100 per cent Pure rip-off? Readers respond
Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully, along with hundreds of Herald readers, has weighed in on the debate about whether New Zealand is ripping off tourists, which was sparked by today's column by English writer An Epsom restaurant does an excellent job of satisfying a hankering for French cuisine. It's fair to say that I have come across Italian restaurants more devoid of atmosphere, but they were all in railway stations. The machinery appears to be running smoothly in a North Shore restaurant kitchen, save a few details. We came here because a friend had alerted us to the fact the cafe, formerly known as Grace, had undergone a facelift. For a genuine taste of Mexico, you can't go past Grey Lynn's latest fixture. In a bid to combat rampant obesity levels, law-makers in the US city of Baldwin Park have imposed a moratorium on new fast-food outlets.<i>Saison</i>: Epsom
<i>Volare</i>, Manurewa
<i>The Engine Room</i>, Northcote Point
<i>Hinemoa Street Organic Cafe</i>, Birkenhead
<i>Ahsi-Itzcalli</i>, Grey Lynn
Birthplace of 'drive-thru' turns its back on fast food
<i>Paradish</i>, Newton
Paradish - yep, that name is just a bad pun - bills itself as offering "innovative Chinese cuisine".
From gate to plate - chefs grow their own
Chefs from London to Loch Voll are growing their own produce, from bumper crops of carrots to unusual herbs they find difficult to source.
Champagne fish batters wallet
Champagne-batter snapper will set you back a whopping $35 at the Fish Kitchen in Parnell.
<i>The Mulberry</i>, Mt Eden
Ordering from the pub menu at The Mulberry may have been a better option.
<i>Maria Pia's Trattoria</i>, Thorndon
After sharing some excellent bruschette, I was keen to go for the full, belt-busting Italian experience.
<i>Ragu</i>, Pt Chevalier
A new restaurant on Pt Chevalier Rd proves an enticing and good-value spot to dine.
<i>Merediths,</i> Mt Eden
For all its artistry - and there's plenty of that - Michael Meredith's food is actually no-nonsense tucker.
<i>Vinnies</i>, Herne Bay
Excellent cuisine makes up only one part of a restaurant experience.
<i>The Mulberry</i>, Mt Eden
One way of classifying restaurants is by the terminology that the people who wait tables use to introduce the specials.
<i>Tipparost</i>, Papakura
I'm always on the hunt for the perfect Thai meal and finding one that stands out from the crowd is not easy.
A table for toddlers, please
The Independent's Nick Duerden wonders why the UK has such different views on children in restaurants to the rest of Europe.
Fancy a feed of fancy crab? Sorry, there's a catch ... well, no catch
Auckland supplies of an imported seafood delicacy have run out.
Shanghai Lil's back on the scene
Auckland's nightlife hasn't been the same without it. Shanghai Lil's has finally reopened in its third incarnation in Parnell.
Restaurant Brands sales up 4.2pc
Restaurant Brands lifted first quarter sales 4.2 per cent from a year earlier, as the KFC brand continued sustained growth while Starbucks Coffee and Pizza Hut sales slipped.
<i>Covo</i>, Grey Lynn
Themed restaurants are, I suspect, an acquired taste that I have failed to acquire.
<i>Jai Jalaram Khaman</i>, Sandringham
Jai Jalaram Khaman offers refreshingly different Indian vegetarian cuisine.
<i>Eight Point Two</i>, Birkenhead
A new chef and an ever-evolving menu ensure a Shore favourite rivals the best our neighbours across the Tasman have to offer.
<i>Vivace,</i> High St, Auckland CBD
The cherry blaze of a fire is the first thing you see at the top of the stairway that leads to Vivace.