The Dish: Out to lunch

Mollies' Sanctuary Day Spa. Photo / Supplied

If you're looking for a fabulous way to kill a few hours with your girlfriends, or for an idea on how to treat your mum or the main man in your life, then the new Sanctuary Day Spa at Mollies is the answer. The award-winning luxury hotel, situated in St Marys Bay, has created a whole host of packages where you can co-ordinate your treatments - from facials to full-body massages, manicures to tanning - around lunch in their exclusive restaurant. Or opt for champagne and dainty sandwiches and cakes as you luxuriate in the spa facilities. If you're looking for a discreet and relaxing outing, this is it. If you don't have time to escape during the day, Mollies is also offering a very generous dinner deal. The Sanctuary Day Spa, Mollies, 6 Tweed St, St Marys Bay, ph (09) 376 3489 or reservations@mollies.co.nz

Nutty for you
Thai Sweet Chilli Cashew, Lemon Myrtle & Black Pepper Macadamia, Chai Almond ... These are just some of the delicious flavours from the new range of Nuttz gourmet nuts.The sweet nuts provide a healthy alternative to biscuits when you're needing a sugar fix, while the savoury varieties are perfect with an evening tipple. $6.95 from leading food stores. Go to nuttz.co.nz for more info.

Late date
If you like good music and stimulating conversation - especially when the topic is food - then head to the Auckland Museum tomorrow night for the official opening of the Kai to Pie exhibit event programme. Late at the Museum: Innovate Food will see singer/songwriter Anika Moa perform while Finlay Macdonald hosts a discussion on the future of food with TV foodie Ray McVinnie, scientist Dr Karen Cronin and Matauranga Maori and agricultural innovation expert Rob Whitbourne. Thursday July 1, 6.30pm-11pm, Auckland Museum, pre-sales $20 (plus $3 booking fee), door sales $25, ph (09) 306 7048 or book at lateatthemuseum.com

Old-fashioned favourite
Not so good for the hips, but delicious on the lips - Dollop Puddings' Vanilla Bean Custard is priced at $8.40 and comes in an old-fashioned glass bottle. Try it with the new I Love Pies Boysenberry & Granny Smith Apple Pie, $14.99, when the Nosh Food Markets around town have free tastings this weekend. This Saturday visit Nosh Ponsonby between 11am-12.50pm and Nosh Mt Eden from 1pm-3pm, while on Sunday you can line up for seconds at Nosh Glen Innes from 11am-12.50pm and Nosh Greenlane between 1pm and 3pm.

Middle Eastern treat
Spice up your life with Lot Eight's hazelnut and pistachio dukkah. Lot Eight is based in Martinborough and is already respected for its award-winning olive oils. This tasty little combination also includes roasted spices and seeds, so is not only good with oil and bread, but try coating a piece of chicken or lamb with it before frying. Delicious. $7.99, from Farro the Fresh Food Market, 80 Lunn Ave, Mt Wellington, ph (09) 570 7071 or farrofresh.co.nz

In the neighbourhood
Ristretto Fine Foods is a funky cafe and deli in Royal Oak which is fast forming a loyal fan club. It could be something to do with the delicious Spanish baked eggs on the breakfast menu or the popular Dutch pancakes (which are baked in the oven). Or, it could be the deli section which is dedicated to all things New Zealand-made, starting with Ristretto's range of relishes, chutneys and treats like the Black Doris plums poached in shiraz wine, and expanding into products sourced from farmers' markets around the country. Then there are the tempting fresh pastries, cakes, desserts, soups and cheeses. Or it could be the charming owners Mark Adamson and Jose Rivera. Whatever the reason, if you haven't checked out Ristretto, we suggest you do. 778 Manukau Rd, Royal Oak ph (09) 625 9075.