What We're Eating and Drinking: Issue 111

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.

Yvonne Lorkin, Drinks Editor
Winifred’s, Napier:

I’m loving Winifred’s, Napier’s newest, deliciousest place for lunch and dinner, dining right by the water in Ahuriri. Sara Simpson is the head chef and IMO she’s an internationally- experienced evil genius in the kitchen. Her anchovy soldiers with salsa verde and her sous vide paua with tofu and chicken consommé are ridiculous. There’s also nothing better when watching the lights of the boats bobbing in the harbour, than wolfing your way through her pressed 12-hour lamb with white bean, eggplant and fermented mint, followed by her sake panna cotta with blueberry and black pepper. Like the panna cotta, you’ll wobble home happy. winifreds.co.nz

Olivia Galletly, Food Contributor
Drifter Coffee, Orewa:

Drifter Coffee is a quirky little café offering great Raglan Roast Coffee, a few sweet treats and toasties. The staff are friendly and chilled out, as is the décor. The couches, tables, mugs and artwork have all been thrifted and give the café a very cool vibe. We don’t take our one and three year old out to cafés often as it usually ends with a meltdown and a quick exit, but Drifter is a very kid-friendly (and dog- friendly) space. @driftercoffeenz

Cassie Birrer, Deputy Editor
Floriditas, Wellington:

Down in the capital recently, we stumbled across Floriditas Café & Restaurant along the colourful, energetic Cuba Street. For brunch, we couldn’t resist trying the Shelly Bay fruit french toast with caramel poached mandarins, lime curd and matcha, with bacon on the side. So in love with our morning feast, we just had to visit again for dinner... The Wapiti venison ragù with bucatini, oregano and reggiano was incredible, and quickly followed by their incredible pavlova. floriditas.co.nz

Chrisanne Terblanche, Art Director
Gloria’s, Central Auckland:

Gloria’s is a delightful sandwich bar in the heart off bustling K’ Road. Delicious sandwiches, fresh ingredients, generous portions and friendly staff. A must-visit spot for satisfying the never-ending carb craving. I had the Gloria’s classic salted beef sandwich (Reuben-style Salt Beef sandwich with corned beef, Swiss cheese, American cheese, Gloria’s sauce, sauerkraut, mustard and pickles on sourdough) and it did not disappoint. I can’t wait to go back and try La Bologna focaccia: Mortadella stack, burrata, artichoke crema, pistachio and basil on house focaccia. How good does that sound?! @glorias.deli

Caitlin Whiteman, Digital Editor
Vic Road Kitchen, Devonport:

I made a rare trip across the bridge recently but it was absolutely well worth it! Tucked in Devonport, Vic Road Kitchen is a gorgeous and intimate spot with a real rustic Mediterranean feel. I enjoyed fresh homemade focaccia with pesto and ricotta, a Hawke’s Bay lamb rump dish, and their classic fries with truffle oil and parmesan. I can’t guarantee you will be able to get the same as they change the menu as often as every day some weeks, but I think that makes it all the more exciting. The service was AMAZING, the waiter was so much fun and such a charismatic soul! vicroadkitchen.co.nz