The Dish: Huka good one

New Huka Lodge executive chef Michel Louws. Photo / Supplied

We don't know who is luckiest - Dutch-born Michel Louws, who has just been appointed the new executive chef at Taupo's Huka Lodge, or Huka Lodge for finding him. Louws has worked in some of Europe's leading restaurants including Librije (three Michelin stars), Inter Scaldis (two Michelin stars) and Le Circque and Zusje (one Michelin star). In 2002 he was made head chef at the Dutch restaurant 't-Veerhuis, which in 2007 earned its own Michelin star. Meanwhile, Huka Lodge continues to win international acclaim as a world-class luxury lodge. We call it a win-win all round - especially for the guests staying there.
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Dam good

It's around this time of the year that friends pop in for drinks. That's why we love this new Damson Paste from The Damson Collection. Made from plums grown from cuttings of three generations-old Hawkes Bay damson trees, it's the perfect addition to a cheeseboard. They recommend it melted into lamb or poultry jus to give a richer flavour. $5.50 from Farro's, 80 Lunn Ave, Mt Wellington, ph (09) 570 7071 or farrofresh.co.nz.

Thanks Shane

We haven't had a chance to check this one out yet, but it sounds too good not to share. Viva reader Shane Price emailed us this week to say, "If you are on your way to the airport or on a hot summer's day you're craving an ice cream, visit 127 Kirkbride Rd, Mangere. The have the BEST strawberry icecream made fresh from the fields next door. Beware, it's addictive and the queues can be long, but it's worth the wait." And, according to Shane, the vegetables sold there are "excellent and damn cheap too". Definitely worth the trip by the sounds of it.

Ooh, ahh, Catanies

Everyone in the Viva office was oohing and ahhing over these delicious treats handmade in Barcelona. Cudie Catanies are caramelised Marcona almonds, covered in a secret recipe of nut praline, then dipped in chocolate and dusted in cocoa. And they are absolutely delicious. Boxes range from $7.50-$31.90. Check out these and a whole host of other delicious Christmas gift ideas at Sabato, Normanby Rd, Mt Eden. Ph 09 630 8751 or sabato.co.nz.

Au naturel

If you're concerned about all that Christmas indulging on the horizon, then get along to Wise Cicada in Newmarket for Margaret Underwood's Raw Food Workshop. Underwood, who for the past five years has eaten only raw food, will be sharing recipes and healthy gift ideas for Christmas, from ice-cream to cheesecake, mince pies to chocolate. The workshop is on Monday November 30, from 5.30-8pm, 23 Crowhurst St, Newmarket. Cost $60 at the door or $50 if you book in advance. Ph (09) 529 9529.