From the best underground chicken burgers to an "amazing" deep-fried dessert, there's plenty to feast on this weekend. Photos / Instagram, Getty Images
This weekend we're all about comfort food. As the big chill sets in, we reckon it's the perfect time to hunt out the city's best underground chicken burger, while away a blustery evening indulging in an "amazing" deep-fried dessert and spend your Sunday afternoon sampling what might just be the most interesting beer in town.
Here are our top picks for the best in foodie finds this weekend:
Dining out
The new kid on the block in an old favourite spot, Teddy's has set up in what was home to recently departed MooChowChow.
Canvas reviewer Kim Knight highlights Teddy's bookable tables and bistro-style menu "that doesn't demand you share (but doesn't mind if you do)" but finds the real hit is a deep-fried apple pie she deems "amazing".
Read the full review here.
Before the gloriously dilapidated Asian food court that is Mercury Plaza rolls out its last sushi and the trains roll in, a delicious little pop up has taken a spot amid some of K' Rd's best in cheap eats.
Created by Madame George's Matt Fitzgerald, from Wednesdays through Sunday, Electric Chicken is turning out some seriously good chicken burgers: The Bah Gawk (say it in a chicken's cry, you'll get the idea) is served on a soft, fresh bun with a mix of juicy chicken that's been crispied right up and topped with crunchy lettuce and a couple of vinegary pickles to perfectly cut a dollop of mayo.
Add a pot of their crinkle cut fries topped with chicken gravy and grab a brew from the grocer upstairs for maximum Mercury Plaza immersion.
Electric Chicken, Wednesday - Sunday, 12-2pm, Mercury Plaza, off K' Rd
If you are looking for fair-trade coffee that hits the spot, then visiting the Karavan Delicatessen in Devonport is a must.
Tucked away from the main hubbub of Devonport, this inviting, modern and friendly café left Sue Baxalle completely content.
She says the shakshuka with two perfectly poached free-range eggs, spicy greens, slow-roasted tomatoes, capsicum, salsa, grilled halloumi and toast, Turkish-style, is a must.
Dining in
An easy light lunch or dinner, this is a fun take on a Japanese staple.
While the Japanese noodles have great texture, the Mediterranean pesto and haloumi add saltiness and bite.
Mix and match your Asian noodles as you please and if you aren't a fan of pesto, why not try a red capsicum or tomato chunky dip to stir through?
Get the recipe here.
Whether you're battling a glut or welcoming the free bags full from a neighbour, Angela Casley's recipe for slow roasting feijoas with star anise is a delicious, versatile way to use up this winter fruit.
Get the recipe and delightful ideas for use over on Viva.
Foodie events
You're likely well aware Garage Project is not a mechanics shop. It's a Wellington brewery - now set up in Auckland too - that found a foothold in the craft beer market with its kooky brews and crafty bottle art.
But did you know the team's also dabbled in wine? Sunday's Harvest Party is a chance to have a sip of the brewery's limited range of 2017 wild wines plus try a new range of beers that blend hops with grape juice.
Look out for the likes of Chateau Aro made with pinot noir juice and their Sauvin Nouveau sauvignon blanc beer.
Garage Project Taproom, Sunday, 12-8pm, 357 New North Rd, Kingsland
On the look out for a fancy brunch? Book yourself in to be part of a world wide toast with Moët & Chandon on June 9.
Part of a "grand act" which aims to bring the world together for a 24-hour toast involving one million people, the celebrations begin here in New Zealand.
HeadQuarters Viaduct in Auckland is taking part with a Rosé themed champagne brunch complete with bubbles, delicious treats and an Instagram-worthy pink carpet.
Guests will be treated to an array of Moët Moments throughout the day including a performance by artist Sam Allen and a beautiful scarf to take home from NZ designer Maggie Marilyn.
When: Saturday, June 9
Where: HeadQuarters Viaduct in Auckland
Tickets: $65, available for purchase via Eventfinda
Finn McCahon-Jones on the launch of a $1.5m fundraiser to preserve his grandfather’s artistic legacy. Video / Michael Craig