Feb 26, 2021 Metro Eats
Hello again,
First of all, sorry for missing last week. It’s that time again i.e. deadline, so my attention has been slightly consumed by what’s going on in print. In good news, I can tell you that we’re sending the magazine to the printers next week, and the issue will be on the stands (and perhaps in your hands) by 11 March.
In other news, the worst has happened: food influencers have found TikTok. Bringing their four ice cream scoops out of five ice cream scoops rating system to the platform in which I felt most safe from hype-food content, these videos have made it onto my FYP (for you page) with startling frequency of late. But in all honesty, they’ve kind of grown on me, particularly how much they seem to love Lim Chhour’s Sneaky Snacky .
There are other favourites of TikTok food accounts I see cropping up, including: Dozena, a Filipino bakery in Papatoetoe (courtesy of @playboigaddy); the deep-fried ice cream at Mr Lee in Clover Park (courtesy of @matakaifoodie); and the xiaolongbao at Su & Zhe on Dominion Rd (courtesy of @lazyfoodfinds).
This week, I leave you with their recommendations, with thanks.
— Jean
P.S. Scroll down if you’d like some discounted tickets (20%!) to Estère and the Level Up Intergenerational discussion, both events supported by us at Metro.
What’s happening
Karangahape Rd’s Strange Goods is getting a bar/dance hall/community space out the back of it in Beresford Square called S.O.A.P, and there’s an opening party tonight (Friday 26) from 3pm. It’s being opened by Strange Goods owner Samuel Walsh, Ayesha Green and Joel Flyger.
Also tonight till 9pm, Garage Project are hosting one of the founders of Hill Farmstead Brewery, with flights available and sausies from Chef Matt Lambert on the grill.
Gemmayze St are finally getting ready to re-open again after their recent renovations, accepting bookings from 4 March.
What’s good
The other day I picked up a Slow Jam marmalade from the Coffee Pen market, which I’ve been slowly savouring over heavily buttered toast. I got the chilli, marmalade and grapefruit version, and though I can’t taste much chili, there is a pleasant bitterness in the unapologetic fruit flavour that I’m into.
I went to Bar Martin and had these really yummy smoked baltic sardines on slices of Kōpito sourdough, which is made using whole grains. It was denser, nuttier (obviously) and darker than the usual sourdough you’ll be served at wine bars, sliced thinly and toasted so it worked exactly like a cracker. Anyway, I recommend.
I haven’t tried them yet, but these homemade spreads by Lyndel Spread come in Ube, Buko Pandan, Salted Caramel and Yema flavours, and I’m intrigued.
Again, have yet to try, but Giulio Sturla (chef of old Lyttleton restaurant, Roots) are starting to sell his Pan de Yuca, which are these cheese breads. Overnight delivery nationwide.
On the radar
Spotted in Sandringham is a new outlet opening from the Paradise empire, but this time… fusion pizza? According to the Lazy Susan Facebook Group, this won’t be open for the next couple of weeks. Wellington has something presumably similar.
Plus: Auckland Arts Festival
Last year, the Auckland Arts Festival’s programme was tragically cut short when Covid struck. This year, they’re back with a strong local line-up and a celebration of all the talent we have in Aotearoa.
Metro is supporting two shows this year, Estère — Into the Belly of the Capricorn, the empress of electric blue witchhop, who will braid stagecraft with a powerhouse band for a contemporary show unlike anything else;
and Level Up: An Intergenerational Discussion, led by Miriamo Kamo, in partnership with the YWCA. Becki Moss, Te Aho Jordan, Qiane Matata Sipu and Lexie Matheson and more ask: what’s next?
We’d like to offer you a 20% discount to both these events.*
Click here for Estère — Into the Belly of the Capricorn.
Click here for Level Up: An Intergenerational Discussion.
*T&C’s: Limited availability, until allocation is exhausted
