Vic’s Picks

NANA DUNN’S RED ONION JAM

I love this! A huge fan of Nana Dunn’s pickled onions, I admit it took me a while to try their red onion jam, and now I can’t decide which I love better. While the pickled onions are a great addition to a platter, delish on a cracker with a sharp cheddar or in a ham and cheese sammy, the red onion jam has so many uses. Enjoy it on a cracker (Heidi from Nana Dunn says it’s great with Mt Eliza’s Blue Monkey), in a sandwich, toastie or burger. It is also lovely in a quiche paired with feta, spread over a pizza base or an accompaniment to sausages or roast meat. Pick up a jar from Nana Dunn at the Tauranga Farmers Market, at Ashley Place Kitchen in Papamoa or online nanadunnandco.co.nz.

QUITE GOOD

That’s how the team at Good Buzz describe their all-natural RTD sodas. From the Vodka Lime and Soda with an organic kombucha twist to the Pineapple Mango flavour which is a fruity blend of fresh pineapple, mango, organic kombucha and vodka, they are sure to quench your thirst this spring. With less than 1.6g of sugar per 100mls, containing only natural flavours with no artificial colours, sweeteners or preservatives, you might think that's starting to sound … quite good. Find them at a Liquorland or Super Liquor near you.

5. NOURISH SICILY TOUR Join me next September for an amazing tour of Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. This small group tour of these southern Italian gems will be a trip of a lifetime. In Sicily we meet up with long-time friend of mine and Sicilian local Rosarrio, to discover the true Sicily and its gourmet treasures, from Marsala wine to olive oil, cheese, chocolate and so much more. On the Amalfi Coast we will learn to make pizza in Naples, taste limoncello in the lemon grove and enjoy a long lunch on the island of Capri. For more information or to register your interest go to www.nourishmagazine.co.nz/southernitaly.

2.

DESSERT HIGH TEA

But First Dessert’s Dessert High Tea is perfect for special celebrations – be it birthdays, baby or bridal showers, family gatherings or just catching up with friends! Start with a glass of bubbles, or head straight to selecting a pot of Tea Total tea to sip throughout, then enjoy a decadent selection of desserts and sweet treats, all carefully crafted by their super talented kitchen team. Bookings are essential, minimum two people, available every Sunday between 1pm and 5pm. www.butfirstdessert.co.nz

4. KITCHEN TAKEOVER’S PARISIAN CHRISTMAS SECRET SUPPER

Say au revoir to an average Christmas dinner and bonjour to a festive French feast. Fresh off the back of winning two New Zealand Event Awards, including Best Arts and Culture Event, Kitchen Takeover is back to light-up food lovers’ taste buds like the Tour De Eiffel at night, with their latest pop-up restaurant experience, Joyeux Noël. From Thursday 3 November to Saturday 17 December, award winning chefs Shane Yardley and Ian Harrison will create a five-course degustation dinner every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at a Tauranga location as secret as Papa Noël’s grotto. Ooh la la! Presale tickets will go on sale on 18 September at www.kitchentakeover.co.nz/joy and diners are encouraged to register for presale. Tickets are $109$159pp and include a five-course degustation, welcome cocktail and fully styled secret venue.