A simple steamed chicken dish that transforms into something far more comforting than it has any right to be. Tender, juicy, and finished with sizzling garlic oil, it’s a quiet reminder that minimal effort can still deliver maximum flavour. Steamed pulled chicken with ginger, spring onion, garlic oil, soy sauce...
IKEA Restaurant Auckland review featuring Swedish meatballs, tiramisu, cinnamon buns, hot dogs and affordable family dining. Six months after the hype, we finally made our way to IKEA Auckland. The furniture was interesting, the crowds had settled, but let’s be honest, the real reason for the visit was the meatballs....
A few lemons, a jar of capers, and a beautiful piece of salmon were all it took to break our usual dinner routine. This Salmon Piccata is bright, buttery, and proof that healthy eating never has to be boring. Pan-seared salmon in a buttery lemon caper sauce. A quick, healthy...
Some places become part of your routine without you realising it. After years away, we returned to Little Creatures with Coco after a waterfront walk and found the same relaxed atmosphere, great food, and dog-friendly charm that made us regulars in the first place. Little Creatures Hobsonville offers woodfired pizza,...
A bag of Swiss porcini turned into one of the most comforting bowls I’ve made all year. Silky garlic cream broth, earthy mushrooms, springy ramen noodles, and jammy eggs proving that fusion cooking is often just curiosity meeting opportunity. Creamy porcini ramen with garlic, mushroom dashi, wood ear fungus and...
Some recipes feel like they belong to a different era, and that’s exactly what makes them special. A bowl loaded with tender pata, smoky chorizo, bacon, potatoes, and beans proves that old-school Filipino comfort food still deserves a place on today’s table. Tender pata, chorizo de Bilbao, bacon, potatoes and...
After a beach walk with Coco, we stumbled across a Japanese restaurant that pushed us out of our comfort zone. Miso katsu, curry udon and creamy miso udon aren’t dishes we normally order, but they ended up being the stars of the afternoon. Katsu Tei Takapuna serves crispy katsu sets,...
Macanese chicken curry with coconut milk, chorizo, potatoes, olives and spices, served with rice for a comforting meal. A dish born from centuries of trade, migration, and cultural exchange. Tender chicken, potatoes, coconut milk, chorizo, and warming spices come together in a curry that belongs neither to Portugal nor China,...
Hui’s Kitchen in Albany serves affordable Chinese buffet-style lunches with unlimited refills, generous portions and homestyle dishes. Unlimited refills, homestyle Chinese cooking and lunch prices that feel like they’ve travelled back in time. One of Albany’s best-value hidden gems. As I’ve mentioned before, Wednesdays are a little different for our...
Fresh tagliatelle with porcini, shiitake and brown mushrooms in a creamy Parmesan sauce with garlic, butter and white wine. Sometimes the best souvenirs are not magnets or postcards. Sometimes they are bags of mushrooms bought from a Swiss supermarket that end up becoming one of the most satisfying pasta dishes...
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