The Japanese treat of skewered meats, and much more besides, is always a pleasant way to while away an evening.

Loyal regulars had mentioned to me that Cafe Rikka in Newmarket had gone badly off the boil. Then I heard it had closed. These two things may not be unrelated.

We came here because we were staying in Mangawhai for Easter - along with several thousand other people; the coastal tourist spot was packed.

A little Indonesia in the heart of Parnell.

We came here because my brother-in-law and his wife were housesitting close by and had made this their local for a few weeks. They were big fans, so we came to find out what the fuss was about.

The first and last time I saw Tristan, we were both stoned as chooks.

A high-society restaurant owner turned to an ex-All Black and a multi-millionaire businessman for bail money.

Remuera, I have an apology to make ...

I don't mourn Cin Cin because its spirit has been dead so long.

Butter chicken tops the readings, but it's still a favourite.

A beach suburb turns up a surprisingly decent dining out option.

We came here because one of my regular brunch companions goes past this newish cafe and thought it looked worth investigating.

Grand. The proof of that is of course in the food.

I'm beginning to consider the possibility that I don't like my friends.

An established restaurant gets its core ingredient mostly right but seemingly at the expense of others.

A Viaduct restaurant provides a convincing combination of meals from all Southeast Asia.