NZ's best beer pourer named (+gastro news)

Lori Wallace, from De Fontein Belgian Beer Café in Mission Bay Auckland. Photo / Scott Sinton

Life & Style Editor Nicky Park dishes up the latest food and beverage news.

Who can pour the best beer?

The super talented Lori Wallace can. Lori, who works the taps at De Fontein Belgian Beer Cafe in Mission Bay, beat 20 other contenders in a comp this week to be crowned New Zealand's Stella Artois Master. Judges marked on passion, enthusiasm and skill on the "9 step pour" - the perfect way to pour a Stella.

"I couldn't be more ecstatic!" Lori said.

She will now go on to represent NZ at the World Masters held at Wimbledon during the tennis tournament next year.

"In the past we've had really good success, so I'm hoping I can continue that legacy that and bring back the title for New Zealand."

How to get your slice of pie

Bring in a couple of canned goods when you visit Miss Clawdy's next week and they will serve you up a sweet slice of Whittaker's Chocolate Pie. The Thanksgiving Day initiative, running from November 24th till 28th, aims to collect over 1000 cans for the Auckland City Mission.

As part of their Thanksgiving celebrations, Miss Clawdy's will dish up a southern inspired menu during lunch service from 11.30am til 4pm. For more info check out Miss Clawdy's website.

It's a Rose kind of day

Boutique local winery Rochfort Rees has just released its 2014 Rose/Classico. The delicious rosy drop reminds us of strawberries and raspberries - perfect for a sunny afternoon. Rochfort Rees founder, Oliver Rochfort Scutts, described it as a quality wine best shared with good friends.

"Our 2014 Rose has a lingering soft palate with summery berry flavours and is very European in style. It's perfect for savoring at either your most casual or fancy summer occasion with friends."

We also love the minimal modern labeling on the bottle, letting the blushing wine sing. Salute.

I see red

Find your favourite red threads and get along to the RED party down at 1885 next Friday. Ladi6 will be performing at the Belvedere Vodka event, held to celebrate the launch of the limited edition (BELVEDERE)RED special edition bottle. The ruby bottle, released for the fourth year, donates 50 per cent of all sales to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. Entry in to the Britomart event is free, just make sure you're in your best red garb to show support for the cause. More info on the Belvedere Vodka Facebook page.

- nzherald.co.nz