A seaside location is a huge drawcard for a new Takapuna venue — and the food is pretty good, too.

Heading out for brunch? Check out the latest review in Canvas magazine for inspiration.

The Professor, bless her, doesn't do much cooking. Her idea of dinner is to fry up some courgettes in butter or (as a tribute to her English parentage) make toast and tea.

Colourful, cheap and cheerful, chinoiserie ticks the boxes.

Chefs create culinary magic in the best debut since Orphans Kitchen opened.

Cafe Hanoi deserves its fashionable reputation.

There’s something for everyone at this newcomer to the eastern suburbs — especially if you like tomato juice.

Food takes second place in Ponsonby bar better known for drinks menu.

The memory is an unreliable faculty at the best of times. So it may be that I was mistaken in remembering that Only Seafood in Paihia was bloody good.

The Sky Tower’s revolving restaurant Orbit will elevate your special occasion.

The menu is a short, sweet list of just three “morning glories” — bacon and egg doonas, toasted muesli and fresh, warm beignets. Plus the perfectly brewed Havana Coffee Co beans.

The professor is a hell of a good sport about getting on the back of the Vespa.

Euro has gone healthy and it’s better than ever.

At long last, Vietnamese food is making a mark in Auckland. In 2009, I lamented in print that there were so few restaurants serving that fragrant and delicate cuisine, even though emigrants and refugees have been coming here for two generations.

All right, I give up. The hospitality industry has defeated me on the apostrophe.

Standards are kept high at Andiamo, a constant that ensures regulars stay faithful.

It's not easy keeping up with all the restaurants opening around town these days. In my attempts to do so, I rely on a handful of dining-out websites that report on new and upcoming openings.

Mt Eden diners need to pay a visit to Olaf’s before folks in the outer suburbs discover it.

New inner-city cafe comes with an alluring concept, but needs to sort of teething problems.

An outstanding dinner at an eatery at the top of its game — even if the rather familiar style of service can be Amusing to some.