The Dish

Stoneleigh wines will join forces with the Arts Foundation of New Zealand to kick off the Stoneleigh Summer Art Series at Wynyard Quarter. Photo / Supplied

The art of wine

The Arts Foundation of New Zealand and Stoneleigh Wines join forces again for the Stoneleigh Summer Art Series at Auckland's Wynyard Quarter. It kicks off at midday today in the plaza with a bar set up outside Marvel Grill and will see a host of musicians and artists performing between midday and 9pm, every day until December 18. There will be DJs, and live music from the likes of The Rooftop Collective, Jonny Love, Donald Reid, Chloe Bartlett and more. Sounds like the perfect place to sit in the sun, drink wine and make the most of summer in the city.

Tasty drop

Meet the lovely Al Brown at Farro Fresh on Constellation Drive tomorrow from 11am-1pm, where he'll be promoting his new - and delicious - lemon and oregano olive oil. Al will also be signing copies of his new book Stoked and sharing his food-matching ideas for summer.

Tune in

If you're looking for more inspiration when it comes to how to cook up a storm this Christmas, tune in to Food TV - the pot is overflowing with festive offerings. Our picks include: tonight, the Beyond River Cottage Christmas Special with our favourite Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall; on 20 December there's Rick Stein's Far Eastern Odyssey Christmas Special followed by Nigel Slater's Simple Suppers Christmas Special, and there's Jamie At Home Christmas Special on next Monday.

Put it on the list

* Transform your Christmas ham with Harriet's Citrus, Honey and Star Anise Glaze. Delicious. $7.49 from Farro Fresh.

* The new look Abe's Bagel Crisps. Thinner, tastier (three new flavours Sundried Tomato & Basil, Caramelised Onion & Balsamic Vinegar, and Sea Salt & Vinegar), and because they're baked not fried, better for you than a packet of chips. From all good supermarkets.

* Tasty and versatile, Provisions Spiced Cherries can be served as a desert - with yoghurt or ice cream - or alongside savoury meat dishes. $9.99 from Farro Fresh stores. Handy over Christmas for when the numbers around the table grow!