The dish: Kingsland comeback

Get close and personal at Winehot. Picture / Dean Purcell

Kingsland is one of the best suburban spots to eat and drink but if you're fed up with trying to find a park, just wander further down the road. There you'll find a new haven for foodies and wine lovers. It's still officially Kingsland but yet to be discovered by the masses. That means you can find a park and enjoy a new winebar, Winehot.

As well as a fantastic wine list and the owners' wealth of knowledge about wine, they serve great tapas. And there's a secluded outdoor area that's perfect for secret assignations.

With Thai and Indian restaurants soon reopening, this spot is one to watch.

Winehot is at 605 New North Rd, Kingsland, ph (09) 815 9463.

Dine on hallowed turf

If you fancy dining in style in the middle of the number one ground at Eden Park, here's your chance. Auckland will host 29 simultaneous dinner parties next month at various venues, including Eden Park, the boardroom of the Auckland Racing Club and some of the city's top restaurants, such as The French Cafe and Antoines. It's part of The Chandon Supper Club's effort to raise funds for the Cancer Society of Auckland.

It all started in London in 2001 in aid of the Lighthouse Foundation Charity. Three years later Sydney hosted its first supper club. Now Auckland has its own party on June 22. Twelve guests will dine at each venue before being taken to an invitation-only party at a secret location. Chefs will create special menus with Chandon providing wine.

Chandon Supper Club chairman and Chandon NZ representative David Ridley is impressed with how generously Auckland restaurateurs have embraced the concept. Celebrity guests are TV host Susan Wood and newsreader-turned-winemaker John Hawkesby. Tickets are $250 each and include dinner and wine at one of Auckland's top venues as well as transport to the after-party. All drinks at the party are included.

For more information ph (09) 308 0240.

Time for high tea

Tea and a biscuit at your desk just don't cut it when you could be taking high tea at the Grand Tearoom. The glamorous event on June 6 is to celebrate Twinings' 300th birthday and will be hosted by Stephen Twining, 10th-generation member of the tea family. A signature tea cocktail, finger food and Twinings teas will be served. The proceeds from an auction at the event will go to Look Good Feel Better, a free service offered to women undergoing treatment for cancer.

A limited edition Twinings tea, 1706, will also be launched.

The high tea is at Heritage Auckland's Grand Tearoom from 1 to pm. For tickets, ph 0800 865 432 or email info@lgfb.co.nz