Bite Size: New Zealand’s Latest in Food and Drink News – May 4, 2023

Enjoy the best Ponsonby Road has to offer with Eat, Drink, Love Ponsonby
The annual, month-long restaurant festival, Eat Drink Love Ponsonby, is taking place May 4 to 28 along the length of the renowned road. From newcomers on the strip to hole-in-the-wall snack spots and fine dining establishments, a record 60 restaurants, casual eateries, cafes, and cocktail bars have put together special fixed-priced offers. The $30 and Under category features an Italian Aperitivo cocktail hour from Clipper Bar. The $30 to $50 category includes a two-course Friday lunch from the stalwart Ponsonby Road Bistro. And the $50 and Over category features a three-course menu from the innovative restaurant and cocktail bar Kol.
Check out the full spread at eatdrinkloveponsonby.co.nz.

Book a table at Cassia’s new home
After being forced to close its Fort Lane location due to January’s extreme weather, the team behind award-winning Cassia opened pop-ups at its sister site, Sid at the French Cafe. This month, the restaurant finds its forever home in SkyCity, where The Grill used to be. “We want to recreate the look, feel and warmth of the old Cassia but add a few new features to mark our new beginning,” says Sid Sahrawat, chef and owner of the modern Indian restaurant.
Opening on 12 May 12. Reservations are now open at cassiarestaurant.co.nz.

Down a dram of whiskey with Jack Daniels’s Master Distiller
To celebrate the official launch of Jack Daniels’s Bonded in Aotearoa, the brand’s master distiller Chris Fletcher is coming to Auckland from Tennessee. He’ll host a dining experience in the first visit from a Jack Daniels’s master distiller to New Zealand in more than 20 years. Tickets start at $119, with VIP tickets available for those wanting a bottle of Bonded signed by Fletcher to take home.
Tales from Lynchburg is happening at Brad’s Warehouse, 9-11 Durham Lane, Auckland CBD on Monday May 22, from 6pm to 10pm. Book here.

Try your hand at Home Spice’s guest chef collaboration with Oohfa and Pici’s Kaz Suzuki
Mumbai-inspired meal subscription service Home Spice has announced its first guest chef collaboration with a one-off Japanese-inspired menu. Kaz Suzuki is part of the trio behind Pici, a fresh pasta and wine restaurant in St Kevin’s Arcade, and Ooh-Fah, a pizza and wine bar on Dominion Road. A variety of heat-and-eat dishes, which are vegetarian and gluten-free, include braised kaboch with puy lentils and ginger, five-grain rice, charred broccoli and cabbage and seaweed asazuke.
The special menu by Chef Suzuki will be available for Home Spice customers from Tuesday May 9 at homespice.co.nz.