The Dish: Top plates

Wasara disposable plates. Photo / Supplied

Disposable paper plates and cutlery have their place at certain events (ie, the ones where you don't want to be faced with a pile of dishes at the end of the night), but finding something stylish and good for the environment can be a challenge. That's why we fell in love with this Wasara range of tableware. Not only is it eco-friendly and compostable, the range is also aesthetically elegant. Made from renewable sugar cane fibre, bamboo and reed pulp, it is water and oil resistant and suitable for hot or cold food and drinks. Priced from $15. To order, email: nicky@epicurean.co.nz

Hola Spain

Jose Hernandez is fondly called The King of Spain here in Auckland, because thanks to him we are able to buy many delicious Spanish products locally. Hernandez has recently been inducted into the "hall of fame" with the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, and to celebrate he has organised a four-course meal at Two Fifteen Bistro on Dominion Rd. Hernandez has selected some of his favourite New Zealand and Spanish wines and paired them with a special menu and canapes being created by the restaurant. Being held next Wednesday 15 September, this will be a culinary treat. $105 for four course and wines to match. Two Fifteen Bistro, 215 Dominion Rd. To book, ph (09) 630 6474.

Cute as pie

Fly into Gingerbirds, the cutest of cafes, it is situated at 357 Dominion Rd. Here you'll find the best custard squares with thick passionfruit icing - just like your grandmother used to make -and homemade pies to rival any in Auckland. They have a full fridge of take home meals, ready to heat and eat, including tagines, curries and casseroles. Yum yum.

Tea towel charity

Thirteen-year-old cancer survivor Ruby Seeto is once again teaming up with Wallace Cotton to raise money for Starship Hospital, with a new tea towel being sold through Wallace Cotton's Newmarket store (0800 222 122), Ballantynes in Christchurch and Arthur Barnett. The cute tea towels are also available to buy online from today, at wallacecotton.com. This year's design features a "Gingerbread Friend" recipe, screen-printed on a 100 per cent cotton tea towel, and sells for $10 each, with $6 going to Starship.

A drop of culture

If you have a date but are worried about conversation drying up, head to Sale St restaurant and bar on Thursdays for lunch or Sundays for dinner and be entertained with a performance of Shakespeare plays. The productions, put on by Elephant Nation, run for around 30 minutes and are presented in Shakespearian text but are adapted to suit colloquial language and contemporary situations. The Thursday play is called Love Over Lunch and is an adaptation of the classic Romeo & Juliet love story. It is hosted by Owen Black and Will Hall (ex-Shortland St) and features a two-course meal accompanied by wine and the play for $37. The Sunday play is in the bar's Velvet Room and is called The Night Before the Morning After. It is billed as "desire, lust, seduction and drinks" and admission is $15. The plays run until the end of September.

Sale St, 7 Sale St, Freemans Bay. See sale-st.co.nz