Moet is giving the SkyCity Grand lobby bar a touch of extra glamour in time for the Rugby World Cup. A large, gold-framed image of Moet girl Scarlett Johansson has been installed, along with Moet cushions. Plus, of course, there is plenty of the good stuff itself on sale at the bar. And, anyone who buys a bottle in the next few days will go in the draw to win an amazing VIP experience with a chauffeured limousine to and from next week's Fashion Week, tickets to a fashion show and the exclusive Moet lounge, plus a night's accommodation in a luxury suite at the SkyCity Grand Hotel, a bottle of Moet and the chef's handmade chocolate platter on arrival.
Shore thing
Devonport locals have been looking forward to the new venture of the couple behind the late, lamented Ice It. Now the wait is over with the opening of their Calliope Road Cafe. Nestled on a restored corner site next to a dairy, the cafe opens up into a beautiful space with a striking ceiling and original walls. An in-house baker will prepare cakes, and Jian and Tracy Yin promise a few old favourite menu items alongside new treats. The couple ran Ice It in Church St for six years until closing in early 2010 (with the cafe later taken over by Five Loaves). They say they are looking forward to seeing old customers again and introducing their new family member, little son Luke. Calliope Road Cafe is at 33 Calliope Rd, and is open six days a week, closed Tuesdays, with week day hours 7.30am-3pm and weekends 8am to 3.30pm.
Nice touch
If you fancy something a little different midweek, you can't beat the wine and food matching degustation menu on next Wednesday, August 31, at Dallows. Chef Nick Honeyman, who has recently returned from his annual sabbatical in France, has put together a delicious menu which will be matched with wines from Allan Scott Winery. What makes the evening unique is that a winery representative will swing from table to table throughout, chatting to diners about the various wines and answering any questions you may have. Delicious and informative. We like. Dallows, 7 Sale St, Freemans Bay, ph (09) 307 8148.