The Dish: Living the dream

Antonio Crisci on Waiheke Island. Photo / Babiche Martens

Two years ago, Viva interviewed Antonio Crisci - the Italian visionary who established restaurants Toto and Non Solo Pizza with his dynamic and gorgeous partner Vivienne Farnell. At the time he'd just won Hospitality Personality of the Year at the prestigious Lewisham Awards and was sharing his plans to transform his Waiheke vineyard Poderi Crisci into a place people would visit to wine, dine and have "layers of experience". Not only would he produce great wine with local winemaker Herb Friedl, he would produce his own olive oil, create an orchard, an organic vegetable garden, have a farmers market... It was a big vision and only someone with true passion could have made it happen. And he has. Last Saturday more than 200 people supped on the vineyard's handcrafted wines and ate food in the sunshine overlooking the vines, the potager gardens and the picturesque inlet of Awaaroa Bay. The new restaurant, which is open Friday-Sunday, is serving up superb classic Italian food with fresh, light flavours straight from the garden. The desserts are pure decadence and with a glass of grappa to round things off this is definitely the place to unwind over a long lunch. 205 Awaaroa Rd, Awaaroa Bay, ph (09) 372 2148 or podericrisci.co.nz

To the island

It's all go on Waiheke Island at the moment with a host of new cafes and restaurants opening or about to open in time for the summer season. In Oneroa there's the delighful Delight serving delicious Turkish fare, further down the road the workmen are busy putting finishing touches to Viola, a new Italian-inspired restaurant due to open very soon. The coolest place for a cocktail on the island, the Sandbar, has installed a new pizza oven and employed the talents of respected chef Peter Becker to add flavour and panache to a much-welcomed menu. Young chef Tony Moss, ex Stonyridge Vineyard, is working hard to open his own restaurant. Fans of the fabulous Thymes Tables will be eager to check out the new look interior created by leading stylist Anna Church. Meanwhile for Labour Weekend, favourite vineyard restaurants Mudbrick, Casita Miro and Goldwater are just some of the venues involved in the three-day, inaugural Waiheke Island of Burlesque Festival - a celebration of fine dining, boutique wines, live music and a bevy of local and international dancers and performers. Prepare to have not just your tastebuds teased! For more info, go to waihekeburlesquefestival.co.nz

Big ears

Herne Bay locals will have been watching and waiting with curiosity to see what was behind the papered windows at the far end of Jervois Rd. Well, all has been revealed - it's Rabbithole, a cute new cafe serving delicious organic food and coffee.

Owner Juanessa Davidson has put together a menu which consists of a delightfully different selection of dishes including cinnamon griddle cakes and a spicy breakfast salad for brekky, while for lunch there's the likes of duck and orange risotto or tarakihi pie. The chicken club sandwiches have to be some of the best, if not the best, in town, while the coffee is well made and uses organic beans from local roasters Velvet. Take your pick of seats from baroque style armchairs, the communal wooden table or head out on to the sunny deck. Seems like the far end of Jervois is the place to be. Rabbithole Cafe, corner Clifton Rd and Jervois Rd (203 Jervois Rd), Herne Bay.

Champagne lifestyle

This weekend is your last chance to take part in The Farm at Cape Kidnappers special wine and food weekends for 2010, and they're wrapping up the season in true style. The weekend will be hosted by Ludovic De Lageard of Champagne Laurent-Perrier - one of France's great champagne houses - and will be an easy mix of champagne tastings, games of golf on the world-class course, spa treatments and great meals. Prices from $800 per person per night. To find out more, go to capekidnappers.com or ph (06) 875 1900. Don't worry if you can't make it this weekend, they're already organising next year's special events.

Shore thing

Foodies on the North Shore will no doubt be chomping at the bit to get through the doors of the new Farro Fresh store when it opens this time next week.

Owners James and Janene Draper opened their first store four years ago in Mt Wellington and it has proved a popular destination with its fresh food market feel, artisan products, passionate staff, cooking demonstrations and, most importantly, reasonable prices. The new store will be situated on Constellation Drive and include an extensive butchery and fresh produce area, fresh seafood, pre-prepared meals, along with cheese and deli items. Most exciting of all is Bennett's of Mangawhai's instore chocolaterie. If you have had the good fortune to visit their beautiful boutique store and cafe in Mangawhai you will know it will be just as sophisticated and elegant, and if you haven't been, this is a great chance to taste the fabulous handcrafted chocolates. Farro Fresh, opening Wednesday October 27, cnr Parkway and Constellation Drive (next to the Park and Ride). For more info, go to farrofresh.co.nz