KEY POINTS:
Jacob's Creek has launched a new range, called Three Vines. The range features three tri-varietal wines, combining two classic grape varietals with an exotic Mediterranean third, all grown in Australia. The trio of wines, which are available for $15.99 each, includes Three Vines Semillon Sauvignon Blanc Viognier 2007,
J Three Vines Shiraz Grenache Sangiovese 2007 and Three Vines Shiraz Cabernet Tempranillo 2007.
Big cheese
Here at Viva we love the natural and handcrafted products from award-winning cheese makers Canaan Cheeses, particularly the Labane dip, the creme fraiche and delicious cottage cheese. The cheese is made with traditional methods, which gives an authentic Mediterranean flavour. Prices range from $3.79, and the good news is it's now available from selected North Island supermarkets and speciality food stores. For more information, visit www.canaancheeses.co.nz.
Watch This Space
Fans of Handmade Burgers in Kingsland will be delighted to know that they are setting up a new outlet in the Norman Ng Building on K'Road - once the home of the iconic Brazil cafe. The gourmet burger bar is due to open in October, once the new owners have finished restoring the heritage building to its original beauty complete with a stained glass archway at the back.
Cheese as art?
Some of New Zealand's most celebrated artists have produced art works inspired by Kapiti Cheese. Pieces from Dick Frizzell, Robert McLeod, John Reynolds, Jenny Dolezel and Philip Trusttum make up The Kapiti Art Collection. Each artist has interpreted a Kapiti classic cheese, and turned it into a limited edition artwork, which will be exhibited in selected domestic and international Air New Zealand Koru lounges, and the MUKA gallery in Ponsonby. A documentary that follows the process has also been made: highlights can be viewed from September 29 on Kapiti's website, www.kapiticollection.co.nz. In addition to the art collection, five chefs - Al Brown (Logan Brown), Michael Meredith (Merediths), Michael Van de Elzen (Molten), Stephen Ward (O'Connell Street Bistro) and Jason Blackie (Sails Restaurant) - have been invited to create a dish inspired by a Kapiti classic cheese. Each dish will be available from each chef's restaurant.
Death by chocolate
Decadence Chocolate is a new business, set up by Thanh and Catherine Day, making luxurious handmade chocolates from the finest Belgian chocolate and fresh New Zealand ingredients. With no preservatives, artificial colours or essences, the fresh chocolates are made to be devoured within weeks - not that they will hang around for long anyway. For more information and to order your own chocolates, call 0800 000 047, or visit their website at www.decadencechocolate.co.nz.
Can't Live Without
One of the most popular finds in the Fashion Week delegate bags last week was the Citymix Auckland's Great Restaurant Guide 2009 - an A-Z of over 200 restaurants around town. It's the perfect tool to have on hand for those moments when you're wondering where to go for a meal as it gives a comprehensive description of opening hours, menu prices and what makes each restaurant unique. $15 from magazine and book stores.