14 minute read
I ONLY HAVE PIES FOR YOU
by Metropol
It’s a staple of growing up in New Zealand and the good old-fashioned pie has now hit new levels of stardom in our gastronomic repertoire.
Celebrity Chef, Peter Gordon, who has prepared pies for the Queen, was a judge in the just announced 2021 Bakels New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards. “A great pie is a very good thing, and we do many really great pies in New Zealand,” says Peter.
Award-winning pies start out by not just looking great, they need to be the correct weight before any further judging. Most of the categories need to be 280g or less and no soggy bottoms.
Bakels have 12 award categories but, in my search, I cut it down to some simple rules. Pie vibe, pastry, meat/fi lling, taste and price.
Prices range from the $2, “dear God no” pie all the way to the $10.50 Cassels milk stout pie. Finding a great pie for mid-range $5.50 was a challenge but they are out there. The Hills Road Bakery has a stunning steak and kidney.
Pie vibe is important. Sometimes the feel of where and how you buy your pie can a ect your experience. Who doesn’t like a Hororata pie straight after a day at Mount Hutt? Craig Minehan from Hope River pies in Lyttleton told me: “Good cooking makes a good pie, pastry is important, but the fi lling is what it’s all about.” Their beef cheek, red wine and grain mustard is brilliant.
Piesofcanterbury, which I teamed up with in my search for the perfect pie, has received a lot of feedback on the best fi nds. As always, the Fairlie Bakehouse, which has a cult following, stood out. Behind the legendary bakery/cafe is a buzzing factory, where Franz Lieber (internationally trained chef/founder) and his tight-knit team create an amazing array of gourmet pies that are all ‘made with love’.
Fairlie Bakehouse believes fresh is best and make all baked goods fresh onsite daily. It takes pride in using quality, locally sourced produce.
Other top mentions from our search go to The She eld Pie Shop, Michaels Hillmorton Bakery, Gorgeous Foods, Sissys Kitchenette, Crisp Cafe, Una Bakery, Bakehouse Cashmere, Country Kitchen and Le Bakermen. Couplands and Kai Pai bakeries won awards in this year’s Bakels contest, but in 24 years the supreme award has never gone to the South Island. Maybe next time?
In the meantime, send your pie feedback to piesofcanterbury.
FLICK THE BEAN Kaiapoi
Flick the Bean is a newly opened coffee shop located next to the Challenge Waimak in Kaiapoi. Experienced & Friendly Baristas serving Switch Coffee, homemade slices, the most delicious scones and hot food. Looking for a new local, come check us out Mon-Fri 6am-2pm, Sat 7am-1pm. On your way to work, txt 022 382 3877 and we will have your coffee ready for you.
5 Main North Rd, Kaiapoi Christchurch 7691 Ph: 022 382 3877
Find us on:
THE CHINA KITCHEN Papanui
We make the freshest and best authentic Chinese food to delight your palate and feed your soul. Our food is made with healthy ingredients using our very own recipes. Try our homemade Dumplings, made fresh for you everyday and our new Dim Sum lunch menu. No MSG. Gluten free options available. Dine-in or takeaway + Menulog and UberEats. BYO wine & fully licensed. Open Tues to Sat 11.30am-9.30pm, Sun 11.30am-9pm.
21a Main North Rd, Papanui Ph. 03 354 6818
Find us on: www.chinakitchen.co.nz
Beautiful timber furniture custommade by Gavin Cox Furniture.
FORMOSA Ashburton
We take inspiration from traditional Taiwanese cuisine and mix the diverse Asian cultural style, fresh flavours and chic setting. To find out more about Formosa, just scan QR code above. Open Mon-Sat only.
173 West Street, Ashburton Ph 03 308 7874 info@formosainash.com
Find us on: www.formosainash.com
Photo: Vitali Beloussow
YESCHEF EVENTS & CATERING South Island
YesChef Events & Catering brings you a wide variety of catering options from our fully self-sufficient mobile kitchen. Our menus offer: Casual ‘Food Truck Experiences’, fully serviced ‘Canape’ & ‘Fork & Talk’ packages and ‘Grazing Tables’ just to name a few… the options are endless!
SALMON HEAVEN Bush Inn
Just arrived at Salmon Heaven Bush Inn, top quality, sashimi-grade New Caledonian Crystal Blue Prawns – if you haven’t tried these yet put it on the must do list, they are “to die for”! Salmon Heaven also now open at 124 Parnell Road, Auckland. NZ family owned and operated.
Now Open - In the Provedore of the Bush Inn Centre Ph. 021 184 6113
Find us on: www.salmonheaven.nz
ARBOUR WOODFIRED PIZZA Lyttelton
Housed in a new building with a clear roof, repurposed 120-year-old Lyttelton fishing boat as the bar, and packed with plants, Arbour Woodfired Pizza is like walking into a giant glass house. With a menu that follows the seasons using almost 100% NZ sourced ingredients, our highly experienced, dedicated pizza chefs work with our beautiful woodfired oven to produce stunning artisanal pizza you can’t get anywhere else. Visit us for an experience like no other.
Gin giants of Geraldine
Aotearoa has a growing number of gin distillers yet few have made such a mighty impact in such a short time as Geraldine couple Saskia and Andrew Lewis, creators of Humdinger Gin.
September 1 last year saw the fi rst bottles of their gin produced, and a few short months later it has already achieved national and international recognition in three prestigious gin and spirits competitions.
Humdinger won two silver medals in the London Spirits Competition, 2021; two bronzes in the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), 2021; and in the New Zealand Spirits Awards, 2021, for Dry Gin in the Gin Category, a gold medal.
Andrew says paramount to the brand is that people know exactly what goes into each bottle. “We have big glass doors at the distillery, so visitors can see everything. The truly natural botanicals are on display. We’re fully transparent in everything we do.”
Andrew and Saskia never forget those championing them either.
“The support from locals, friends and family means we can run the still frequently, which enables us to really refi ne our recipe, the process and equipment, to the point where our gins are consistently winning awards. Without that tremendous support, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Visitors can sample Humdinger Gin at 3a Talbot Street, Geraldine. Phone on 027 463 4790.
Visit and like the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ humdinger.nz.
Cosy commuting cuisine
For commuters living in or around Christchurch’s satellite villages, it’s a godsend to know there are eating establishments on their route into or out of the city that serve fabulous food, seven days a week.
One such eatery is The Cosy Café at Northcote, where patrons are assured of the warmest welcome and dedicated attention to service from owners Amy and Sam Lester.
Everything is fresh and home-made onsite, and caters to all dietary requirements, gluten-free and vegetarian included. Cabinet goodies of pastries, savouries, cakes and slices make for the perfect take-away or “bring-a-plate” request.
The breakfast menu tempts the morning commuter with a generous representation of hot meals to set patrons up for the working day ahead, as well as the more Continental type of breakfast fare, featuring pancakes, muesli and freshly toasted bagels.
Mid-morning sees a wellbalanced brunch/lunch menu, o ering lighter meals, like toasted sandwiches, English mu ns and soup-of-the-day (seasonal), alongside heartier items, such as the always popular BLT; burgers and fries.
Loved by locals, with regulars enjoying a bit of banter with the team while having a co ee or tucking into their favourite meal, truly, life doesn’t come any cosier than here at The Cosy Café.
The Cosy Café is located at 24/150 Cavendish Road, Christchurch. Phone 03 352 0412.
www.humdinger.nz
HUMDINGER GIN Geraldine
Crafted in the heart of Geraldine, the Humdinger Dry and Citrus Gins are worldclass. Winning Gold & Silver Medals in their first year of operation is testament to the diligence of the distillers. The Dry Gin is an absolute classic with a beautifully long finish, while the Citrus Gin is fragrantly enticing and refreshing. Order online or have a tasting in the Distillery to find your new favourite.
3a Talbot St alleyway, Geraldine
Find us on: www.humdinger.nz
SPICE HUB Heathcote Valley
Spice Hub’s menu includes all your favourite chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetarian curries. All you have to do is decide what to eat and place an order. We have something for everyone. Come and try our secret recipes that are cooked to perfection using the finest blend of authentic Indian spices and richest ingredients to make your tastebuds go WOW!
3/66 Port Hills Road Ph. 03 260 0438
Find us on: www.spicehub.co.nz
Beautiful timber furniture custommade by Gavin Cox Furniture.
COSY CAFÉ Casebrook FISHERMAN’S WHARF Lyttelton
Located on Cavendish Road, locally owned café with a wide range of homemade cabinet food, full breakfast, brunch and lunch menu available. Providing gluten free options and can cater for any other dietary requirements on request. Enjoy our Hummingbird roasted coffee blend made by our experienced baristas. Open 7 days, 7am – 4pm. For the freshest seafood caught locally and around NZ, Fisherman’s Wharf is the place to visit. With plenty of fresh fish cooked to perfection and there are plenty of other dish options to choose from. Fisherman’s Wharf is in the heart of Lyttelton over looking the working port - the view is top class and forever changing. A very relaxing nautical vibe.
24/150 Cavendish Road,
Casebrook Ph. 03 352 0412 COSY CAFE 39 Norwich Quay, Lyttelton Ph 03 328 7530 Find us on: Find us on: www.fishermanswharf.nz
THE MILK BAR West Melton
Fish n Chips, Burgers, Nachos, American Hot Dogs, Milk Shakes/Slushies – every flavour! Soft Serve Ice Cream, Kids play area, OldSchool Space Invaders Machine. Licensed. Dine In/Take Away. Hours - 11am to 7.30pm(ish) - 7 days.
736 Weedons Ross Road, West Melton Village Ph 03 421 3626
Find us on:
TWO FAT POSSUMS West Melton
Gold Card Lunches Mon-Fri Mon/Tue Wood-fired pizzas $20 Tues Quiz night - free entry & prizes Wednesday $15 Burgers Thursday $20 Steak Night Sunday $10 Waffles Function Room - fundraisers/private functions Takeaways available. Open 7 days: Sun 9am-late, Mon-Sat 11.30-late
Weedons Ross Road, West Melton Village Ph 03 421 6481
Find us on: www.twofatpossums.co.nz
In your kitchen
ATAAHUA WINES
Wine is the answer...
...What was the question?
Ataahua 2017 Merlot
Available online : ataahuawine.co.nz ataahuawinesnz Ataahua Wines
ROOM 205 COFFEE HOUSE
Contact us directly for your next business meeting, function or party bookings. Room 205 are available for all your catering requirements… Serving fresh homemade food (GF, VG, DF, KETO) and barista coffee. We can cater for up to 60 people in our upstairs area that. 205 Fendalton Road, Fendalton (corner Clyde and Fendalton Road) Open 7 Days. Ph 03 351 1488
BESPOKE PLATTERS
Bespoke Platters use local produce to create grazing tables that not only tastes delicious, but will be the centerpiece of your next event. Bespoke caters for all occasions from kids parties to large corporate functions.
www.bespokeplatters.co.nz Ph. 027 322 5345
UNA BAKERY
A Bakery treasure trove at the bottom of the hill. An easy location for you to pop in and stock up on our bakery products. Delicious hand made cakes, Danish pastries, pies, sausage rolls and Underground Coffee. Catering also available. 73 Centaurus Rd, Huntsbury Ph. 337 8214
LILLY’S PANTRY
All your future BBQ’s won’t be eatable without it! “Bloody Good Sauce” is a unique smoky plum flavour and derives its name from the very words spoken by a group of blokes salivating after their first smell and taste of our amazing sauce.
Available now at select stores or online at www.driedfruit.co.nz and various fetes.
NATIVE THAI FOOD & CAFE
Offering you this amazing Lunch Special! Enjoy an Authentic Thai Meal. Only $12 ( Thai spicy on request ) also serving iced lemon tea and iced Thai milk tea. Pop in and try our yummy food - you will keep coming back time after time… Open Monday to Saturday 88D Riccarton Road (03 343 3318) (corner of Riccarton and Straven Rds)
MRS HIGGINS OVEN FRESH COOKIES
Enjoy oven fresh cookies just like grandma used to bake. L’affare coffee, real fruit ice creams, cookie desserts and shakes, delicious pies and more. Great for office shouts or corporate functions just give us a call. 10 New Regent Street Ph. 022 416 5077 9.30am – 4.30pm 7 Days
GATEHOUSE CAFÉ
At Gatehouse Café we have a large variety of keto options here on the outskirts of Christchurch. Bring the kids or dogs down to our park like surroundings and enjoy a delightful meal while relaxing away from the busy city life. 185a Kirk Road, Templeton Ph 03 344 2052 www.gatehousecafe.co.nz
KABAYAN FISHERIES
Come visit our store for all your delicious and healthy fresh fish. So many options available. See our Facebook page for our daily catch. Mon-Sat 9.30-7pm, Sun 9.30-3pm
In your kitchen
BILLIE JACK’S
Billie Jack’s offers a full KETO menu at our new shop found at The Yard Eatery in central city Chch...everything GLUTEN
FREE, everything SUGAR FREE.
Come and see us for lunch or dinner !
Open hours: Wed to Sat 11am-7.30pm 173 St Asaph St, Entrance on Sugarloaf Lane
billiejacksmobilefood@gmail.com Ph. 027 664 2870
FIONA’S FOOD
Customised Cooking Classes Get a group of your friends or workmates together. Fiona will demonstrate and cook the food of your choice. You will sit down to a feast at the end of the night and go away inspired. $75pp. Ideal for a mid winter outing for book groups, social clubs, sports groups, and birthday celebrations etc. www.fionasfood.co.nz Ph 027 2295671
HALSWELL BAKERY & CAFÉ
Our pies are full of tender, slow cooked beef, rich, flavoursome gravy, encased in soft flaky pastry.
346 Halswell Road Open 7 days Ph 322 4600 shop@halswellbakery.co.nz www.halswellbakery.co.nz
COTTAGE PANTRY & GALLERY
In addition to a great range of dried food ingredients, come and explore the attached cottage where an extensive range of British sweets, Dutch liquorice, Kiwi favourites, handmade chocolates, fudge and beautifully wrapped gifts await you. Open 7 days. The Cottage Pantry & Gallery 24 Wilson Street, Geraldine 7930 www.cottagepantry.co.nz
MELTON ESTATE
“Meltonia” is all about ‘Making Canterbury Sparkle’ – celebrating everything that Canterbury has to be proud of. Visit our Cellar Door in West Melton or shop online. Open Thurs to Sun 10am to 5pm.
cnr Weedons Ross & Johnson Rds, West Melton. Ph 03 347 4968 www.meltonestate.co.nz
SISSY’S KITCHENETTE
Proud to announce we are now situated in our own store on Lincoln Rd - we create a range of baked goods such as celebration cakes, savouries, bread, including a variety of Keto & Gluten Free options We also bake authentic Filipino desserts. Open Tue-Sun - check Facebook for hours. sissys.kitchenette@gmail.com Ph: 027 563 2125 or 027 841 2233
LEVEL ONE CRAFT BEER & COFFEE BAR
Gather | Eat | Drink Arrive at a completely styled & furnished event complete with a private bar. Platters & Grazing stations paired with local craft beers, wine and cocktails. We make fab events easy to organise and memorable with views to boot. Level 1/217 Marine Parade Ph 03 423 3170 www.levelone.nz
COUNTRY KITCHEN BAKERY
Feeling like dessert on these cool nights? How about one of our own lollie cake cheesecakes to sweeten the day. Only available at Country Kitchen Bakery Redwood. Say it with fudge! With a wide range of products and delightful giftware, The Fudge Cottage has something for everyone.
