The Dish: This week's need-to-know food news

ROAD TRIP PIT STOP

When journeying north stop in at The Kiosk (above), a compact coffee shop just a few minutes from Matakana. Housed in an open-fronted container in the sunny courtyard beside Green with Envy design store, The Kiosk offers strong brews, Nice Blocks and a selection of home-baked treats. A more serene alternative to the Matakana markets.

LIQUEUR, MEET CAKE

The latest in tasty collaborations revolves around Jordan Rondel, of The Caker, who has whipped up a limited edition cake (above) inspired by the black raspberry flavours of Chambord liqueur. The almond and vanilla bean sponge is filled with berries and lemon zest, with icing infused with the liqueur. Available for order from The Caker for a limited time only. $60 a cake. Email order@thecaker.co.nz

MENU PICKS
What the Viva team is loving right now...

• Sardinian ravioli with potato, mint, pecorino and sage butter at Gusto by Sean Connolly. Traditional Italian fare at its best. Request a side of chargrilled asparagus to go with it.
- Sophie Burton

• The Summer in a Jar dessert from Grey Lynn's Cafe Viet - who knew sago and coconut icecream could taste so good?
- Beth Walsh

• Fennel brioche sliders with chicken tikka, kuchumber and yoghurt - delicious with a post-work drink at Cassia on Fort Ln.
- Amanda Linnell

SWEET SERVICE

Australian dessert queen Christine Manfield is in town for three nights, plying The Sugar Club diners with her indulgent sweets. The author of books including the recent Dessert Divas, Mansfield has run award-winning kitchens at restaurants such as East@West in London and Paragon, Phoenix and Paramount in Sydney.

She will be serving her signature desserts at The Sugar Club today, with desserts available during dinner service, and a four-course dessert lunch available ($60 each). All from her recent book, the offerings will include the mouthwatering Gaytime Goes Nuts - caramel icecream, honeycomb nougat crunch, salted hazelnut caramel and hazelnut chocolate mousse.

• For bookings, ph (09) 363 6365 or email enquiries@thesugarclub.co.nz.

FOOD FACT

Depot has dished out more than 300,000 sliders to hungry diners since opening in August 2011.

- VIVA