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To celebrate the release of Australian chef Ben O'Donoghue's new barbecue book Outdoor, Cook the Books are holding an evening with Ben and his barbecue. There will be food, wine and beer and, of course, Ben to do the cooking. It takes place on Monday 24 November from 6pm at the shop at 405 Mt Eden Rd. The cost is just $15 per person and you can phone or email the shop to reserve your place.
All change
The great thing about this time of the year is that a lot of our favourite restaurants start to introduce their summer menu, making a revisit to see what they've come up with a must.
Recently we've visited Q at the Westin and been seduced by the Scallops wrapped in pancetta with green tomato salsa and smoked potato aioli and the Hot smoked manuka salmon, Israeli couscous with minted pea salsa and herb salad. Not to mention the dreamy view over the water to the moored, elegant launches. Let us know your favourite restaurant and menus around town by emailing viva@nzherald.co.nz
Spring Market
If you want to know more about organics then get along to Huckleberry Farms Spring Market Weekend this Saturday and Sunday. As well as tastings and specially-priced organic foods, skin care and household products, there will also be children's entertainment, naturopaths and an organic gardening guru on hand. 9am-5pm, Sat & Sun, Huckleberry Farms, 150 Apriana Ave, Glen Innes.
Great bites
Those good people at Abe's Real Bagels have come up with two new great ideas - Abe's Bagel Bites which are one-portion-sized packets of the yummy baked crispy bagel slices. The are cholesterol and MSG-free, so good for kids' lunchboxes or for health-conscious adults. $5.80. We also love their new Baby Bagels - which will be perfect for dainty nibbles when you're entertaining this summer. $4.50 for an eight-pack. Both products are available at supermarkets nationwide.
Viva Take Out Awards
The Viva team is currently busy out-and-about researching for our annual Take Out Awards. (Tough job, but someone has to do it!) From burgers to Indian, salads to Mexican - we're looking for the freshest and tastiest places to get food on the run. Do you have a favourite takeaway? If so, let us know where it is and why you love it, by emailing: viva@nzherald.co.nz
