Drinks list: 42 Below on top

Smirnoff Raspberry

Here's more proof New Zealand's vodka 42 Below is top shelf. El Bulli, Spain's home of molecular gastronomy, has chosen 42 Below Pure and 42 Below Manuka Honey for its menu. The restaurant, voted number 2 on the world's 50 best restaurants list (the Fat Duck in Britain took top honours) is famed for its degustation menu, into which chef Ferran Adria manages to get 25 different taste sensations. The food melts tough food critics from April through to September.

Berry nice

Raspberries go nicely with cream. Turns out they also go down a treat with vodka. Vodka-maker Smirnoff has added Smirnoff Raspberry to its range of flavoured spirits. $29.95 for 700ml from bars and liquor outlets.

Dine in style

Some of Auckland's top food writers will band together for a charity lunch this month. On June 18, diners can enjoy a nine-course lunch designed and cooked by writers, including Vic Williams, Fiona Smith and Jan Bilton. Proceeds from an auction during the lunch will go to Cure Kids and a programme offering training for young chefs.

The lunch, at Novotel Ellerslie, will be matched with top New Zealand wines. Tickets are $90 each or $650 for a table of eight. Phone Carmel on 0800 692 433, or email info@nzchefs.org.nz.