The Dish: Seafood treat

Lisa's Thai Style Falafel Mix. Photo / Supplied

If you're heading into town this weekend for the Auckland Boat Show, keep to the marine theme, drop into the nearby Westin hotel for a sophisticated respite and try their special seafood festival menu. For $38 you can have the tasting platter of pan-fried giant king prawns, Atlantic sea scallops wrapped in pancetta and ravioli of roast pumpkin, sage and pecorino. Or share a cold seafood platter for $65. The Nairobi Trio will also be playing.
To a book a table, ph: (09) 909 9038.

Having your cake

There's nothing that transforms a cake more than how it is decorated, and tomorrow you can hear how by one of the world's best. Peggy Porschen is considered London's top cake decorator: her work appears regularly in Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire and Delicious; she has written books, and made Stella McCartney's wedding cake and chocolate Faberge eggs for Elton John. Peggy will be at Millys Kitchen, 273 Ponsonby Rd, at 3pm, signing her book and, no doubt, sharing some slices of cake! Ph: (09) 376 1550.

Quick fix

Here at Viva we love anything that makes life easier in the kitchen: that's why we like Lisa's new Thai Style Falafel mix and Sweet Corn Fritters mix with basil and parmesan. They are perfect for those nights you get home tired and hungry, are a healthy lunch option or, when made into mini shapes, are great as finger food for parties. $5.89 from leading supermarkets.

Every drop counts

Here is a simple way to do good. Support the UN Children's Fund TAP Project. From March 9 to April 9, cafes and restaurants around New Zealand will be asking you to donate a dollar for every glass of tap water you have. Not difficult. It won't break the bank. And, best of all, it means you'll be helping Unicef provide clean water to the people of Laos, where poor hygiene and sanitation is a leading contributor to child deaths. www.tapproject.co.nz

Calling chocoholics

Takapuna chocolate shop Chocolate Heaven, is planning to host chocolate-making workshops next month. Discover how to craft figurines and make truffles, plus sample some of the world's leading chocolate brands in a month-long course. They are also hoping to run a course for youngsters. Ph: (09) 489-8337 or email shop director Vlado Madzunarov at madzovia@xtra.co.nz