What We're Eating and Drinking: Issue 107

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
Sage Restaurant, Paroa Bay: While in Northland making this issue (see page 42), we dined at Sage, where the carefully curated menu had us swooning. We got underway with fabulous Tunisian-inspired Lamb Ribs, followed by the Ricotta Croquettes with Greens, Twice-cooked Cambridge Duck with Braised Fennel and 12-hour Slow-braised Lamb Neck. It was lucky the lamb neck (pictured above) is designed to feed two, given the three of us pounced on it immediately. All the dishes were utterly delicious, but the lamb was a stand-out, meltingly tender and beautifully flavoured. Grilled Brassicas made for a perfect side along with Roasted Agria Potatoes. Only one brave soul had room for dessert – satiny House-churned Gelato made with organic eggs and Bella Vacca milk. If you’re keen on a first-rate dining experience, I thoroughly recommend it! thelindisgroup.com/sagerestaurant 

Claire Aldous, Food Editor 
Ki Māha, Waiheke Island: I love a trip to Waiheke, and when it involves a meal with good friends you know it’s going to be a great day.We rocked up to Ki Māha, across the road from Onetangi Beach, and sat out on
their sunny, spacious deck to enjoy a long lunch. From the Chicken Liver Parfait to the 12-hour braised Lumina Lamb Shoulder, the seasonal menu was fabulous. And a shout-out to the waitstaff, who were super-friendly and efficient! kimaha.nz 

Liam Carr, Digital Editor 
Seoul Night, Auckland: How often can you say the words ‘I walked into a vending machine’ without it being a joke? As its entrance suggests, Seoul Night is a fun place to hang out. All the dishes are designed to be shared, so it pays to bring a few friends to enjoy a bit of everything. The Honey Pork Ribs are easy to clean up, not only because they’re incredibly addictive, but also because you’re provided with plastic gloves, a genius move. Of course, you can’t go to a Korean restaurant without trying the fried chicken, and Seoul Night has something for every palate. I went for the Rosemary Fried Chicken, and I’m still salivating! seoulnight.co.nz 

Maddie Ballard, Deputy Editor 
Elim Bao Bar, Auckland: This family- owned, hole-in-the-wall bao place hidden down a New Lynn side street is the best food discovery I’ve made in months. There are no duds on the menu, but you can’t go past the classic Braised Pork Bao: umami perfection in the world’s fluffiest bun. And the Fried Chicken Bao, with mayo, Thai chilli mango sauce and a pickle, is fusion food at its best. elimbaobar.co.nz 

Karrin MacLeod, Business Development Manager 
Sunshine, Brisbane: Strolling down James Street, you can’t miss Sunshine’s courtyard of bright yellow umbrellas. This is a little different from the norm. The food is Mediterranean vegetarian, and you simply get yourself a plate and point out what you’d like. For me, it was crispy crumbed eggplant rounds, garlicky white bean purée, juicy olives and tomato salad. Pay for your plate by weight, buy a glass of wine, then sit out under the umbrellas and dream of Mykonos. sunshine-eatery.com 

Chrisanne Terblanche, Art Director
The Candyshop, Auckland: I’m always on the hunt for a stellar eggs benedict and wow, The Candyshop’s is great! Crispy rösti topped with perfectly soft poached eggs, creamy hollandaise and thick-cut maple bacon. If brunch isn’t your thing, they also have a fantastic lunch and dinner menu – try the spicy Fried Chicken or Mahn-Doo (beef dumpling, bone broth, short rib and vermicelli). thecandyshopnz.com