The Dish: Pick me up

Groucho's Cafe on Wellesley St West, Auckland. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Feeling a bit tired and grouchy? We suggest you head to Grouchos Cafe, just off Wellesley St West, where you're bound to be cheered up. The newly opened cafe, just around the corner from the Les Mills gym, is the latest project of Andrew Osborne, former owner of Delicious restaurant in Grey Lynn.

He and ex-Delicious head chef John Pountney have created a groovy space with a 70s vibe and a whole selection of tempting gourmet treats. The focus here is on healthy eating with a wide range of gluten-free options. Andrew himself actually gave up gluten a while back and can't believe the benefits.

"I have so much more energy. That's why we've really focused on tasty food that's good for you."

On the menu you'll find things like flaxseed waffles with yoghurt and berries, sardines with rocket and dark rye toast, and buckwheat and linseed pikelets served with maple syrup. We recommend you try one of their fresh juices or smoothies with a shot of flaxseed oil or wheat grass. Look out for the retro beach umbrella by the front door and you'll know you've found it. Grouchos Cafe, Victoria Square, 1/143 Wellesley St West, Auckland City, ph (09) 309 3939. Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-5pm.

Man of the moment

He's worked at the celebrated River Cafe in London, trained alongside the likes of Rick Stein and Jamie Oliver in England and Peter Doyle in Australia. He's also written five cookbooks. His name is Tom Kime and his new show Tom's Kitchen is now showing on Prime. He and Yates' Hamish Dodd have created an urban garden especially for the show, based around his love for fresh local ingredients, and together they share tips on how to get the best from the garden and transform it into delicious meals. In the show, Tom also gets about and sources product from local markets and New Zealand food producers. Check it out. Saturdays, 7.30pm, Prime.

Woof woof

Move over cupcakes, puppy cookies are de rigueur. Well they are this weekend, when the RNZFB Red Puppy Appeal takes place with street collectors selling these cute cookie cutters - which come with a recipe - for just a $5 donation.

The RNZFB receives no Government funding for its Guide Dog Services yet it costs $22,500 to breed, then train just one guide dog puppy. There are 11,700 blind and partially sighted RNZFB members in New Zealand, and guide dogs make a huge difference to their lives. To find out more ph 0800 733 787 or go to redpuppy.org.nz.

Restaurant reveal

A bottle of Moet arrived on The Dish desk this afternoon with an invitation to the media launch next week of Luke Dallow's new restaurant at his award-winning bar Sale St in Freemans Bay. Luke is the man with the midas touch when it comes to starting bars and restaurants around town (and he's just about to launch a radio station in Ponsonby). The new "casual fine dining" restaurant will appropriately be called Dallows. Watch this space to find out more.

Pack it

Make the most of these autumnal days and plan a few picnics. There's nothing nicer than eating al fresco, especially if you have the right equipment. That's why we love this Slice & Store chopping board from Joseph and Joseph. It's light and easy to carry and you don't have to worry about stabbing yourself with a loose knife floating around the bottom of the picnic basket. So simple, but so clever. $36.99. For your nearest stockist ph 0800 182 022.