FROM THE EDITOR

Woah, how time flies. I can’t believe as I sit here writing this, we’re on the cusp of yet another new year. Thank goodness we have a few days to push pause after Christmas, to look back at challenges faced and goals achieved (or not as the case may be… yoga mat I’m coming at ya soon!), and to look forward to a bright and shiny, fresh 12 months ahead. My plan is to head to Coromandel for a few days to reflect, relax, catch up with dear mates, and of course eat some perfect summer food.

This issue sees you sorted for days at the beach and balmy evenings in the backyard with simple recipes that look and taste fantastic. But first we take a peek at what is on our plates and how it affects our skin (optimistically in search of youthful radiance) in Feed Your Face on page 19, before diving into our biggest barbecue section yet, Let’s Go Barbie on page 37. Food Editor Claire Aldous has pulled out all the stops with a rich selection of good-to-grill meats and epic salads. My favourite, the Spice-roasted Butter Beans, Mozzarella and Eggplant Salad on page 56, is unbelievably tasty. Work keeps me super-busy, so I took the sneaky way out with my Chill Out desserts on page 66, going for maximum deliciousness with minimum effort, while the uber-talented Olivia Galletly has whipped up a multitude of baking delights on page 72. Our regular Food Fast section on page 84 includes our fabulous cover recipe for Tandoori Chicken Wings with Fresh Herb and Ginger Relish, as well as a delectable Citrus Ceviche with Avocado. Keeping things casual, Jane Lyons brings us tempting nibbles to snack on with a ‘cold beer on a hot day’ on page 100. Don’t miss Tasting Panel on page 110, where the incredibly knowledgeable Yvonne Lorkin walks us through dish’s top 12 pinot gris. Finally, join me on page 118 as I set off aboard the M.V. Flightless in Dusky Sound, surrounded by beautiful scenery, hilarious boat-mates and an endless selection of the freshest seafood possible.

We look forward to seeing you again soon, but for now, find a shady spot, sit back, relax and enjoy summer through the eyes of dish.