KEY POINTS:
We've got the news that foodies have been waiting for. Top chef Michael Meredith's own restaurant opens, all going well, on September 10.
It's at 365 Dominion Rd, and will be called Merediths. Final fitouts are being completed now.
Meredith, whose last full-time stint was at The Grove, has spent nearly a year scoping out the new project while doing a few turns in other kitchens.
He's one of the country's most creative chefs and by opting for a neighbourhood restaurant will be giving diners further reason to check out options beyond the CBD.
He's looking forward to getting back into the kitchen, after five months out of action having broken his arm in Fiji breaking up a scuffle.
"Right now I'm looking forward to trying new ingredients and new techniques."
Ph (09) 623 3140.
Girly bar
The Greenroom on Princes Wharf has given itself a new female-friendly makeover. The once-minimal space between Euro and Pasha has softened its severe lines with a grown-up glam look, including Florence Broadhurst wallpaper, black lacquer and chandeliers. To celebrate and introduce clients to new bar manager Hans Hoelflick, a hospo scene veteran, a special event for 100 golden women was held last week with Absolut bling bling Vodka. Nourish Group's Richard Sigley says it will still be business as usual at the busy bar - "Friday nights at Greenroom will always have the corporate lads celebrating the end of the week and flirting up a storm." But he hopes to hold more networking evening for both sexes after the success of the opening night.
Bean there yet?
Christchurch coffee roasters Vivace have opened a northern outpost. The Auckland Vivace cafe in Wyndham St is in the super skinny Formule 1 hotel and offers a small but tasty range of food and the good coffee Vivace has been brewing in the southern city for the past 10 years. There's also a Wellington Vivace.
For father
Rocket Kitchen is helping out with some ideas for Father's Day - that's this Sunday if you're not sorted yet. A range of manly goodies are in-store now and the Ponsonby outlet can personalise a cake and courier it to your father. Beer and spice cakes and rugby cookies are also on the menu. Ph (09) 360-8831 or www.rocketkitchen.co.nz
To market
A new edition of the handy New Zealand Markets, Fairs and Festivals Guide has been published. This booklet has details of events around the country, covering everything from arts and garden festivals to A&P shows. But the sections on regular markets are perhaps the most handy if you're the sort of person who likes to plan an outing with a purpose. Times, dates and contacts are given. The explosion of farmers' markets means it's hard to keep up with what's out there, so this booklet is a handy addition to the car glovebox. Stockists listed on www.festivalsmarketsfairs.co.nz
Spread the taste
Soup-maker Pitango has won an award as best organic exporter from the industry group Organics Aotearoa New Zealand. The soups which come in 11 flavours and can be found in supermarkets nationwide are now on sale in Australia, Canada and parts of Asia. www.pitango.co.nz
Honeyed words
Prenzel's honey liqueur has been named best in class at the International Wines and Spirits Competition in England. Blue borage honey and brandy are among the liqueur's key ingredients.
42 Below's passionfruit and manuka honey-flavoured vodkas also won gold best in class awards and its standard vodka a silver medal. Lemon Z limoncello also picked up a gold award.
Prenzel, which has tasting rooms in Whitford and at Kumeu, also won silvers for its Blenheim Bay premium gin and its Butterscotch Cream Liqueur and a bronze for its Citron Ice Liqueur.
