Fancy staying in this weekend, rugged up by the fireplace and dining on pasta? Or maybe you're looking to try a new dining out experience? Whether you're planning on cooking at home or taking a table in town, look no further than this week's edition of Food News - which also features our Trial & Error panel taste-testing some of the best pizza in Auckland - ideal for an easy weekend dinner delivery.
Let's dig in to our top foodie picks for the weekend:
Over on Bite chef Peter Gordon has shared his latest pasta recipe. He says it's fairly simple so best served as a starter. If you want to take it up a notch though, you can easily add some wholesome veg and meat such as chicken or prawns.
In Trial & Error this week, the Fast Food Five series returns as the panel taste-test Margherita pizzas from across Auckland to determine the best in terms of taste and value.
Treat yourself to a sweet breakfast with this classic French toast recipe from Viva's Angela Casley.
"You should never overcomplicate a good thing," writes Casley. However, for a subtle twist she recommends mascarpone and chopped pistachio as toppings.
How does Sky City's newest offering Spice Alley stack up against the Federal St strip's big names: Depot, Masu, Gusto and Huami?
Unfortunately, this place comes with a warning from Viva's Eating Out editor Jesse Mulligan: "Please don't ever go here."
Mulligan's taste of the menu at Spice Alley, which features Southeast Asian-inspired dishes such as papaya salad, rice-coated tiger prawns and pork hock, didn't find the reviewer's tick of approval.
"...usually a tense fight between sweet, sour, salty and spicy, [the papaya salad] was a juicy mess, like if you shredded three Granny Smiths then left them on the bench for too long."
The newest addition to Mt Eden Village is the totally Instagram-worthy eatery Wu & You.
Canvas reviewer Kim Knight stopped by to check out the Asian-fusion fare giving it a "good" review and noting the "hilarious" menu and neon-pink décor.
In need of some nibble-inspo for an upcoming dinner party? Here's your chance to learn the art of food and wine pairing with Gusto and The Grill chef Sean Connolly's Pinot & Prosciutto masterclass, a collaboration with Cloudy Bay wine makers.
Not only will you be able to dine on the signature dish at select restaurants across the country for the month of May, but the Gusto at The Grand chef is offering classes on how to make your own at home.
Wellingtonians, don't fret - you can get amongst the action too at Foxglove where Kate Marinkovich from Tomboy cakery will share her tips for plating up the perfect prosciutto platter for your guests.
Let the vino and your creative juices flow with a wine and painting party at Tom Tom Eatery on Sunday afternoon. The social painting night invites punters to have a crack at painting the iconic Starry Night scene.
You don't need to have any painting skills or take along any materials, everything is provided for you. Plus you get to take home your master - or disaster - piece at the end of the night.
