Plant-based feasts in the city

Going out for a plant-based feast is now an all-day, everyday affair down Colombo St. Shree Jagannath has opened in the heart of the city, with an international offering of vegetarian and vegan food, served in a casual buffet-style environment. Krishna Gopal Das, who previously owned the Hare Krishna eatery, Govindas, pre-quake, is behind this new venture.

Gopal wanted to make vegetarian and vegan food accessible, so as well as being open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, affordability is a big point of difference. Nothing costs more than $12 and, for just $10, customers can experience one of the restaurant’s traditional Indian platters – Thali comprising rice, dhal curry, vegetable curry, pakora, Halwa and Puri (deep-fried bread).

As well as classic Indian entrees, mains and desserts, Shree Jagannath also serves a widerange of vegan dishes, including pizza, burgers, lasagne and a range of fresh creations from the salad bar. All meals can be enjoyed in the simple dining space, or to takeaway. A catering service is also available for those after plant-based provisions at their next event.

Shop 2, 574 Colombo St, shreejagannath.co.nz

Canterbury Cheesemongers is reborn

Cheese-lovers the region over will be rejoicing at the news that Sarah and Martin Aspinwall, aka the Canterbury Cheesemongers, are back. The closure of the Arts Centre location in winter 2018 hit their loyal following hard. At the time, the pair cited a difficult post-quake environment and burn-out as their reasons for closing. But they’re back, much refreshed and, in a new retail space in Ferrymead.

Martin is baking his highly acclaimed Eccles cakes in the neighbouring Vic’s bakery, and hopes to expand the baked goods range when the

bakery schedule allows. For now, they’re doing what they do best and selling hand-picked boutique cheeses. Open Thursday and Friday,

10am-6pm.

3a Settlers Cres, Ferrymead.

Gatherings now serving weekend brunch

Christchurch’s one-hat restaurant and living wine bar has officially joined the weekend brunch scene. Gatherings opened for brunch at the start of the month, with a simple and refined menu. Early-morning diners can feast on fresh croissants baked in-house with quince and milk jam, waffles doused in honeydew and cultured cream, eggs and hash browns, a vegan tofu scramble with bean sausage, and sourdough

muffins topped with fish, eggs and hollandaise. The restaurant’s lineup of natural wines are available in the morning too, as well as $2 tea and black coffee. Call 02102935641 to book.

5/2 Papanui Rd, gatherings.co.nz

The Rabbit Club

The newest addition to The Colombo’s foodcourt has arrived, just in time for the chilly transition into autumn and winter. The Rabbit Club is a nourishing soup and salad bar with specials that change every day. Alongside hot bowls of goodness (think cream of mushroom, or bacon hock, red lentil and tomato) and your choice of two or three salads, The Rabbit Club also has fresh bread and ham off the bone available to tack on to your order.