CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES

Celebrate in style

CURATED BY CHARLIE FOX With the social season here, it is time to start planning the gatherings and festivities to celebrate (and boy is it needed this year!), so Metropol has pulled together some goodies that are sure to go down a treat.

Fresh tipples

Little Biddy pink gin, made with New Zealand cherries, is a perfectly fresh and fruity tipple to add to your springtime entertaining, try it in the “Cherry Delight” cocktail on page 72

Cheese please

Perfect partners to the liquid delights, check out some local cheeseries such as Barrys Bay or pop down to Charing Cross Cheesery at the Riverside Market to pick up a selection of locally made cheeses for every palate.

Bubbles for all

Bubbles and socialising go hand in hand, so this indulgent Verve Clicquot Champagne Brut 12L Balthazar will ensure no one is thirsty. Available from Big Daddy’s Liquor.

Sweet sides

Match the cheese with some sweet sides such as honeycomb, or follow up with some locally made She chocolates to fi nish.

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4 MANSFIELD AVE / MERIVALE PHONE 03 355 3720 NO4BAR.CO.NZ 48 WORCESTER BLVD / CENTRAL CITY PHONE 03 365 0533 FIDDLESTICKSBAR.CO.NZ 25 ESPLANADE / SUMNER PHONE 03 326 7226 BEACHSUMNER.CO.NZ

Your weekend off

We love the security of familiarity, that’s why we have routines, regular activities and even our favourite places to shop.

With these things, we know what we’re getting. So, when a spanner is thrown in the works, like Covid-19 level changes, it throws us offbalance.

The team at Ballantynes recognised the vacuum left for many regulars who could no longer visit the store, especially those who loved dining at Kin Bistro.

They also realised the part that comfort food can play in difficult times and launched Your Weekend Off by Ballantynes Home Kitchen.

The new weekly meal delivery service provides freshly-made meals, from locally-sourced ingredients, with options for two to 10 guests. It’s delivered straight to your doorstep every Friday, just in time for the weekend.

“Our chefs love bringing their favourite recipes to our customer’s homes,” says Ballantynes Hospitality Manager Helen Kraal.

Early menu offerings have included Beef Carbonnade, Chicken Parmigiana, and there are meat-free alternatives.

The balance between a trusted tradition and trying something new has been struck.

Call Ballantynes to find out more 0800 656 400 or have a look at the latest Your Weekend Off menu and order by filling in the online form.

www.ballantynes.co.nz/ballantynes-home-kitchen

Visit us on the ground floor of the Lichfield St Building. Open 7 days a week. Phone: 03 378 1960 www.ballantynes.co.nz

Indulge in spring style

The Terrace is a landmark in the garden city; a place for gathering, socialising, and most importantly, enjoying great food and drinks.

Amodern tavern on level 1 of The Terrace has become a true dining destination in the heart of the city. Viaduct has an upmarket yet casual atmosphere and provides the perfect backdrop for every kind of gettogether.

Founder and experienced hospitality operator Jonathan Botherway, together with head chef Robert Kimi are responsible for the exciting menu o erings, designed for all palates and occasions.

With spring here and summer on the way, the time for social dining is upon us. Nothing beats settling in for an afternoon in the sun with a group of friends, wining, and dining over great food and drinks.

Viaduct’s o ering is second to none and has the atmosphere to match.

The shared plates and platters are perfect for groups and are sure to appeal to all taste buds. On the Italianinspired menu, you will fi nd dishes such as the smoked fi sh croquets with lemon and dill mayo, mushroom arancini with garlic aioli, and chargrilled tiger prawns with house-made smoked cocktail sauce.

Top of the must-do list at this multi-dimensional eatery overlooking the Avon River is the Legendary Lunch with drinks package available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. You won’t go hungry with this one, or thirsty either!

The three-course menu includes a two-hour complimentary beverage package and is ideal for groups, special occasions, and all manner of gatherings. Book in your spring weekend get-togethers and enjoy the delicious food and drinks with the best views in town.

For a more casual lunch option Monday-Friday, the lunch special is perfect. Select from the tasty menu and add on a house wine or beer for only fi ve dollars extra. Meals choices include the Caesar salad, Southern fried chicken burger, and seafood linguini.

Download the recently launched Viaduct loyalty app for discounts and to collect points for future specials. Daily happy hours run 4-6pm, with house wine and selected tap beer just $6 a glass. Viaduct is an amazing function venue, it can accommodate 80 people for a seated meal or up to 200 for canape-style functions. “Viaduct is a versatile destination for those seeking a laid-back, high-quality hospitality experience – whether that is for a long lunch, or work drinks and everything in between,” Jonathan says.

To book your function contact Jonathan direct by emailing info@viaductrestaurant.co.nz

CROSS

www.viaductrestaurant.co.nz

THE ATHENS YACHT CLUB

GREEK CUISINE AT ITS FINEST OPEN 7 NIGHTS 179 VICTORIA STREET

Food, gorgeous food

When most people in Christchurch are waking up, Joanne Fryer has done most of the hard yards already.

She’s up pre-sparrow’s and working in the kitchen by 3:30am. “The fi rst thing I do is make myself a co ee. Just to make sure the machine is working correctly,” she laughs.

Joanne and her early-bird sta at Gorgeous Food get stuck into baking, during what she calls the “golden hours”.

The barista arrives at 5:30am ready to serve Vivace co ee with the warm-from-the-oven scones and pastries or freshcut sandwiches, when the shop opens at 6am.

Catering for morning teas is a big focus at the start of the day.

“And some bosses might decide to shout their sta breakfast. They’ll pick that up at 7am and take it into work.”

Happy stomachs make happy sta .

Joanne and her partner Pete have worked out a system around her early starts; he arrives later and does the clean-up at the end of the day.

There’s camaraderie with the customers. “They often joke about him sleeping in.”

For Gorgeous Food, morning or afternoon, pop into 66 Springs Road, Wigram.

For catering call 03 344 6044, text 027 344 6045, email gorgeousfood@xtra.co.nz or visit the website.

www.gorgeousfood.co.nz

A luxury pet grocer and boutique offering a lovingly curated collection of stylish functional products for discerning pets and their owners.

03 925 9957 | Mon-Sat 9am-6pm | Sun 10am-4pm 3/54 Holmwood Road, Merivale, Christchurch

charliandcoco.com

Gorgeous FoodIndulge Yourself With Gorgeous Food…

Freshly baked, healthy, handmade on the premises, gorgeous takeaway food.

Gorgeous Food Gorgeous Food

Open Monday to Friday 6am-3.30pm |66/68 Springs Road, Wigram Retail Shop 03 344 6043 Kitchen 03 344 6044 www.gorgeousfood.co.nz

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