I just can't imagine anyone not having a good time!

Every time I head to Wellington to see family, I never miss a chance to go to Oikos (pronounced ee-kos) in Miramar. It has the big Greek family vibe going on, channeling a slightly raucous, casual Saturday night dinner party with endless plates of delicious rustic food arriving at the tables, all with Theo’s blend of traditional Greek flavours with a modern Kiwi twist. We always over-order and immediately get two servings of their famous Halloumi Fries with Tomato Chilli Jam and Mint to get us started. Other faves are Kleftiko, their succulent, slow-cooked lamb shoulder with an order of hot, pillowy housemade pita bread for mopping up the juices, and the Fried Cauliflower with Cypriot Tahini Sauce, Parsley and Almond Dressing. Everything on the menu is a must-try, there are no bad choices. If you have any space left in the old tummy, order the heavenly dessert of rose-scented, soft-set yoghurt layered with poached fruit, crisp pastry shards, white chocolate and candied walnuts — you won’t regret it! My favourite Auckland restaurants are all in the suburbs and for Wellingtonians, this little gem is more than worth the short drive to Miramar to enjoy great food, service and hospitality.

This summer I will be lurking around the Eastern Quarter in Hastings, a block of culinary excellence incorporating Heretaunga Street E. and Queen Street E. I’ll prime with Burrata, Sweet Vinegar and Fried Bao Dippers alongside Fried Cauliflower with Truffle Panang Cream and Chilli at Fun Buns. Extra special hunger requires a table at Sazio, the greatest pasta place this side of the Tutaekuri River. If it’s midday and I’m hankering a quick slice to settle the tummy grumbles, then I’ll whip next door to Bambina for a hefty helping of Noci e Zola (pear, walnuts, mozzarella fior di latte, gorgonzola, parmigiano, white truffle honey and basil) — amazing! If crowd-work is on the cards then roar into Brave Brewing Co. and order burgers, sandos, wings and tacos galore. And just around the corner on Warren Street you can fill your boots with American ribs, smashed burgers, brisket, fried chicken and cornbread at Black Betty Barbecue.

No, I will not stop talking about this place. I’m all about an immersive atmosphere and Ayrburn in Arrowtown puts on a show no matter the season. Back in July, when the outdoors were kissed with white, they decorated the multi-venue precinct for a mid- year Christmas so we could live out our white Christmas fantasies (they even had an ice skating rink!). However, I digress — now that we’re in the peak of summer, you can enjoy a fresh lunch at The Woolshed, a wine tasting in the Manure Room, a Jazz Club evening in The Barrel Room or a big scoop of ice cream at The Dairy. Ugh, I’m obsessed.

When driving from Christchurch to Mt Cook friends told us we had to stop at Fairlie Bakehouse and try the famous pies. I have become a bit jaded when it comes to the “trendy must-visit spots”. The lines can be long, service bad and honestly often it doesn’t live up to the hype. Fairlie Bakehouse was the opposite, friendly service, the line moved quickly and the pies exceeded all expectations. The pork belly pie, with an actual piece of pork crackling adorning the top of the golden pie crust, was one of the best pies I have ever had. We loved it so much, on our way back from Mt Cook we stopped again, bought eight, loaded them into our carry on and flew them back to Auckland to pop in the freezer.

I’ll be spending many summer evenings in December at my gorgeous local, Bar Martin! The service, wine selection and food are all exceptional. Once holiday time hits, I’ll be looking for new spots in Northland, Hawke’s Bay and the Manawatū, while also revisiting my faves in each. I recommend McLeod’s Pizza Barn in Waipū, Gringas in Mangawhai, Latin American gem Mijita in Havelock North, and the Herb Farm Café out of Ashhurst. On any roadie north I try to sneak in a detour to Matakana for a lunch in the sun at Sawmill Brewery’s Smoko Room!