Food news: A coffee festival, pie-eating challenge and pancakes

Our favourite foodie news bites for this weekend.

Dining in

• Courgette and walnut spaghetti

Courgette and walnut spaghetti. Photo / Babiche Martens

A fresh and light alternative to your usual bolognese this spaghetti is a great option for a simple and delicious dinner while the weather is still warm.

See the recipe over on viva.co.nz.

• Apricot and ginger pudding

Apricot and ginger pudding. Photo / Babiche Martens

Sweet, spicy, caramelly goodness with a tang from the fresh apricots. If you do not have any then plums, apples or pears would work just as well.

Read the recipe on viva.co.nz.

• Thai fish curry noodle bowl

This quick Thai fish curry noodle bowl is sure to be a winner. It'll take less than thirty minutes yet Ray McVinnie does not compromise on flavour. It is packed with all of those authentic Thai tastes like kaffir, coconut, chilli and coriander.

See the full recipe over on bite.co.nz.

Dining out

• Pyreenees, Mt Albert

Need a new Sunday brunch spot? Then try this little eatery in the heart of Mt Albert for your French fix. We are talking pastries, baguettes, macarons and most importantly a good stinky cheese.

See the full review here.

• Azabu, Ponsonby

Tostada with heirloom tomato, jalapeno mayo, mint, basil,coriander and crushed almonds. Photo / Facebook, Azabu

The owners of Ostro and Ebisu bring you Azabu ."This Japanese-Peruvian love child was a thing of beauty." With dishes like beef tataki tostada and tempura custard with ginger jam, you will have to go to satiate your interest.

See the full review here.

Food news

• How to eat healthy for $50 a week

It is a well known struggle between eating healthily and not spending too much but you do not have to compromise. A dietitian shares her tips for how to eat healthy on a budget.

Read the full article here.

• Why spiking pancake with Prosecco is a deliciously great idea

Pancakes and prosecco is a dangerously good combination. Photo / 123RF

Want to spice up your pancakes? Try spiking them with a little Prosecco. It works wonderfully in the pancake batter and drizzled over as a syrup then topped with fresh berries and cream.

Read how here.

• Five foods to eat every day for a flat stomach

Antioxidant boosting, potassium rich and a natural diuretic, Watermelon has it all.

We all struggle with that little bit extra around our stomachs sometimes. Whether you call it bloating or if it's a little bit more of a permament matter then here's five magical foods which can help you.

Find out what they are here.

Foodie events

• Auckland Coffee Festival

Coffee. Photo / Pexels.com

We cannot espresso our love for coffee. The Auckland Coffee Festival will be showcasing the best this city has to offer with favourites including Flight coffee, Supreme and many more. See you latte.

See the Facebook event here.

• Mardi Gras + Pie eating competition at Orleans

Eat you heart out this Saturday at Orleans. Kicking off their Mardi Gras celebrations they have a pie eating contest. Are you up for the challenge? Followed by music, dancing and the best cajun and creole foods this city has to offer.

See the Facebook event here.

• East Imperial Gin Jubilee

New Zealand's first gin festival to celebrate the beautiful spirit! With 33 bars competing to produce the best gin and tonic, master classes, parties and more.

Check out the calendar here.