The Dish: What's new in food this week

Al Brown, Nic Watt, Peter Gordon and Sean Connolly will be at the first Federal Street Festival. Picture / Supplied.

THERE'S A PARTY OVER HERE

Check out of the office early this Friday and head straight to Federal St. The very first Federal Street Festival will be taking place all evening, celebrating the now pedestrian-friendly laneway with food stalls by Depot, Masu, The Grill, Gusto, The Sugar Club, Bellota and Federal Delicatessen. Sola Rosa and other DJs will be there and, for early arrivers, there will be complimentary tasters on offer. Eat, drink and dance where the cars cannot get you.

• 4.30pm-10pm, Federal St, City.

WELCOME TO THE HOOD

Shanghai Lil's has been resurrected on Ponsonby Rd. The renowned cocktail bar, which previously called The Birdcage, Anzac Ave and Parnell Rd home, took over its new lodgings last week, bringing its trademark opulent interior and antique furnishings with it.

• 212 Ponsonby Rd. Ph (09) 360 0396.

CHAMPAGNE CANVAS

The "Cocoonase" by Iris Van Herpen is the latest artistic collaboration by Dom Perignon, featuring a kaleidoscopic green, 3D-printed artwork by the Dutch fashion designer. Featured on limited edition cases of the 2004 vintage by the French champagne house, the design takes guidance from the concept of metamorphosis. $230 from Glengarry stores.

The Ostro Seafood Experience. Picture / Supplied.

LUNCH DATE

We're lining up to try the new Ostro Seafood Experience. An abundant platter of oysters, clams, prawns, ceviche, fish mousse and more, plus the choice of grilled tuatua or seafood fideua - think paella but with noodles. $75pp, minimum two people. Available weekend lunches from this Saturday. Level 2, 52 Tyler St, Britomart.

MENU PICKS
What we're loving around town...

• Meatballs with minted zucchini and balsamic mushrooms at Poderi Crisco, Waiheke Island.
• The scrambled tofu with spring onion, chilli, ginger, bean sprouts and lime from Kokako cafe in Grey Lynn.
• The smoothies from Kaffeine on Albert St - try the Incredible Hulk for a creamy power-packed snack.

WATCH THIS SPACE

Next week, Viva's food editor, Nici Wickes, interviews hospitality heroes Simon Wright and Creghan Molloy Wright about The French Cafe's ongoing celebrity, and the launch of its new cookbook.

- VIVA