It's been quite a project. First they lifted it, then they shifted it, and it was slid back into place and lovingly restored to its former glory, and then some.

A Mexico fan has been hassling me to go for so long that I've taken to scooting around corners when I see her coming. Now it's been 18 months and there are branches in Takapuna and Hamilton.

Here are a couple of experiences I never thought I’d embrace — a boeuf bourguignon served at a Japanese restaurant and a macrobiotic dessert. They were delivered at Janken and I enjoyed both.

We came here because we'd been meaning to for ages, having noted its pretty steady popularity with the locals.

As one door closes, another opens. A truism for our dynamic dining scene, that's for sure.

I have not been to Prague (the city). People who have tell me that it is fabulous. One woman I know who went years ago, long before it was fashionable, told me she could see half a dozen church clocks from her hotel window. I thought that was very cool.

A pleasurable experience at Rakino's.

The service is sharp, the food flavoursome but this oldie has something missing.

A menu with coquettish names provides an entertaining meal otherwise lacking in service.

Just opened. Fine food in casual space. Royal Oak. Chefs from the esteemed Meredith's kitchen. Asian-European fusion. Eek, that last bit worried me.

Ela Restaurant serves the food of southwestern India.

A new eatery on the Shore surprises with its sense of adventure.

Simple, flavourful food and a team that truly cares for its patrons makes this bistro worth popping into.

They take bookings at the Mexican Cafe only for groups of eight or more - except on Valentine's Day. Isn't that soooo romantic?

Southeast Asian flavours delivered with grace and delicacy.

In the 1980s a visit to the Birdcage meant a fun night out. Now it promises an evening of delight.

We came here because it was handy to my friend’s workplace and a good excuse to have a mid-week catch-up.

The food is so good it diverts attention from the live coverage of the kitchen.

If you've ever lamented the closing of the Open Late Cafe in Ponsonby (oh those giant vessels of hot chocolate!)...

It has always puzzled me that Devonport is so short of decent places to eat.

Some things never change and it would appear that the Strand Tavern is among that number.

There can be little argument that customers at Harbourside enjoy one of the best settings in Auckland.

We came here because we wanted to see what all the fuss was about at Ponsonby Central, the new artisan market housing several good eateries.

Change is afoot at this adventurous institution specialising in wild game.

The Stamford Plaza was the last word in sophistication when it opened, as the Regent, in the 1980s. Smug yuppies and teenage sharebrokers flocked to parties laden with wannabe celebrities.

There I was, minding my own business at a rather lovely wine tasting at Vivace on High St, when my wandering eye roved out the window and caught sight of a tiny bar in a little lane opposite.

A trip to South America fails to live up to expectations.