AND TO DRINK…

Drinks editor Yvonne Lorkin suggests matches for these dishes

1. CHILLI PRAWN PASTA This chilli-focused pasta is elevated to exponential levels by the Epic Gin Boss Juniper

IPA 440ml ($8.99). Clean, dry, precise and plushly flavoured, it’s the perfect beer to soothe the passage of this gorgeous pasta. Fresh, frisky and generous enough to wrap itself around the tender prawns perfectly. thebeerlibrary.co.nz

2. MEXICAN BARBECUE CHICKEN, HERB SALAD AND AVOCADO TOSTADAS Just seeing the words ‘chicken herb salad’ has me hooning out to find a great viognier to sip with it. The De La Terre Hawke’s

Bay Viognier 2014 ($24) hits that saucy balance between classic apricot, citrus oil and jasmine aromatics and a rich, spiced nectarine note in the mouth. The acidity is clean, crisp and vibrant, making it work ridiculously well with this classic, melt-in-your-mouth chicken salad. Stunning stuff indeed. delaterre.co.nz

3. ASIAN CHILLI BEEF CROQUETTES The Kererū Brewery Chocolate Cherry Porter 500ml ($50 x 6pk)

is roasty, toasty and smooth enough to soak across your taste buds in a silky fashion. Chocolatey, spicy, warming and velvety, it’s the most gorgeous drop to sip on with these hot croquettes. kererubrewing.co.nz

4. CHILLI, ORANGE AND WHITE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES Crafted by ex-pat Brits and food technologists Steve Pellett and Bridget Ennals from their tiny vineyard situated at the foot of Mount Tapuae-o-uenuku, the Stanley Estates Noble Harvest Marlborough

Sauvignon Blanc 2014 ($28) is quite the most insanely delicious drop to enjoy with this white chocolate and chilli brownie. The vineyard is named after ‘Stanley’, their trusty Land Rover, and it’s a workhorse piece of dirt that produces sauvignon blanc that is versatile enough for both snappy-dry and sexy-sweet styles. This is in the latter camp. Maturing magically after five years in the bottle, it’s curvaceous, honeyed, tropical and tantalising, decadent and plush; it’s a must-sip. stanleyestates.co.nz