What We're Eating and Drinking: Issue 116

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
Maison Vauron, Newmarket:

It's long been paradise for lovers of authentic French food and the delicatessen stocks the largest selection of French cheeses, charcuterie and delicacies in New Zealand along with their unique wine cellar at the top of the stairs. A favourite pastime is sitting in the café listening to the French- speaking customers while indulging in one of my favourite dishes, Saucisson de Canard – their homemade duck sausage with Agria potato pavé, a red wine sauce and perfectly poached eggs! In summer, a black coffee and fruit pastry while sitting on the sidewalk is heaven. mvauron.co.nz

Monique Bulman, Publisher Services Manager
The Muriwai Deli, Muriwai:

Located in the 100-year-old Muriwai lodge, it serves as a bakery in the morning and bar some evenings. These guys deliver, in my opinion, the BEST pastries and donuts you will find in West Auckland. A favourite of mine is the Spanakopita Croissants and of course the decadent donuts on offer. @themuriwaideli

Caitlin Whiteman, Digital Editor
Smiths, Matakana:

Two back-to-back Matakana recommendations? I’m sorry, but I do promise Smiths is worth the acknowledgment! Tucked within Country Park, they’ve created a space that embodies the laid-back essence of a 1960s Kiwi bach with a vibrant atmosphere and a menu that offers a bit of everything. The Sticky Wok Kūmara is a non-negotiable – covered in a sweet soy, ginger and sesame sauce and topped with crispy shallots and spring onion. Oh, take me back! smithsmatakana.co.nz

Chrisanne Terblanche, Art Director
Mor Bakery, Auckland:

The Auckland pastry game is getting better and better with delicious baked goods around every corner – and Mor Bakery is my new fave. It 100 percent lives up to the hype. If you love light, flaky, crispy, buttery goodness this is the place for you. The croissant pastry filled with lime curd and topped with makrut lime meringue is at the top of my list. The cabinet offering changes weekly, so if you can’t try my fave, it’s all delicious. You can’t go wrong. Do go early, they sell out fast. morbakery.co.nz

Yvonne Lorkin, Wine Editor
Smith & Sheth Oenothèque and Bar Teresa, Hawke's Bay:

I’ve been lurking in the sunlit courtyard belonging to the Smith & Sheth Oenothèque (which is a snazzy way of saying ‘urban cellar door’) a tiny-but-tasty place tucked behind Porters Boutique Hotel in the heart of Havelock North. Sean Burns is the manager, formerly of Milk and Honey in Napier, and he brings his incredible knowledge and charm to this great little wine bar and eatery. I’m addicted to large, late-afternoon glasses of their new-season albariño paired with their nibbletastic Goat Cheese, Arataki Honey and Thyme Salt Profiteroles. Their Cheese Soufflé with Black Garlic Mustard is dangerously delicious. smithandsheth.com

I’m also particularly partial to a Teresa Negroni of an evening over at Bar Teresa, a teeny, tiny speakeasy behind Harvest Deli on 132 Emerson St, Napier. These mind-numbingly lovely negronis contain fennel pollen, gin, propolis, vermouth, rinomato and hokey pokey. And by hokey they’re outstanding. teresabar.co.nz