What we’re eating and drinking: Issue 101

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

Prego, Auckland: Like so many, I was chomping at the bit to get out and about to some of my favourite local haunts the moment Auckland hit “red light” status. I couldn’t have been happier to celebrate my birthday on the assigned day, along with a day off work – so headed straight to Prego for a celebratory meal. I’m more of a nibbler than a feaster at lunch, so was very happy to have a few smaller plates: the Arancini with black truffle, pine nuts, white mozzarella, Grana Padano and date mayo, and classic Calamari Fritti with aioli and rocket. Radical and cutting edge? No. Utterly delicious and absolutely exactly what I felt like? Yes. Washed down with a few glasses of Amisfield Pinot Gris, it made for the perfect Friday lunch – and the snapper with herb risotto looked equally delectable. To continue the festivities, my darling sons escorted me to another couple of much-loved neighbourhood spots that evening (after a wee nana nap),  Annabel’s and Hotel Ponsonby, where we had many laughs over a Negroni or two. It was so much FUN to be out amongst happy punters, all equally tickled pink to be doing the same. Fun can, I think, be highly underrated, but I couldn’t recommend it enough, and hope that there will be many up and down the country getting back to their “locals” on a regular basis throughout 2022. prego.co.nz

Claire Aldous, Food Editor

Barulho, Auckland: It was so good to be back! From the smiles and warm greetings as you enter the restaurant, it didn’t take long to settle in amongst the soothing sound of happy diners, chatter and the clinking of wine glasses. For food, we can never go past the signature Manchego and Jalapeño Croquetas with Romesco; their crispy outer shells with a perfectly seasoned filling are delicious. We then shared the Charcoal Grilled Beef Scotch Fillet with watercress and crunchy potatoes, alongside seasonal Grilled Asparagus with ajo blanco, black garlic and almonds and a crisp, refreshing salad of Cos with Pecorino and Anchovy Dressing. Even after such a feast, it would be rude not to have dessert – and a Strawberry, Caramel, Honey and Almond Semifreddo made a wonderful finale. Here’s to spending many more balmy summer evenings sitting outside in this very special corner of Parnell. atomni.co.nz

Liam Carr, Digital Editor

Bodrum, Auckland: No cuisine represents summer to me better than that of the Mediterranean and when I’ve got the cravings, my port of call is Bodrum Kitchen. While you’d never mistake it for a true taverna, I love the little touches of Greek and Turkish influence which are brought together by the light and cosy atmosphere. Everything on the menu is exquisite but like a Cyclops with an insatiable hunger, I always have my eye on one thing in particular – the Feast by Bodrum: two grilled skewers of your choice served with fries, ezme, Greek salad, hummus, tzatziki and flatbread. It’s a meal worthy of Greek legend. bodrum.co.nz

Maddie Ballard, Deputy Editor

Pici, Auckland: Everything they say is true. Dinner at this tiny St Kevin’s Arcade spot was an absolute treat – from the smiley service to every last plate of the food. We especially loved the Stracciatella with perfectly ripe tomatoes, the Bitter Leaves snowy with salted ricotta and the house dish of Pici Cacio e Pepe, delightfully al dente. Plus, don’t miss the Cheesecake with olive oil and sea salt, no matter how full you are. The plates here are for sharing, but everything’s so good you’ll want it all for yourself. picipasta.co.nz

Yvonne Lorkin, Drinks Editor

Piku, Havelock North: Volcano Rolls from Piku on Joll Road in Havelock North. $27.95 gets you an amazing Tempura Prawn, Avocado and Tempura Crunchies Roll, with Lava Sauce and Erupting Spicy Tuna! piku.co.nz

Conor Fox, Art Director

Siamese Doll, Auckland: When I say I have been WAITING excitedly for a flashy dinner out and about, I am not lying! Siamese Doll out in Hobsonville Point has incredible South East Asian cuisine, and I cannot think of a better spot for a long overdue (and possibly boozy) dinner with the pals. Eagerly awaiting servings of Pork Belly Ramen Noodles, Tom Kha Chicken Soup, Panang Curry, and Teppanyaki Grill Chicken. Delicious. siamesedoll.co.nz