What we're eating and drinking: Holiday #2

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 favourite go-tos.

I’ve had the absolute privilege of dining out at two totally different places lately — completely dissimilar but equally fabulous. The first was Harvest restaurant at The Marlborough Boutique Hotel. Not only was the food approachable yet refined, seasonal and beautifully prepared, the surroundings added enormously to the experience. With views from my table out over to an expanse of lawn, dotted with large, established trees the environment was perfection. Add to that a phenomenal wine list and you can’t go wrong!

Meanwhile, back home in Auckland I celebrated a recent special occasion at Hello Beasty in the central city. Their menu of familiar Asian dishes such as Prawn and Crab Toast and Ginger Potstickers is impeccable, with playful twists like ‘surf and turf’ addition of sliced grain-fed eye fillet to the prawn toast. Meanwhile, original dishes like the Burrata with Yuxiang Sauce, Roasted Peanuts, Spring Onion, Sesame and Chilli Crisp are so unexpected, yet magical. In this instance the contrast of creamy, soft burrata with the sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavour bomb of the toppings is not to be missed.

There’s a lot to love about Mimi Gilmour’s latest eatery. On glorious summer days and nights, the outdoor area is perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner while the fit-out inside is totally gorgeous. Some of the must-have dishes are the Pickled Mussels with Herb Oil and we got a double order of the Focaccia Pugliese because you’ll want to wipe that plate clean but also need to keep a little back for their House Ricotta, Confit and Fresh Tomatoes — it’s summer on a plate!

The Pork Cotoletta with Fennel, Lemon and Capers was sensational, especially with the Radicchio, Burnt Tangelo and Hazelnut Salad, and the Spaghetti with Vodka Sauce, House Ricotta, Basil Oil and Meatballs needs to make an appearance on your table. Leave room for the Pannacotta and Gooseberries, you’ll be very happy. Fresh flavours and gorgeous vibes — Mama is dining at its best!

What, and I cannot stress this enough, the heck are you even doing in Hawke’s Bay if you’re not booking a table at Restaurant Ari in Hastings. Tucked downstairs in the shiny new Mediaworks building, its menu, and its vibe, is eye-poppingly delicious. I’ve tried many times and failed to look past the Poached Prawn Tartare, the Rabbit Pasta, and the Sautéed Asparagus, and the Beef Fat Potatoes are why I can’t regularly contribute enough to KiwiSaver.

Their Summer Fling dessert — strawberries, pistachio and rosewater cheesecake, caramelised milk crumb and milk sorbet — is not something you’ll want to share either. The drinks list is stylishly slick and the service is always superb. Get there or forever kick yourself.

I have had two major highlights over the past couple of months: Otto on K Road and Little Jimmy in Epsom. The service at Otto was absolutely incredible; their staff were super attentive and we had a great time! I’ll be going back for their Lamb Shoulder Maltagliati and their Ricotta Gnocchi, along with their excellent drinks list.

Little Jimmy is a new local for me; great atmosphere, and I love the focus on provenance — they really celebrate New Zealand food and drink. Their Sticky Date Pudding was the perfect end to a delicious meal.

I recently had the verrrrry pleasurable task of showing some fave friends around Waiheke Island on a sunny spring Sunday. We made for Mudbrick straight off the ferry and settled into Archive Bistro for some gorgeous bites, entrées and mains along with a glass (or few) of stunning wine. Unexpectedly but unanimously, dish of the day was the Charred Daikon and Roasted Cauliflower with Chilli Almonds and a Lemon Tahini Dressing.

We were glad we delayed indulging in dessert until we got to Batch Winery later in the day as we got to try their famous pavlova, which is as deservedly iconic as the 360-degree views.

10 William St absolutely lives up to the hype. My wife and I kicked things off with one of the best negronis we’ve ever had — the bartender mixed it in seconds and it was perfectly balanced. Sitting at the bar is the vibe in my opinion, I love being part of the action. The spot is cozy yet buzzy, and super intimate. We shared the Pretzel with Whipped Bottarga, a bright Swordfish Crudo, blistered shishitos in a silky green oil (standout), a bangin’ zucchini pasta (also a standout), and tender lamb.

Every dish felt simple, refined, and full of intent and we loved every bite. Service was on point from start to finish. After following them for years, I was stoked to finally dine here and it did not disappoint.

The drive out to Portobello is worth it for the views alone — sweeping across the Otago Peninsula towards the popular walking and biking spot, Hereweka Harbour Cone. Tucked away among native bush and fruit trees, you’ll find Augustines of Portobello. The focus here is on local ingredients and their own range of preserves and relishes, which can be purchased on-site.

The small menu changes with the seasons, offering five or six dishes for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, plus fresh sandwiches, cakes, and pastries — all perfect for enjoying in the peaceful garden setting. Highlights from my visit were the Eggs and Sirloin Ham with Piccalilli Relish, and Waffles topped with Apricot Curd, Blueberry Compote and Preserved Apricot Cream. If you don’t hit it for brekkie or lunch, swing by after a walk up Hereweka for a Danish and a takeaway coffee — the perfect way to spend a summer day.

I lived on the same street as Chez Criz, a restaurant that deserves an honourable mention for its delicate balance of pool tables, pokies, and Parisian plates. It was our regular haunt, but when we ventured beyond Surry Hills, we usually found ourselves at Continental Deli in Newtown.

Snack plate-lovers and girl-dinner enthusiasts rejoice, the menu mostly consists of cold cuts, cheese, and cocktails, you’ll also find an impressive array of tinned fish, and tartare served with house-made crisps. For dessert, the playful Flan in a Can is always a hit, and a Mar-Tinny or Can-hattan makes the perfect nightcap.