The Dish: Cake for connoisseurs

Yummy cakes from Brown Sugar Kitchen.

If you appreciate really good cake you'll be pleased that the Brown Sugar Kitchen - the Royal Oak bakery rated by Viva as one of the top afternoon-tea spots - is opening a second store, in Ponsonby.

Owners Cheryle Thomas and Dianne Fraser are renovating the old Lord Ponsonby deli store and plan to open in about three weeks.

Brown Sugar Kitchen is famous for its old-fashioned favourites such as belgian biscuits and melting moments and for its mini-cakes. You'll find their passionfruit cupcakes with the swirls of icing piped on top at various cafes about town. Thomas says she and Fraser couldn't pass up the old Lord Ponsonby store when it came up for lease.

"It's just such a beautiful shop for having cakes in the window. It was a romantic decision, not a business one."

The new store will also sell large cakes, savories, bread and pies.

Pastry heaven

If you're heading north, make sure you visit the Matakana Patisserie. The pies alone are worth the trip.

Owner Delwyn Vincent has just won the Her Business Award for most inspirational role model, given by Australian accommodation website Wotif.com.

Vincent set up the patisserie with her husband, Tyrone, five years ago and it is now a must-visit spot in the town north of Auckland. It's hard to choose from the huge selection of European breads and other baked goods.

Vincent and her husband have entered their patisserie in the national Bakery of the Year contest.

Winners will be announced at the end of next month.

Matakana Patisserie is at 70 Matakana Valley Rd.

Time for Nosh

Here's a chance to meet the merchants responsible for the excellent offerings at the new gourmet foodstore Nosh.

Growers, importers, suppliers, bakers and more will be there on Friday and Saturday from 9.30am to 6.30pm to talk to customers about their products and offer tastings.

Nosh is at 133-135 Apirana Ave, Glen Innes. For more information visit Nosh Gourmet