What We're Eating and Drinking: Issue 106

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 
Annabel’s Wine Bar, Auckland: Annabel’s is my absolute go-to place for most drink catch-ups – whether it’s a work meeting, date night, girl’s chinwag or a catch up with one of my sons. Not flashy, not sleek, just effortlessly cool with the best negronis around and a true ‘neighbourhood’ vibe. The nibbles selection is small but perfectly formed with charcuterie and cheese plates a classic choice accompanied by a cleverly curated wine menu. I’ll probably see you there! annabelswinebar.com@annabelswinebar 

Claire Aldous, Food Editor 
Pastrami & Rye, Auckland: Pastrami & Rye is a New York-style sandwich bar which may be small in size but is what sandwich dreams are made of. Every description on the blackboard menu is mouthwatering and elicits oohs and ahhs from punters freaking out trying to decide which delicious morsel to select (there are no duds). They include signature classics The Reuben, Pastrami on Rye, the Cuban, Crispy Chicken and the Roast Beef French Dip, and believe me, they’re juicy, messy and addictively good. All custom-made and if you can snag one of the four stools at the marble bench, it’s a great place to pick up a few pointers to take back to your own kitchen. The aromas wafting around the shop are intoxicating. Delicious salads, pastries, doughnuts and wedges of cheesecake fill the cabinets along with heaps of options for those after grab-to-go. You gotta go! pastramiandrye.com@pastramiandrye 

Liam Carr, Digital Editor 
The Cove Café, Restaurant & Bar, Waipu: Located across the road from Waipu beach, The Cove Café, Restaurant & Bar has one of the most enviable locations in the country, with views across to Whangārei Heads and the Hen and Chicken Islands. In my experience, eateries like this rely heavily on the convenience of their location as a means of attracting business, while the food and service take a backseat. Not in this case, however; both were in lockstep with the jaw-dropping views. My Buttermilk Fried Chicken burger was exactly what I had been craving – crisp, crunchy chicken, made with a buttery soft brioche bun and tangy pickled red cabbage. Not to mention the generous helping of crunchy fries. And even in these post-Covid times, when seemingly everyone in hospo is struggling to attract quality staff, The Cove Café, Restaurant & Bar’s service is excellent: quick, efficient and above all else, friendly. thecovecafe.co.nz @thecovewaipu 

Maddie Ballard, Deputy Editor 
Cocoro, Auckland. Tucked down a Ponsonby side street, this high- end Japanese eatery feels like a well-kept secret – although the dining room was deservedly full. Exquisite seafood is the name of the game here, with gorgeous sashimi and sushi on offer, as well as a range of other ‘new style’ Japanese dishes. It can be pricey, but the $59 set lunch is excellent value, featuring everything from a mini teriyaki chicken donburi bowl to prawn tempura, salmon sushi and three types of impossibly fresh sashimi. cocoro.co.nz@cocoro_restaurant 

Karrin MacLeod, Business Development Manager 
MoVida, Auckland: The last time was in Melbourne, I loved MoVida there, and I love it here now. I love the red leather and dark wooden bar – you could snuggle in for hours. We started with three smaller plates: the calamari sandwich (thank goodness we ordered two – you couldn’t share this one), lobster and leek croquettes, and the anchovy on very thin toast... all amazing. I always have to have potatoes and MoVida’s are fried to perfection – an ideal match for the beef cheek on cauliflower purée. We left happy. The perfect mix of comfort, great food and service and a menu to go back for. savor.co.nz/movida 

Chrisanne Terblanche, Art Director 
Fridge and Flagon, Auckland: If you love beer, this is a must
for summer. This laid-back, warehouse-style bar has a rare and interesting selection of local and international beers. The beer selection changes regularly and I particularly like to try whatever sour they have on tap. Remember to bring your flagon to refill or browse the vast selection in the shop. They also have a knack for booking the best food trucks in town – like Baby G Burger and Local Legends East. Keep an eye on their Instagram for special events. @fridgeandflagon