The Dish: Top chocs

Bennetts of Mangawhai. Photo / Babiche Martens.

The rest of the world has finally figured out what chocolate fans in New Zealand have known for some time: Bennetts of Mangawhai make the very best - three varieties in particular. Their dark chocolate enrobed fresh quince paste with crunchy caramel, chocolate nougat with pistachio and hazelnuts and nougat with manuka honey and macadamia nuts - have just won at the prestigious 2010 Great Taste Gold Awards in London. Judged by an independent panel of food critics, these awards are entered into by the best chocolatiers in the world, and considered the Michelin of specialty food and drink. "We are truly delighted to have received global recognition for our chocolates," says owner Mary Bennett. If you haven't visited their gorgeous chocolate factory in Mangawhai, we suggest you do. Otherwise, you can buy their chocolates at all good delis and cafes. Go to bennettsofmangawhai.com for a list of their retail outlets.

Nice buns

City workers will be over the moon with the arrival of Buns - the new deli on High St. Owners Paris Bauer and Jo Williams know their stuff, they're the people behind the much-respected Madame Jo Jo's Deli on Remuera Rd, where they specialise in takeaway readymade dinners. In their new town operation the pair are focusing on fresh tasty fare targeting the lunch crowd. Think fresh innovative salads, scrummy filled rolls and a selection of hot options - and it's all made in-house. Look for the bright umbrella outside and grab a place at one of the communal tables; perfect for people-watching. Open Monday to Saturday, Buns, 60 High St, City, ph (09) 379 6939.

Double act

Be transported to the sunny climes of the Mediterranean with every mouthful of the olive and fig confiture created by Helen Melser of Elaia Gourmet Olives. It is handmade in their Wairarapa Valley olive grove and cleverly combines the sweetness of dry figs with the pungent flavour of olives. The idea came to Helen when she was travelling around the Mediterranean and saw the two fruits often growing alongside each other. Team it with cheese, thin it with cream and add to something sweet, or serve it up with a roast. $14.99 from Nosh Food Markets. For more info go to, noshfoodmarket.co.nz or gourmetolives.co.nz

Italian tales

If you want to submerge yourself even further in the flavours of the Med and beyond, then Jamie Oliver's latest book to hit the shelves Jamie's Italy ($45: Penguin) is the ticket. It oozes with mouthwatering recipes, all beautifully photographed, along with pics of Jamie hanging with the locals and his passionate rants about Italian cookery and ingredients.

Big red

Delish drink of the week? Hakanoa Ginger Beer. Made with fresh ginger and lemons, organic sultanas and Fairtrade sugar, it is not only refreshing and delicious (it will be a must-have in the fridge come summer), it is also has great soothing qualities, so perfect for colds, sore heads and tummies. $4 a bottle or $20 for a six-pack.

You'll find it at the City Farmers Market down at the Britomart every Saturday, at select cafes around town or order from hakanoa-handmade.co.nz

To market, to market

... to Oratia Farmers Market. With so many markets to choose from these days, the clever people marketing Oratia have decided to give $10 spending money to anyone who turns up with a new friend! Just locate Tom and he'll dish out a crisp $10 note.

Open every Saturday, summer and winter, rain or shine, 9 am to 12 noon. Located at: Artisan Wines 99 Parrs Cross Road, Oratia, Waitakere City. oratiafarmersmarket.co.nz