What We're Eating and Drinking: Issue 121

There’s no rest for the food-obsessed... when the dish team isn’t bringing you delicious recipes, we’re out there trawling far and wide in search of tasty fare. Below, we share our favourite go-tos.

Auckland’s Parnell is enjoying something of a renaissance at the moment, boasting a new dining hub at the Europe-meets-Latin America location ‘269’. With bustling eateries, a bar and weekend markets, it has certainly rejuvenated the legendary Parnell Road. And it’s not the only location creating a buzz. Just around the corner is Cornelia, a chic neighbourhood Italian restaurant that I visited with dear girlfriends this week. What an absolute gem! The food was absolutely on point — from the Kingfish Crudo with onions, radish, chilli and gremolata and the Prawn Ceviche, to the sublime grass-fed Beef Carpaccio served with whole grain mustard salsa verde and white balsamic  pickled shallots. The atmosphere feels incredibly authentic, so much so that our neighbouring table was filled with enthusiastic diners who looked like they had just dropped by from strolling around the Piazza Navona. We’ll definitely be back. 269.co.nz; cornelia.co.nz

Pie Rolla’s isn’t your classic sit-down spot — it’s a teeny, little hole-in-the-wall turning out some of the most outrageously good pies in the country. Run by the talented duo of Patrick Marckus and Lewis Mazza-Carson, everything is made in-house, from the golden, buttery shortcrust bases to those flaky puff pastry tops. And the fillings? Next-level. Think Smoky Brisket with Jalapeño and melty American Cheese, a nostalgic Mince and Cheese, and their fabulous House-smoked Fish Pie (a personal fave). I usually throw together a crunchy salad on the side to feel like I’ve got some balance going on. This is the ultimate comfort food. pierollas.com

If you’re in Hawke’s Bay, you MUST segway to Hastings and order the Burrata served with sweet vinegar and fried bao dippers. I cannot even tell you how amazing it is to have the classic Kiwi tradition of fry bread extended to hot, salty bao buns and then added to an enormous plate featuring a hot creamy burrata ball served with sweet vinegar, chilli oil, fried shallots, peanuts and sesame seeds in which to dip them. Oh. My. Lord! If you’re in a group, it’s the ultimate shared nibbler. Or just wallow in its wonderfulness by yourself. Just be prepared to bust open a button or three on the belt. Only available when dining. And to those who know how incredible it is. funbuns.co.nz

During a recent visit to Sydney I stopped in for dinner at Mecca Bah — a gorgeous Middle Eastern- and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant on the iconic King Street Wharf. Did I overeat? Perhaps. But that only means I have an abundance of dishes to recommend and more grounds to confirm that this absolutely a dinner spot worth visiting. Top picks include the Lamb Shoulder, Harissa Lamb Shish, Rustic Roast Potato and the House-made Trio of Dips. Definitely bring a group and try as much as you can! meccabah.sydney

When we were in Dunedin gathering content for our March issue, we were lucky to enjoy a sneak preview of Sorella Gelato in St Clair. Their Tiramisu gelato completely blew my mind; I’m still thinking about it two months later. They’re now open Tuesday-Sunday! If you’re in the area, do yourself a huge favour and go check Sorella out. sorellagelato.com

Closer to home, I had an excellent lunch recently at the Sawmill Brewery Smoko Room in Matakana. Their Gochujang Fried Chicken alone is worth the drive from Auckland! @thesmokoroom

There's no messing around here, choose one, three or four birria tacos (pro tip: go for four). If you have one main option on your menu you'd want to be confident that it brings the goods and there's no doubt owner and 'broke boy' Sean Yarborough has nailed it here, with crispy tacos filled with slow-cooked beef (we're talking 16 hours slow), onion. coriander and oozy cheese. Give your taco a dip in the consommé on the side before each bite and that’s it, you've died and gone to heaven. Mount Albertians have been enjoying this absolute gem in their neighbourhood for more than a year and now Birkenhead locals also have their own Broke Boy outpost. I was momentarily outraged that they didn't decide on my suburb for their second restaurant but on reflection I think that is probably safest... brokeboytaco.com

This charming little café is the perfect spot to stop for coffee or breakfast if you’re cycling or driving along the peninsula. Conveniently located right across from Macandrew Bay, it offers stunning views of the harbour and warm and welcoming service. Eggs Benedict was a standout — perfectly poached eggs with just the right amount of hollandaise. Afterwards, take a stroll and explore some of
the fantastic galleries and shops in the area. @the.duck.dunedin