Many of us have had more than our share of culinary disasters. So how do you conquer the kitchen and become a better cook? Dionne Christian sought advice from some of our top chefs, who share their 10 defining principles of cooking.

Rugby World Cup fever is creeping into stores and supermarkets as a number of All Blacks-related products are rolled out.

The Burbs is a delightful little space set in a nook of Farm Cove shops in Auckland's east.

These burger fillers taste fine despite additives - and dogs love them too, writes Wendyl Nissen.

I like being middle-aged, fully-figured and self-indulgent. I am a product of our fortunate age and place. I don't want to live forever, writes Peter Lyons.

In a sea of "celebrity" chefs, Heston Blumenthal is a master of marketing, writes Bella Katz.

While foods such as oysters, chilli and asparagus are well-known aphrodisiacs, there are some others which dampen sexual desire instead of fanning the flames.

Follow the hyperlinks in Jo Elwin's editor's letter and lose yourself in bite.co.nz.

Knowing basic nutrition and learning to read labels might be handy but you may not need to know these things if you can cook.

Steve Braunias is addicted to MasterChef NZ. He casts his eye over the final eight contenders.

Two top chefs cooked their way into people's hearts - and wallets - to help disadvantaged kids at a fundraising dinner last night.

Fired Italian forklift driver Luca Cicioni is back earning dough - and the rookie waiter is a hit with Auckland diners.

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has snapped up an eight-bedroom 17th-century Grade II-listed home in north London.

Top up your usual Father's Day gift with one of these outstanding wines. They're especially tailored for the taste buds of the thinking man.

Most lettuce has almost no flavour, hardly any texture, little nutritional value and is about as exciting as a wet weekend.

The mere mention of South American food evokes thoughts of grilled beef. El Humero on the North Shore serves plenty of that and a side of family friendliness.

The menu is an all-day list of favourites and dishes with a twist.

A breakfast treat once thought to be bad for your health has now been shown be part of a healthy, well-balanced diet.

A high salt intake may be linked to obesity, regardless of how many calories are consumed, experts have suggested.

The winners have been announced.

Having the "booze talk" with kids before they take their first sip of alcohol is crucial - and that moment comes earlier than adults might expect.

A pint of water after a big night? Or a takeaway to soak up the booze? Scientists have now revealed the only certain cure for a hangover.

Reader's pizza tip reveals a baker's savoury treats.

Crusading chef wants a sugar tax to curb obesity and diabetes.

Researchers have found a link between frequent consumption of processed meats and lower fertilisation in men, writes Niki Bezzant.

I'm always surprised that people feel they have a right to walk into any bar or any club in town as if they own the place, writes Kerre McIvor.