The dish: It's black and white

Showing national pride through your cooking is easy with black and white butterfly pasta. Photo / Babiche Martens

Make a graphic statement next time you cook - and show your national pride - with this stylish Farfalline Bianconere black and white butterfly pasta, $11.49. It is handmade in Italy using semolina durum wheat flour and a natural dye made from squid ink. Go to mediterraneo.co.nz or ph (09) 845 5046 to find your nearest stockist.

Expanding ...

We're thrilled the girls at the award-winning Coco's Cantina have opened a deli/cafe next door called Mister Morning. Meanwhile, Atomic in Kingsland has taken over the store next door and has had a refreshing renovation as part of the process. We particularly love that the bench seat out front has been extended. It's such a sun trap.

A cut above

Next time you're in the meat section of your local supermarket, look out for the Silver Fern Farms venison, beef and lamb. These are deboned, top quality cuts of meat from the people who also supply more than 150 restaurants around the country. Passionate about celebrating and cooking New Zealand produce, they also have a website - which provides inspiring recipes, cooking tips and every week, between now and the end of October, the chance to win one of two $250 restaurant vouchers. Check it out.

Terrific truffles

Congratulations to Devonport Chocolates. Their lemon date truffle has just taken out two awards at the Great Taste Awards organised by the UK Fine Food Guild. The event attracts thousands of entries from around the world and has a panel of over 300 judges. The winning truffle is a scrummy combination of Iranian dates filled with creamy lemon and white chocolate ganache, then rolled in white chocolate and slivers of almond. Delicious. Find them at the Devonport Chocolate stores in Devonport, Ponsonby and the city.

All at sea

If you fancy a taste of life on the high seas but don't want to commit to a full cruise, we suggest you make the most of the Make-A-Wish New Zealand luxurious lunch fundraiser on board P&O's Pacific Dawn cruise liner. On Wed October 5 you can board the Italian-designed ship for four hours and enjoy a tour, entertainment, cocktails, canapes and a four-course meal - all without leaving port.

Tickets $80. To book, ph (09) 920 4760 or email info@makeawish.org.nz.

In the mood

Celebrate the new season with Farro Fresh's Spring Market Day this Saturday. The stores in Lunn Ave, Mt Wellington, and Constellation Drive, North Shore, will host artisan food suppliers and their wares along with tastings, demonstrations and special deals.