WHAT WE'RE EATING AND DRINKING: ISSUE 114

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.

Claire Aldous, Food Editor
Bianca, Ellerslie:

The brainchild of chef Hayden Phiskie, co-founder of Cotto and Ada, Bianca is a laid-back spot that should be on your radar. I’ve had epic meals of the Malfadine Pork and Fennel Sausage Ragu, Ricotta and Lemon Ravioli with Browned Nutmeg Butter and the Rotolo with Beef Short Rib Ragu, with each plate perfectly balanced and reflecting the seasons. Salads are equally moreish and really, who can say no to their Ricotta and Pistachio Cannoli and your own Lemon Meringue Pie. @bianca.akl

Monique Bulman, Publisher Services Manager
Siamese Doll, Hobsonville Point:

I’ve been eating at the lovely Thai and Japanese restaurant Siamese Doll in Hobsonville Point. Its Wagyu Beef Pad see–ew is off the chart as are the curries (we have tried them all!), paired with a Papaya Salad and a Hanging Garden Cocktail you cannot go wrong. Siamesedoll.co.nz

Karrin Maclead, Business Development
Cheese Me Baby, Gold Coast:

Miller suggested breakfast at Cheese Me Baby, a toasted sammie for breakfast? Yes please baby, she had me at cheese, anything with cheese tastes better – right? This is so much more than a toasted sandwich café in a decked-out converted shipping container – this is a cheese love affair, which every local is totally into. The crew that works here know everyone by name, including the dogs, which get served pet-friendly lactose-free milk fluffys. I had the Maple Pumpkin – garlic buttered thick slices of sourdough, chockablock filled with chargrilled pumpkin, sage, maple glazed bacon and gorgonzola and toasted to perfection served with gherkins and crisps on the side. Head to Mermaid Beach next time you are in the GC. @cheesemebaby_mermaidbeach

Chrisanne Terblanche, Art Director
Okome, Eden Terrace:

Tucked away down the road from where I live, this hidden Japanese gem was such a delightful surprise. During the day it's a onigiri shop and at night it's a yakitori joint. It might not have the bells and whistles of some trendy Ponsonby eatery, but the fantastic service accompanied by an array of delicious small plates and yakitori is not to be missed. The ice cold Ashahi on tap made me feel like I was back in Osaka having a cold one. I would highly recommend the Takoyaki (deep fried Octopus balls) and Kakuni (slow cooked pork belly).@okome_mounteden

Yvonne Lorkin, Wine Editor
OTT In The City, Hawkes Bay:

I’m obsessed with OTT in the City, an inner- city popup version of Off The Track, a Havelock North hospo institution which was sadly razed by fire in July 2023. Famous for its massive, multi-page menu and large, function centre-like interior, owners Chris White and Fiona Le have set up a teensy tiny version dedicated to Japanese and Vietnamese cuisine in the old Cornucopia Café spot in Hastings’ Albert Quarter on Heretaunga Street East. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, I’ve set up camp there to hoover their calamari with cucumber and crying tiger sauce, their Banh Mi baguettes, their kimchi avocado smash, shiitake mushroom yaki tori and their red tonkatsu ramen. The service is superb, it has great energy, their coffee is ridiculously good and I also love that they spell cappuccino ‘cappachino’ because, why not. Ottinthecity.co.nz

Tamsin Morgan, Deputy Editor
Sisu, Picton:

Sit outside and admire the view of the beautiful harbour and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Sisu is a delightful find in Picton. We shared plates that were beautifully presented and tasted exquisite. Unsurprising, given the location, they do seafood well. The Blueberry Gravlax had blueberry cured salmon, lime aioli, pickled fennel and cucumber; and white fish crudo with hints of chervil, crispy capers and roasted tomato vinaigrette did not disappoint. Neither did the lamb backstrap. Sisupicton.co.nz