What We're Eating and Drinking: Issue 108

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 
Rata’s Kitchen, Russell: In this case, I‘m harking back to my recent trip to Russell and the fantastic food truck experience I had at Rata’s Kitchen. Located at the Orongo Bay Holiday Park, it is definitely worth taking a detour if you’re in the area and heading to this locally famous spot. Rata, with her beaming smile, is an absolute delight, as is the food – a mixture of Malaysian and Thai street food. I can highly recommend the Five-spice Chicken and Pork Belly Hawker Rolls with outrageously soft, flaky roti – and on my next visit I am planning to stop by for the Chicken Satay. 

Claire Aldous, Food Editor 
Ragtag, Point Chevalier: Ragtag started life as a food truck but now thankfully has a permanent home. It’s another fabulous neighbourhood eatery that has a small menu and space, with a great vibe and staff. Of the 12 items on the menu, I’ve had 9 and there are no favourites as it’s all so damn delicious – from the Raw Fish Tostada to the Tomato Salad with Peaches and Chilli Butter. My recommendation would be to go with a few friends and order the whole menu! ragtagnz.com 

Caitlin Whiteman, Digital Editor
Bull & Bear, Hamilton: Bull & Bear has successfully created a completely immersive New York-inspired experience – from the classic brick walls to TV screens with menu items that fluctuate in price every 10 minutes like the Wall Street stock market. For mains, I polished off a plate of the Persian Spiced Lamb Rump before pulling the classic girlfriend move and grabbing
a fork for my partner’s King Prawn Linguini. I have no regrets as this was my highlight dish with its incorporation of chorizo, parmesan, chilli oil, tapioca and brioche crumbs. bullandbear.nz 

Cassie Birrer, Deputy Editor 
The Parkhouse, Whenuapai: With good coffee and something on the menu for everyone, this local cafe is a favourite for brunch. The French Toast with house brioche loaf slice, pistachio crumble, whipped berry mascarpone, seasonal fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup is without a doubt my favourite. On the way out, there are plenty of delectable treats in the cabinet to pick from, too! theparkhouse.co.nz 

Karrin MacLeod, Business Development Manager
KOL, Ponsonby: A friend and I had heard great things about the drinks menu at KOL in Ponsonby. We didn’t book – just rocked in early and sat at the bar. However, when we saw some of the food coming out of the kitchen, we knew we had to eat there too. Guided by our well-versed waiter, we feasted on the Paua and Sweetcorn Chaat, Amritsari Prawn Toast, Heritage Tomatoes with Sheep’s Curd, Kurobuta Pork Rack with Black Garlic and Cabbage. For two people heading out for a drink, we ended up eating far too much and were very happy because of it. kolauckland.co.nz 

Chrisanne Terblanche, Art Director
Sly Bar, Auckland: This cool little speakeasy is tucked away on busy K’ Road and makes me feel like I am having a night out in prohibition New York in the roaring 20s. The ambience and interior is beautiful and the cocktails are exceptional. @sly_kroad