SIDE DISHES

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. We share our latest favourite haunts.

Where the dish team is eating out, what they’re watching when they’re at home, two power couples who are firing up the

New Zealand food scene and more.

Sarah Tuck, editor

Apéro, Karangahape Road: There is often a buzz (appropriately) about the latest place in town, but recently I had the opportunity to revisit an old favourite – Apéro on Auckland’s K Road. Owned by Mo Koski and chef Leslie Hottiaux, it is just the welcoming, intimate spot for anything from an easy after-work drink, date-night dinner or group celebration. Mo is your go-to expert on wine and with a laid-back vibe he makes everybody feel at home. Meanwhile, in the kitchen French-born Leslie, winner of the Australasian San Pellegrino Young Chef of the year award in 2016, dishes up flavour-packed, not-quite-rustic dishes. I can never go past the Goats Cheese Croquettes with Kamahi honey, the Burrata with Roasted Capsicum, Courgettes and Basil is insanely good, while the epic Pork Sausage served with Pickles & Mustard never fails to please. There is always something spectacularly fishy on the menu and for meat-lovers a beast of a Rib Eye of Beef…and if you’re not a big sweet-tooth their ‘favourites of the week’ cheese selection is a must. It’s no wonder that Apéro is a food-writer favourite…its bloody fabulous! apero.co.nz

Claire Aldous, food editor

Bar Martin, Mt Albert: This gorgeous neighborhood bar is now a firm favourite. A great welcoming vibe – just pick your perfect spot; inside where the afternoon sun streams in or in at a communal table set around an old olive tree in the courtyard. The Coppa Stagionata with Roast Hazelnuts, Pork Rillettes with Sourdough and Cornichons and the Meatballs went down a treat with a glass or two of Central Otago pinot gris. @barmartin.nz

Karrin Macleod, business manager

Capitol, Wellington: Dreaming of eating at Capital in Wellington. Their Parmesan-crumbed Lambs Liver on Gorgonzola-dressed Baby Spinach, I LOVE it. I have been known to order it for my main and then another helping for my dessert... capitolrestaurant.co.nz

Alexandra Blackwood, digital editor

Gogo Music Cafe, Balmoral: I’ve been eating here a lot recently. They are open really late and their amply spiced skewers go down a treat with a tall beer, plus they always have fresh coconuts to drink! 559 Dominion Road, Balmoral

Yvonne Lorkin, drinks editor

F.G Smiths Eatery, Napier: The team at F.G Smiths Eatery in Ahuriri, Napier do the most fantastic Ceviche sprinkled with hibiscus, fennel pollen, drizzled with their own garden herb oil and I’ve been known to hoover buckets of their Grilled Octopus, with cos, romesco, grapes, radicchio and Pedro Ximénez sherry. eatdrinksharehb.co.nz

Síana Clifford, sub editor

Social Eats, Rotomā, Rotoiti and Brunswick: Your Friday night food is sorted with Chef Matt Cooper personally delivering gourmet meals to your door. His menu, including vegan options, changes weekly, but if the Pork ‘Schnitty’ with White Bean Mash and Muhummara Salsa features don’t hesitate to order. And keep an eye on his Facebook page for midweek openings of his food truck at Rotomā – his fried chicken is legendary. Search ‘Social Eats’ on facebook.com

Catherine Steel, sub editor

The Hive, Purangi: Located by the Purangi River, close to Cooks Beach in the Coromandel, its lush, green setting is a sight for sore eyes if you’ve driven far to get away for the weekend. With a roaring fireplace in winter and tables under the kiwifruit vines in summer, it’s easy to unwind. Then there’s the pizza; mouth-watering, interesting flavours and generous in size. Try the Pickled Pig, with pork belly, pineapple, mozzarella, pickled cabbage, coriander, spring onion and aioli on a hoisin base. The non-pizza options are excellent too – think Rice Noodle Salad and Prawn Risotto. Don’t forget the Lemon Myrtle and Ginger Panna Cotta to finish. hivepurangi.co.nz

Alice Galletly, sub editor

Pici, Karangahape Road: Since interviewing the team at Pici for my dish story I’ve been back three times in two weeks – mostly to satisfy my insatiable craving for their cheesecake (can you tell I’m pregnant?). See Alice’s review on page 36. picipasta.co.nz

Conor Fox, art director

Just Like Martha, Three Kings: I spent my level 3 lockdown daydreaming of Just Like Martha’s Sichuan spicy mince breakfast and their lolly slice. Not at the same time though. @justlikemarthacafe

Olivia Galletly, food writer

Hotel Ponsonby: Sitting in the sunshine at Hotel Ponsonby with an Enzoni (gin, Campari, lemon and frozen grape) is a lovely way to spend a Friday afternoon. The Duck Liver Parfait, Cucumber, Dill and Stracciatella Salad and Wagyu Beef should not be missed. hotelponsonby.co.nz