Trending – New Zealand’s Foodie News 13th October

One of the most recognisable chocolate bars has taken the next step in diversifying its range. KitKat has officially launched its very first vegan chocolate bar. KitKat V takes the same shape as the original 4-finger bars, from the classic crispy wafer to the smooth chocolate coating, it’s all the same. The only difference being KitKat V is plant-based, using a rice-based milk alternative. You can get your hands on the KitKat V for a limited time, nationwide.

New World has published their annual Wine Awards List, featuring the top 50 wines narrowed down to help you make the best selection in the wine cellar. An independent panel of judges worked their way through 1,100 wines to get the list down to 50, including a wide range of price tags, regions, and blends. 42 of the top 50 are New Zealand wines, featuring some of our favourite vineyards such as Yealands, Villa Maria, and Toi Toi Wines. Our top picks include the Villa Maria Chardonnay and Toi Toi Otago Pinot Noir. You can find the entire list here, and start passing as a wine connoisseur.

One of our favourite seasons has finally hit – Pumpkin Spice Latte is in full swing. Starbucks has been teasing us over the past few weeks as we’ve longingly watched the rest of the world order their PSL’s just in time for the Northern Hemisphere’s autumn. Well, this week Starbucks NZ officially announced it’s our time. The Pumpkin Spice range is now available at Starbucks nationwide – with your choice of keeping it classic with a latté or opting for a Pumpkin Spice cold brew to combat those scorcher spring days! Must we remind you, Pumpkin Spice is limited time only, so run!

Backyard Barbecue season is right around the corner (in fact, if you’re like us, it’s kicked off early with Auckland’s new Level 3 restrictions). Aim to elevate your BBQs this year with a little bit of help from the professionals. The team at Sid At The French Café (known for simply being iconic in its own right), have launched the SATFC BBQ and Salad Kit. For $190 you’ll receive 12x marinated lamb chops, 12x pork and fennel sausages, 6x marinated spiced chicken drumsticks, 350-400grams of hand-picked beef sirloin steaks, potato salad with garlic mayo, green beans, roasted kumara with walnuts and lemon, a garden salad, homemade bread and butter, and a chimichurri dressing for the meat. With easy to follow instructions, you’ll be the envy of the neighbourhood just by firing up the barbie. Place your order on their website here, and check out their sister-restaurant, Cassia’s BBQ kit right here.

Experience a real taste of Aotearoa from your own kitchen table. Ahi, Commercial Bay’s fairly new restaurant from award-winning chef Ben Bayly and FOH professional Chris Martin, has unveiled their Level 3 takeaway offering – introducing Ahi’s At Home Garden Box, featuring organic vegetables from the Ahi Garden alongside ingredients from a selection of Ahi’s favourite food suppliers. The dishes are prepared by Ahi’s chefs for you to assemble at home with minimal effort required on your part. With a weekly rotating menu, you’ll be treated to only the freshest produce. Expect dishes such as Ahi Kawakawa sourdough, Te Mana lamb, and Aosta’s famous tiramisu dessert. Dietary requirements are catered for so everyone in the bubble can dig in! Place your order online and get ready to feast.